When it comes to finding your ideal riding horse, it doesn’t matter what discipline you ride in, there are certain qualities you will want to look for that cross over all disciplines. But let’s get real, there is no such thing as a perfect horse. They all have something that we’d put in the “con” column. It’s just a matter of being clear on what we can live with and what is a deal breaker. 

 

First, Let’s Talk About You!

 

Why do you want a horse?

 

In order to narrow the search we must first be clear on a couple of points. First is “WHY?” If this is your first horse or if you are looking for your next horse, let’s begin by why you want a horse or why you’re looking for a new horse. This is the starting point. Did you recently buy property and would like to see animals grazing in the field? Do you have friends that like to get together on weekends and trail ride and you’d like to join them. Has this been a lifelong dream and now you can fulfill it? 

 

Start there. If you’ve never owned a horse before, you need to understand that there is a huge commitment of finances, time and emotion involved in owning horses.  Understanding your ‘why”, your intentions and your expectations before you begin the search will go a long way in finding that ideal partner.  This will give you a framework for the type of horse and the skill level you will be looking for. 

If you would like more clarity on finding your “why”, check out this article Discovering Your Passion.

 

What do you want to do with your horse?

 

Once you’ve decided that you have a strong enough “why”, step two would be to gain more clarity on what you want to do with your horse. What discipline you want to participate in. Are you an English or Western rider? Are you a beginner or have you been riding for awhile? Do you plan to show your horse? And if so, at what level? 

 

It’s really important to get clear on what you want to do with your horse. I’ve found that making a mistake and buying a horse that is not suited to you can lead to all sorts of anxiety, guilt and safety issues. It’s really hard to let go of a horse that you’ve owned for a while and decide you’re not a good match. Better to be clear on this point at the beginning.

 

What is your skill level?

 

Step 3 is to get real on your own skill level. If you have never worked with a green horse, don’t let anyone convince you to buy an untrained horse. “Learning together” will only lead to frustration and chip away at your confidence and the confidence your horse has in you. 

 

Conversely, buying a horse that is trained way above your skill level, that has a bunch of buttons and requires a masterful rider may not be the answer either. Although you want a horse that knows more than you, you also want a horse that will be forgiving of your mistakes. Understanding where you are in your riding and what you need to complement that will create a joyful partnership.

 

Are you ready for horse ownership? Learn more here: Are You Ready for Horse Ownership?

10 Traits to Look For in Your Ideal Riding Horse

 

Once you are clear on the type of horse you are looking for, there are certain qualities that cross all disciplines that you will want to include in your checklist. Many of these qualities relate to the horse’s temperament, but training will have a heavy influence on the horse’s natural behavior. Horses reflect their handlers and act solely in ways that are either instinctive or learned. When a horse displays behavior that is undesirable, it is either because it’s his natural behavior or he has learned to act that way through poor handling and training. 

 

1, Good Mindedness. The horse displays courage and curiosity. He is low on flight and high on investigative behavior. A horse is born with his temperament, but they can be taught to approach scary objects with curiosity. When being ridden, he does not spin and bolt when spooked but is willing to face and approach

 

2. Willingness.  The horse tries hard to please not just when riding but also on the ground. Tries hard when asked, even when it’s scary, physically difficult and/or something he doesn’t want to do. Has a stellar work ethic and gets down to business not looking for shortcuts or trying to get out of work.

 

3. Relaxed and Compliant. Focuses on the task at hand and not tuned into his surroundings.  Is not looking all around, looking for an escape route or distracted by other horses.

 

4. Straight and Smooth. Travels in the direction being asked and with straightness. Tracks exactly in a path dictated by the rider and never veering or avoiding or pulling in the direction he wants to go. Stays “between the aids” (seat, legs, hands) at all times. Feels smooth at all 3 gaits. Does not get bracy.

 

5. Goes at a speed dictated entirely by the rider.  Self-regulates his speed at whatever rate  asked and maintains that speed even on a loose rein. A good way to test this in a prospect is to gallop the horse as fast as you can for a couple minutes. This will get his adrenaline up. Then slow him to a walk. He should remain calm at the walk. If he is still anxious or jigging around, this may mean that he can not calm down easily. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take someone with you to help you test him out on this.

 

6. Responds to light aids. You don’t want to be constantly kicking to go or pulling to stop. 

 

7. Stands still like a statue for mount/dismount. And does not walk off unless given a cue. Once we are underway, he will stand calmly and patiently when asked to stop.

 

8. Ignores other horses seen or unseen. Sometimes referred to as being “barn sour”.  The horse does not show interest or interact with other horses while being ridden. Rides well alone or in company. Not intimidated by large groups of horses. Will lead or follow without complaint.

 

9. Performs reliably in any situation and any location. Can perform equally well away from home or in a strange location as he does at home. 

 

10. Has the natural abilities required for the discipline. There are some physical or natural abilities that your ideal horse must have for some disciplines. For example, cutting horses are born and bred with a natural ability to follow movement. They are physically able to get low to the ground. A good reining horse will have the ability to perform that 20 foot sliding stop. Competitive dressage horses must have natural confirmation and movement to perform well. Don’t ignore this part of your search. Trying to train a horse not suited to the discipline is frustrating for both horse and rider.  

 

There is no such thing as the perfect horse. Every time you handle or ride a horse, you are either training it or un-training it.  As horse owners, we are responsible for training the horse so that he is safe and pleasant to be around and has a bright and secure future. Beginning your partnership with the “right” horse will go a long way in building confidence, safety and fun as you accomplish your goals together.  

 

I hope you found this article helpful.If you would like more information on finding your ideal horse, you will want to get my free “Dream Horse Buyers Guide“. This is a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to know to select your next equine partner. Click the link below to begin your search!

 

 

Enjoy the Ride!