Thinking of Purchasing a Horse: What to Consider to Help Get the Right Fit

Buying a Horse is a Big Decision—Financially, Emotionally, and Practically

Whether you're a first-time buyer or returning to horse ownership, ensuring the right fit between horse and rider is essential for a safe and enjoyable partnership. Here’s what you need to know before you saddle up for a purchase in Australia.

Can You Test Ride a Horse Before Buying?

Yes, and you absolutely should. Many sellers will allow you to ride the horse before purchase, and some even encourage multiple visits. If you're not confident in your ability to assess the horse, consider hiring a professional, or your instructor/coach, to test ride or evaluate it for you.

Understanding Your Riding Goals

Understand what you are looking for in your horse partner:

• Are you looking for a trail companion, a competition horse, Western or English, or a family-friendly all-rounder?

• What would your future look like with this horse?

• How much time can you realistically dedicate to riding and care?

• Do you have access to suitable facilities (e.g., paddocks, stables, arenas)?

Breed and Temperament Considerations

You should consider there may be some breed-specific considerations when purchasing a horse:

• Arabs – Bred for endurance riding, very energetic and carry their tail very differently to other breeds.

• Australian Stock Horse – Versatile, hardy, and great for trail or work.

• Baroque/Warhorse – Popular for working equitation and dressage.

• Thoroughbred – Athletic and fast, often ex-racehorses needing experienced riders.

• Quarter Horse – Calm and reliable, ideal for beginners and Western disciplines.

• Warmbloods – Popular in dressage and show jumping, but often pricier.

🧾 Legal and Insurance Considerations

• Contract/Invoice/Bill of Sale: Recommend including horse details, price, date, and both parties’ signatures.

• Ownership Transfer: Some states require registration transfer (e.g., with breed societies).

• Insurance: Suggest looking into mortality, injury, and public liability insurance.

🧑‍⚕️ Pre-Purchase Vet Check: What It Covers

Ensure you get a pre-purchase vet check done, if you are considering the horse is "the one":

• Basic health exam

• Lameness evaluation

• Flexion tests

• Dental and hoof condition

• Optional: X-rays (I would encourage getting x-rays of back and hooves) or blood tests

When you Visit a Potential Horse, Come Prepared with Questions

Here are some essentials:

• How long have you owned the horse?

• Why are you selling it?

• What is its age, breed, and height?

• Has it had any health issues or injuries?

• Does it have any vices (i.e. biting, kicking, napping, bolting, broncing etc.)?

• What is its experience level (e.g., trail riding, jumping, dressage)?

• How does it behave with other horses?

• When was its last dental?

• When was it last seen by the farrier?

• When was it last vaccinated (and what were the vaccinations)?

• Is it easy to float, shoe, and handle?

• What is its feeding and exercise routine?

• What is it training background (i.e. Western, English, dressage, level, Working Equitation etc.)?

• What has it been doing in the last 6 months/12 months+?

• What vet, and their contact details, have you used for your horse (so you can make an independent call to the vet to discuss the horse's history)?

• Will the horse come with any gear (e.g. rugs, bridle, saddle etc.)?

• Is the horse registered? And if so, can you please provide the registration papers?

• What is the horse's current diet (cover paddock access, hard feed, special supplements, frequency etc.)?

• Is the horse on any medication?

What to Observe During a Visit

When you go to see the horse, ask to:

• Catch and halter the horse yourself.

• Horse's conformation—Take numerous photos of the horse's conformation (front, back and both sides, standing square), looking for any underlying issues you may need to work with.

• Horse's basic functional movements—Take videos of it in-hand/lunging - walking, trotting and cantering (in both directions), looking for any lameness/stiffness/un-soundness

• Watch it being saddled and bridled—look for signs of discomfort or resistance.

• Ride it in different environments—arena, trail, open paddock.

• See it interact with other horses if possible.

• Watch someone else ride it first, especially if you're unsure.

🚩 Red Flags

• The horse is difficult to catch or handle.

• The seller refuses to let you ride or insists on a quick sale.

• The seller refuses a vet check or x-rays to be taken.

• The seller refuses or is vague on the horse's registration papers.

• The horse shows signs of lameness or discomfort.

• The horses needs lots of "gadgets" (side reins, multiple harsh bits, tight noseband etc.) on it in order to be ridden

• Inconsistent or vague answers about the horse’s history.

• The horse is heavily sedated or unusually quiet.

✅ Green Flags

• Calm, responsive, and alert demeanor.

• Willingness to work and follow cues.

• Seller is transparent and encourages questions.

• Horse has a clean bill of health and up-to-date records (remembering not one horse is perfect so some smaller issues which can be manageable are OK, but definitively get advice on the vet report).

• You feel safe and confident riding it.

💸 Purchasing Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Get a pre-purchase vet check (including x-rays).

• Ask for a trial period if possible.

• Use a written agreement/contract outlining terms of sale.

• Pay via traceable methods (bank transfer, not cash).

• Keep receipts and documentation.

• Check with the owner on arranging a visit/ride and whether they have any considerations for you.

• Allow the seller to ask questions about you, your horse background and ability.

Don't

• Rush the decision.

• Buy unseen or based only on photos/videos.

• Skip the vet check to save money.

• Ignore your gut feelings.

• Bring your pets with you.

• Minimise bringing children, unless they will be riding/handling the horse too (check with the seller if this is OK too).

Handling the Financial Transaction

• Agree on a price in writing before transferring funds.

• Use a bill of sale/contract/invoice that includes horse details, price, date, and both parties’.

• Use a financial mechanism that protects you as a consumer (i.e. PayPal as you can lodge claims if things go south). Ensure you research the best option for you here.

🧰 Post-Purchase Support

• Transport: How are you going to get the horse from its current location to where it will be with you?

• Settling In: What do you need to ensure you have to help the horse settle in (i.e. hay, hard feed, rugs, gear, coach assistance etc.)?

• Trainer or Coach: Ensure you have a local coach that can support you when the horse arrives.

Final Thoughts

In summary, purchasing a horse in Australia is a significant commitment that requires thorough research, self-reflection, and careful planning. Taking the time to assess your needs and experience level, ask the right questions, and seek professional support will help set you and your future equine partner up for success. Always prioritise safety, transparency, and a good match over speed or convenience. With the right preparation, buying a horse can be an incredibly rewarding step in your riding journey—leading to years of enjoyment, companionship, and adventure. Happy horse hunting!