If you are going to buy a horse or pony, remember that you are taking on a significant responsibility. There is a lot of knowledge, time, and money required to maintain a horse. You will have to groom, exercise, feed, and care for your horse, or pay someone else to do it. It will take time to travel to and from the stable, if you can�t keep your horse or pony on your own property. Also, costs of horse ownership are high and include shelter, food, medical care, riding equipment, riding lessons, and shoeing.

Why Buy A Horse or Pony?
The first step in buying a horse is to determine why you are buying it. Is it for your child to ride or the whole family to enjoy? Take some riding lessons beforehand. A stable will be only too happy to let you feed, water, and brush horses, as well as muck out the stalls, for practice. This will give you some idea of what is involved in horse ownership and help you to decide if you are buying for the right reason.

Plan Ahead
Learn how to assess a horse�s age and health condition or hire someone to help you.

Before buying a horse or pony, decide where you will keep the animal and how much it will cost if a stable is involved. Livery fees can rapidly add up to more than the horse�s purchase price. If you are going to keep the horse on your property, be sure you have met any local regulations and have an adequate stable, including heat for those bitter winter months.

You may need riding lessons and will have to ride in an indoor arena during the winter. This costs quite a bit.

Be sure you know how and what to feed your horse.

Research equine illnesses and their symptoms so you will know when veterinary care is required.

Be sure someone is available to shoe your horse.

What Kind of Horse or Pony Should You Buy?
Buy a horse that suits the personality, experience, and style of the person who will ride it. Nervous riders need a calm horse. Children need a pony that will not bolt. An experienced rider will want a horse that responds quickly to commands. A horse that has some training is pretty much essential for a first time buyer.

Decide if you want to ride on level ground, learn to jump, or go hunting, trail riding, or show the horse.

Where to Buy a Horse or Pony
In some cases you can look for a horse at a stable where you already ride or consult a riding instructor. classifieds.co.uk has many horses and foals on offer from reputable horse breeders and private sellers who may have a suitable animal for you or may be able to refer you to someone who does. Do bear in mind that if you buy from a private owner, you have little recourse if issues occur at a later stage.

Checking the Horse
Before you buy a horse, you should consult a knowledgeable owner or trainer. Take this person with you to observe the horse, preferably outdoors in sunlight. Does it look �hangdog?� Does it prance or shy away while being saddled? Does it seem nervous or �antsy?� Does it kick or try to bite? Unless you are a seasoned owner and are prepared to do some serious training, don�t buy a horse with bad habits like these.

Always ask the owner to ride the horse first. Watch closely. It shouldn�t dance, toss its head, or fight the bit. It should walk, trot, and canter smoothly. Having observed the horse, if you feel comfortable with its behaviour and your riding skills are up to it, you can then ride it. Observe its behaviour again and give various commands as you ride.

Try to arrange a seven to ten day trial period before finalising your purchase. Have the animal checked by a vet before purchasing it. The vet will check its:
  • age
  • general condition, including alertness, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, digestive system
  • skin and coat
  • musculoskeletal system � legs, conformation, feet, shoes
  • body for parasites.
Conclusion
Remember, a horse or pony is a living being whose life is in your hands. The costs of horse ownership are significant so be sure that you can meet this financial commitment on an ongoing basis. Also be sure that you have the time to care for your horse properly. Once you have found the right animal, you should enjoy a long and incredibly rewarding partnership.

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Horses & Ponies ( Free Ads )  
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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 10 of 14 ads found )
11 August 2010
Rider Wanted For Beautiful Calm Hanoverian ..
My hanoverian gelding (george) is up for share as i am struggling to afford him due to moving house. he has a wonderful temperment and is very loving. he is 100% in traffic etc. and will do anything to please you. he has no vices what so ever. the hacking is superb where i am -. .
£25
BH19
05 August 2010
EquiGaia horses for sale..
Equigaia is the only multilingual online classified site that offers free advertising of horses and other equine services and products on a europe wide basis at www. equigaia. co. uk.
M19
31 July 2010
WANTED- horse/ pony..
I am looking for a horse/ pony to buy. i have own land and stables and i already have 3 horses. email or phone me if any offers. thanks. :).
29 July 2010
Registered 12hh Welsh Sec A Bay gelding..
Registered welsh sec a 12hh bay gelding,not first pony. excels in showing but good alrounder can jump dressage and cross country. has done pony club activities and could make a very good games pony. good to shoe box travel and clip, no vices, for sale due to no fault of his own. .
£1,200
WD5
22 July 2010
WILLIAM BROOKS FARRIERY DipWCF..
William brooks farriery dipwcf now offering reliable, professional farrier services throughout lanarkshire, edinburgh and all surrounding areas.
5yrs 16.3 hh Dark Bay Warmblood Horse..
5 year old 16. 3hh dark bay mare by dutch capitol (capitol)(chellano z) annie is scopy careful and brave, she is a kind horse with lots of ability, uncomplicated and trainable. jumped a double clear newcomers at her second show, an athletic type and always eager to please. we als. .
SK17
2 months 15.2 hh Horse for sale..
Barfields lostock piper colour - skewbald sex - colt age - 2 month old sired by lostock king of the hill piper is ultra friendly as he is handled daily. he will be an asset for breeding or show stock or would make a great all rounder. he has excellent conformation and e. .
£600
HR9
09 July 2010
Special Equines Livery..
Special livery for special equines, priced from 90 - 150 per week, nervous and / or novice horses and riders a speciality! excellent facilities, large stables, covered horse walker, ample grazing, 20 x 60 rubber arena, super hacking, transport available, safe and secure location. .
TN8
04 July 2010
Super Friendly Miniature Horse - Riding or Driving Pros..
Halter (prospect) companion only (trained) youth/4-h horse (prospect) pleasure driving (prospect) beginner/family (prospect) contact me via (trey_diana@yahoo. com)or phone me via 07023030688 . breed-miniature ponies sex-gelding height - 10. 0 hands color - white.
£600
02 July 2010
driving harness..
I got this harness with my seaction a but doesnt fit him fits 14hands or upwards no reins its got scuff on one of the blinkers other than that in good condition.
£100
SK10
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