What do you do when you go to try out a horse?

In some cases the owner rides first, and I think it is good to see the horse ridden. Then you get to try yourself, and the previous owner or rider will sometimes offer a few pointers. It is worth thinking in advance about what matters to the two of you. For example, how the horse is to handle (I have sometimes asked to help bring it in and turn it out, groom it, get it ready and so on), how it copes with passing other horses, hacking out and the like.

When it comes to the riding, settling in with a new horse takes time. The important thing is that the horse feels as though it has the basic qualities that match your goals, that it is sound, and that it answers the aids in a way you can reasonably expect for its level of training.

The very best of luck! 💫🐴