| If you have no desire to train a horse or have a green | | | | young horse, an older horse, or even a foal. If you are |
| horse (young inexperienced horse), then you ought to | | | | seriously looking to compete you may be more |
| look at buying a horse that is around 5 years and older. | | | | concerned about bloodlines. Bloodlines relate to a |
| That way the horse has had a number of years | | | | horse's ancestry. Typically horses with good bloodlines |
| where he has been ridden and taught. If you are | | | | are pricier, so buying a foal could cut the cost |
| looking to learn a particular sport and compete, then it | | | | however you have to then wait a number of years |
| could be to your advantage to buy a school master. | | | | until you could compete with your purchase. |
| This is an older horse that has successfully learned | | | | It should be noted that a foal with excellent bloodlines |
| and usually competed in a sport and is looking for a | | | | and good conformation (body proportion) can cost far |
| little less action. The owner may not think the horse is | | | | more than a horse with an unknown or unproven |
| ready for retirement and would be an excellent | | | | bloodline. |
| teacher for a beginner rider starting out. Depending on | | | | Usually a horse that has good bloodlines or has proven |
| the age and health of the horse, you could learn and | | | | himself in a sport is going to cost you the most. Not |
| begin to compete on the same horse. Or you could | | | | only do you consider the cost in buying the horse, but |
| learn on the older horse and buy a younger horse | | | | in also purchasing all the equipment you'll need for riding |
| once you start competing. Of course that leaves you | | | | and caring for your horse. |
| with another question of what to do with the older | | | | Do you already have all the tack necessary, riding |
| horse? | | | | gear and grooming equipment? This can add up to a |
| How much can you afford to spend on the horse? | | | | tidy sum and you may need to lower your budget so |
| This question helps you decide whether you buy a | | | | that you can buy all the equipment you need. |