If you’ve ever dipped your toe into the world of buying a horse, you’ve likely been bombarded with countless “Horse Buying Checklists” scattered across the internet:

Maybe you’ve even found yourself clicking through these lists, hoping to uncover the secrets to a smooth horse-buying journey. But let’s face it, sometimes drowning in information leads to more confusion than clarity.

Don’t get me wrong, checklists can be great tools to use when the process you are completing is a straight line from start to finish – you use the checklist to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

But when it comes to buying horses, it’s never a straight line. Each step, starting with where you are today has options for you to consider that hinge on a list of variables unique to your specific circumstance.

So, if by swimming in the sea of “Red Flags” and “Costly Mistakes to Avoid” you’ve found yourself overwhelmed, fear not. You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. Today, we’re simplifying the horse-buying process with a 4-Step checklist that cuts through the noise and guides you to making informed decisions with confidence.

This is my best advice and the only checklist I think you’re going to need:

STEP 1: Find a Coach.

Buying a horse isn’t like ticking off items on a grocery list. It’s a journey filled with twists and turns, and having a professional by your side can make all the difference. But wait, what’s the difference between a riding instructor and a coach?

Here’s the scoop: while riding instructors are fantastic for honing your skills and developing fundamentals in the saddle, a coach brings a whole new level of expertise to the table. They’re like the GPS navigating you through the maze of horse ownership, helping you avoid potholes and dead ends along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a complete newbie, investing in a coach is the first step towards finding your perfect partner. From assessing your riding goals to navigating the complexities of horse ownership, a coach will be your trusted ally every step of the way.

STEP 2: Get the big picture.

Checklists are great, but let’s face it, buying a horse is more like starting an epic adventure than following a step-by-step guide. No two journey’s will be exactly alike. If you understand the bigger picture, you’ll have confidence in the details when it comes to your unique circumstance.

That’s where So You’re Going To Buy A Horse? comes in.

Packed with practical advice, the breakdown of common industry practices, and the demystifying of significant expenses, this book is your roadmap to horse ownership success. From understanding the true costs of owning a horse to navigating the pre-purchase vet check, consider it your ultimate companion on this journey.

Here are a few of the helpful topics you’ll find inside:

• Assessing Your Current State – What Might Be Next
• The 4 Most Important People on Your Team
• Managing Life’s Priorities
• Leasing vs Buying
• The Shopping Experience – Trying and Trials
• Understanding the Cost of Ownership
• Start-Up Costs – What To Expect In Your First Year
• Horse Insurance – To Insure or Not To Insure?
• The Pre-Purchase Exam – aka the Vet Check
• The Transaction; Commissions and Documentation
• The Wellness Trilogy – What Makes It All Worth It

STEP 3: Start Building Your Community.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the same holds true for owning a horse. Your barn family and horse community will become your lifeline as you embark on this new adventure.

From sharing wisdom and advice to lending a helping hand during tough times, your barn family will be there for you every step of the way. So don’t be afraid to reach out, connect with like-minded individuals, and start building your support network today.

This group is also my #1 recommendation for minimizing the sting of first year start up costs! People are always selling quality tack that doesn’t fit their new horse, or trying to purge from their saddle pad collection, or skillfully tracking online sales for the best discounts on horsey-stuff and will share them with you when they are available.

“The most surprising thing for me is just how little I actually know. There’s just SO much to understand about horses that will only come out of experience. Even things I had researched for hours and hours on end, experiencing it firsthand is completely different. Horses are definitely humbling.”

Jaime, first time owner

STEP 4: Create a financial plan.

Owning a horse is a significant financial commitment, and it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a smooth ride. Take the time to understand the ongoing expenses involved, from monthly maintenance costs to (expecting the) unexpected vet bills.

By creating a solid financial plan and budgeting accordingly, you’ll set yourself up for success and ensure that you can provide the best possible care for your new partner.  

Here are two recent posts that give you a place to start:

1. Understand the expenses: Monthly vs Maintenance Expenses
2. Start Up Costs for your first year and where you can save vs where you will invest

So that’s it, the only checklist you’ll ever need before buying your first horse!

By taking one step at a time, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ups and downs of horse ownership with confidence.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s saddle up and go on this adventure together!

Ready to dive in? Grab your copy of So You’re Going To Buy A Horse? today and take the first step towards making your equestrian dreams a reality.

Looking back, the most challenging aspect was the learning curve. Not knowing anything about the horse world myself, my daughter and I had to learn together from the ground up. You really need to have some guidance from the beginning, otherwise you feel lost a lot of the time.

First time owner, barn Mom

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