Step 3: Identify Prospective Horses

As you begin searching for a horse, do not fall in love before completing all the steps! Continue to refer to your Horse Search Parameters form to ensure you are only pursuing horses that meet your needs. It is better to wait until you find the right horse than to compromise on your needs, which could result in an unsuitable or even dangerous horse.

Where you live will impact where you search for horses. Some common ways to find prospective horses include word of mouth, equine or livestock auctions, and online sources such as social media, local classifieds, and other online sale sites. It is essential to make sure that the horses you are considering meet your needs, as outlined in Step 1, and fall within your budget, as outlined in Step 2. Remember, just because a horse fits within your budget does not mean they are suitable for your lesson program.

When you are looking at horses for sale, do your due diligence by reading all the information the seller provides. If the horse is a no based on that information, there is no need to bother the seller. Once you have identified a horse you are interested in and that meets your program criteria as far as you can tell from the advertisement’s information, it is time to contact the seller.