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Buying a new horse can feel like navigating a jungle of options and precautions every buyer should know. Where do you start? What should you look for when you’ve found what you think is your dream horse? Let’s dive into the key aspects of a horse’s physique that you’d be wise to examine before putting your money on the table.
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What temperament should your future horse have? And how does it align with your own temperament? If you’re naturally nervous or less experienced, you might need a calm, new horse. If you’re more high-spirited, you might benefit from a horse with a steadier demeanor. Even if you’re a skilled rider, a mismatch in temperaments can negatively affect your partnership.
Clarify your riding needs. What kind of activities do you envision for you and your four-legged partner in the future? It might sound trivial, but whether your horse is better suited for one discipline over another can make a big difference. You may also decide to “change gears” and take up a new discipline down the line. In that case, you might want to look for a more versatile horse.
When searching for a new horse, take time to assess its conformation and determine whether its build is suited to what you plan to use it for. In other words, the ideal conformation depends on the discipline you ride and your riding level. However, there are some universal physical traits worth examining. Below, we’ve summarized the four most important.
For dressage and show jumping horses, a sloped shoulder is preferable. Research shows that horses with sloped shoulders tend to “reach further” and take longer strides compared to those with straighter shoulders. Horses with sloped shoulders are therefore thought to have better movement potential. If you’re planning to compete in dressage, consider looking for a horse with long legs and a sloped shoulder structure.
Dressage horses tend to have relatively short necks compared to show jumpers. This allows them to “work uphill” more easily and achieve a correct topline. Show jumpers generally have slightly longer necks, which help them maintain balance and power while clearing jumps. If you’re a jumper, look for a horse with a relatively long and “slender” neck that is not overly built up.
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A horse with a croup that is higher than its withers has a natural “downhill” tendency, which can affect its ability to engage its hindquarters for advanced collection. A croup that is level with the withers is common in most horses. However, for dressage horses, there’s an increasing preference for a withers position higher than the croup. This is thought to promote an “uphill” tendency and lightness on the reins.
Insist on seeing the horse standing still on a hard surface and take time to observe it from all angles. How does it look in terms of muscle development? Pay particular attention to symmetry in its musculature. Additionally, its muscle tone should reflect its workload.
For example, a 10-year-old sport horse competing at an intermediate (L-level) should have balanced and well-developed musculature on both sides of its body. Conversely, if it lacks muscle in the hindquarters or back, this could indicate improper riding, poorly fitting equipment, or incorrect use of its body.
On the other hand, some horses can also be “overbuilt” in certain areas of their bodies. It’s important to ask how much the horse works in an average week.
Finally, make sure to enlist the help of an experienced horse professional. Consider asking your regular instructor to accompany you. They know your strengths, weaknesses, and skill level, and their insights can be invaluable when choosing your new partner.
