How to Choose a Horse for Pleasure Riding

Whether you’re a city slicker or country dweller, pleasure riding can be one of the most enjoyable hobbies. For example, horseback riding can be the perfect way to relax and escape from the stress of your daily lives. Other people enjoy it because it’s a great way to get a healthy dose of the great outdoors. Pleasure riding is also a wonderful way to spend time with friends and family and makes a great group outing. Not to mention, horses are amazing and intelligent creatures and there’s a rewarding relationship that develops between man and beast.

If you’re already a rider and are thinking of getting your first horse for pleasure riding, there are many aspects to consider. Owning a horse is a considerable responsibility and making that first purchase can be tricky. Here are five tips that can help first-time horse buyers find a great riding horse:

1) The most important thing to look at in a horse for sale is the temperament of the animal.
Horses that have friendly personalities and gentle demeanours make the best horses for pleasure riding. Spend some quality time with the animal; visit it on a number of different occasions to understand its unique personality.

2) Avoid buying a horse at first sight.
Some people who see a horse for sale mistakenly think that they need to buy the animal straight away at first sight, such as at an auction. As an animal’s personality is so important to the riding relationship, it’s best to avoid auctions and look for animals from private sellers or established horse traders.

3) Bring in a veterinarian to do a health check.
Get a check for worms, eye sight and other health problems before purchasing the animal. Caring for an unwell animal can become quite costly not to mention that riding a sick horse can endanger both the rider and the animal.

4) Don’t dismiss older horses.
Younger horses tend to lack the social maturity that is needed to properly train them for pleasure riding, especially if you’re considering giving the horse to a young child. As a result, it’s often better to buy an older horse because they tend to have more patience and understanding and have a more suitable temperament.

5) Match the rider’s personality to the animal.
A person’s ability to handle a horse is important to consider because it's dangerous for people to ride horses that they won’t be able to properly control. If you’re a nervous or amateur rider you’ll be better off with an older and calmer animal while more confident riders will enjoy the thrill of owning bolder horse.