As a shoer, I have seen the results of people with good intentions trying to train their young horse without consulting and or talking to someone who has truly made a business of training horses. I can clearly remember the young mare who bit me while the owner was holding her for me. The owner pulled a carrot out of her back pocked and admonished the mare quietly, ‘Don’t do that. Behave yourself!” I asked the owner, ‘Why are you rewarding her for biting me??” She looked at me a little perplexed because I was more than a little concerned for my safety at this point. I informed her that she needed to keep her mare from biting me to begin with. She didn’t understand at first but she got bit herself when she ran out of carrots. Too many times, well meaning parents think they can buy their teenager a young horse and the pair can learn about horsemanship together. Often this theory meets with less than stellar results.

My advice to most people is to spend your time and effort on a horse that has had it’s training done by a competent horse trainer. In the event that the cost of such a horse is an issue, consider purchasing an older experienced horse, even one that has been used as a school horse – if the horse is sound and in good health. These generally make good first horses for novice riders. They’ve had all different kinds of riders on them and they already know their job. This is a great way for a novice to learn basic horsemanship before moving on to competing or advanced riding. This can be the foundation for eventually training your own horse.

If buying your own horse is cost prohibitive leasing a horse is always an option. For some people, leasing a horse is the best way to get into horsemanship. You don’t own the horse, but you pay for it’s board, shoeing, health care needs and riding lessons. If it doesn’t work out, you can always terminate the lease and you’re not stuck with having to maintain a horse that no longer fits your lifestyle.

When considering purchasing a new horse, the novice especially is well advised to consult with a reputable, experienced trainer, especially in the discipline in which the new owner will be participating. A good farrier will look over a horse and give you an idea of its condition and conformation, and a check by an equine veterinarian is always a good idea, especially when making a considerable investment in a horse.

In any case, anyone who is thinking about buying a horse should consult experts, and they should have reasonable expectations as to the type of riding they wish to do. A new horse owner should be honest with themselves as to their horse knowledge and riding abilities. Owning a horse is a big commitment, and a big responsibility, but it is also a very satisfying and rewarding experience, and for some, it marks the beginning of what will be a lifetime love affair with the horse and his wonderful nature.

Joe Trujillo is an professional, experienced farrier practicing his trade in Southern California for over 25 years. He has worked on miniature horses to draft horses, show horses to backyard pets, and almost everything in between. Joe is an accomplished horseman and a proactive shoer believing the health and soundness of the horse should come first.