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Has the horse chosen me?
Horse Behavior

Has the horse chosen me?

A new friend of mine has an unbacked horse that's become really smitten with me. He's sensitive and otherwise quite reserved with strangers, but not with me. He came straight up wanting a cuddle and showed positive interest, follows me around and so on, the very first time I met him. Instant trust, like we're on the same wavelength? This horse is now for sale. The problem is I'm not after that breed at all. What should I do? Grab the chance and buy him? Is it a once in a lifetime thing? Or should I go for buying a horse I'd rather have?
Answers from HayHay's experts

Hi!

I do not think you should buy this horse.

πŸ€ Enjoy the lovely experience of meeting your friend's horse and feeling the connection between you, but set your sights on buying a horse that suits you specifically.

There is a lot to think about when buying a horse, so that everything fits well together. A few things worth keeping in mind are:

🐴 What is your goal with the horse you are buying? It is important to know what you want to do with a horse of your own, and sometimes your dreams sit higher and are harder than the horse you are about to buy right now.

🐴 What can you do, and how much, right now? It is important not to buy a horse that is less educated than you are in horse handling, riding or the discipline you want to take up. There is no better way to learn than the luxury of riding and spending time with an older, well-schooled horse.

🐴 What do you want to do with your horse? Not every horse suits every job and challenge. You mention that the horse who likes you is the wrong breed, so perhaps you already know the type of horse you would really want?

🐴 What has the horse done before, and has it stayed healthy? It is important to find out as much as you can from the sellers.

🐴 And last but not least, does the horse suit you? Both in size and in temperament.

Buying a horse is a huge step in life. It costs a great deal of money (far more than the purchase price), as well as time and commitment. It will be great fun but also hard, tiring and challenging. So buy a horse you genuinely want, and one that can do the things you want to do and learnπŸ¦„

Good luck!πŸ˜ƒ

Malin Axel-Nilsson
Malin Axel-Nilsson
Equine Ethologist
Last reviewed:
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