Searching for Your Perfect Partner

Horses are so ingrained in some of us that we cannot help ourselves but to be around them any way possible. Looking for your next horse is a task that warrants no guarantees. I have learned this by being involved with horses first as a junior, then as an amateur and finally as a professional; everything is a learning experience. You are going to be frustrated, you are going to hit plateaus, but if you really love it (which we all know we do) you stick to it through the tough times, keeping that chin up and your heels down, and eventually there will be greener pastures.

If you have started your search for the next big thing, buyer beware, you might just get what you pay for especially if you try to cut corners. There are many benefits to hiring a professional to assist you in your search. If you have a trainer but are trying to avoid the commission fees of letting them help you select your next mount, you may want to reconsider. Chances are good that your trainer wants you to have a horse that suits you, after all, that makes their job easier. Even if you have been riding for years, utilizing your trainer's knowledge base and contacts can make the search for your perfect partner smoother sailing.

If you do not have a trainer and want to find yourself a horse, try to get yourself involved in a program. First, look for a trainer who focuses on the discipline of your choice. Inquire about finding a horse to lease if there are no school horses available for you to take lessons on. It is very important that you feel like your trainer is honest and truly looks out for your best interest not only when you are training with them but also when they are representing you in a sale. It will be beneficial to make sure the trainer gets to know you and what kind of rider you are prior to going shopping for a horse. Be aware if you get involved with a sales barn, that they may try and sell you a horse that is on the property. This is not necessarily a bad thing. These are horses they will have a relationship with and you might be better off trying to match you with a horse they already know. As long as you are involved with a reputable professional that you feel will truly protect your best interests, you should have a good outcome. Sales barns will often give you an opportunity to get to know a horse if you are an active client. If you are looking for a safe trail horse, don't be afraid to have a professional represent you to be sure you find a horse that you can really enjoy!

Don't think of your horse as a smart investment. Horses cost a lot of money and you should be prepared to spend some. Even the highest-trained, most-seasoned riders don't always expect to make quick dollar on the horses they buy. Be aware and realistic of the costs involved with owning a horse. Talk to your trainer to see what he or she suggests for a training program once you find your horse. Think about your riding goals. Do you want to be a safe pleasure rider that enjoys your horse on the weekends trail riding? Do you want to learn to show? Do you want to be an advanced competitor?

If you are used to riding on your own, don't be put off if your trainer suggests a few months of training with him or her. Your trainer will need to get to know your new horse in order to give you valuable lessons. Be sure your goals are realistic and discuss them with your trainer. The money you put into your horse for board or feed, veterinary care and farrier should all be expected. It is the price you pay for your hobby.

When it comes to training, that is for you and your riding. If you buy a young untrained horse, be prepared to spend some money training. Many people have an idea that purchasing a young horse will mean they have a "forever" horse or a horse that can grow with them as a rider. Consult with your trainer on this idea as well, they can analyze if you are a rider that has these capabilities, and if this is something that will help you achieve your riding goals. It takes a great pair for an amateur to find a horse that they can bring along successfully, it may be a better idea to get a seasoned horse to learn on before going the route of a training project.

If you are looking for a seasoned horse, be aware that this horse is probably used to being in training and there will be times that he will need a tune-up from a professional. Keep in mind it is your trainer's job to teach you to ride and act in the best interest of you and your horse.

Horses can be an expensive hobby (or habit!) and the most important thing is having a great time while learning to be safe and ride more effectively. If you haven't considered professional help in finding a horse in the past, maybe think about it before you take that leap of faith in the future. It is a professional's job to help you select a horse that is appropriate for you and your riding. Having professional help while selecting your next mount will help alleviate some of the frustrations of horse shopping and result in a better partnership for you.

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Laura Wagner is a full-service professional in Aiken, South Carolina. Laura and her students compete in dressage shows from Intro through FEI with a goal to create safe riders and happy horses.