Buying a horse is “the” or one of the most expensive purchases that a rider makes. Even if you are lucky to get “a free horse”, we all know there’s no such thing. Boarding, feeding, training, vet expenses can be financially draining.

For most amateur riders, horse shopping is a challenge. In many cases, it’s a “love at first sight” emotional decision. If the stars align, you find your “soulmate” and go on to fame and glory, collecting ribbons and winning championships. But often, it doesn’t turn out so well and you end up with the wrong horse for your needs… or as someone put it, a very expensive piece of “real estate”.

I thought it would be useful to get horse buying tips from a professional. Anita Nemtin-Gilmour is an Olympian (1996), and professional trainer with a successful sales business importing horses from Holland (www.topnotchfarms.ca). She specializes in both show jumpers and event horses. She has sold horses, among many others, to Canadian Olympian John Pearce and she found US event rider Doug Payne’s Camerlingo, owned by Kristin Michalowski.

Anita not only knows her stuff, but she is a straight shooter – she’ll tell you exactly how it is. And in my book, adding a dose of reality to the horse buying process is a very good thing.

Without further ado, here’s Anita’s fantastic advice to help us navigate through the horse buying maze. Thank you for contributing to HJU!

From Anita:

I think the first thing you need to do when setting out to buy a horse is to be very clear in your mind, what it is exactly, that you are looking for? What are your goals? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Is your goal to have fun, stress-free rides after work? To trail-ride, to compete at schooling shows, Provincial shows, National shows or The Olympics?

• Temperament:

The first and most important thing for a horse to have, is a great temperament.

You can tell a lot by a horse’s eye and general expression. His eye should be kind and his general expression pleasant, and happy.

I import about 12 horses annually from Holland for re-sale. I won’t consider importing a horse that does not have a good temperament.

The horses must be willing to do what is asked of them. They must jump what is put in front of them, and not be looking for a way out. They are all bred well for both temperameI think a lot of people are not honest with themselves. Too many people want the big moving, big jumping horses but they can’t sit the trot or stay with the horse over a jump.

I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to be honest with themselves and look for horses with good temperaments that compliment their abilities.

• Conformation:

When looking for a performance horse, conformation should play a big part in your hunt for the right horse.

There are certain things you should not compromise on. Good feet are a must. The old expression “no foot, no horse” rings very true. Your new horse should have a well shaped foot, ideally with plenty of heel. His feet should also be a good quality and not brittle and full of cracks.

Neck set is another important thing to consider. If your discipline of choice is dressage, eventing or jumpers, you would be looking for a horse who’s neck is set a little higher so that it is easier for him to work in an uphill frame and engage his hind end.

The neck placement for a hunter, western or pleasure horse can have a lower set, because they are not asked to work in a very collected frame.

• Where to look:

There are several different ways to find your ideal match.

The internet has various sites available that lists horses for sale. I advertise on certain sites, but I find word of mouth and my website to be my most valuable sales venue.

When I have a horse for sale, I tell as many people as possible. I find my clients feel more comfortable purchasing a horse from me, because they heard about my horse from a friend of theirs. Having said that, I met a lot of their friends through an ad I placed on the internet, so both avenues are successful.

If you find a horse you are interested in through an ad, ask around to see if anyone has dealt with this particular seller before, and what their reputation is like. I always approach purchasing, from a “buyer beware” attitude. Most of the time it’s not necessary, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Bring your coach or a friend along with you. Videotape your ride, so you can review it afterwards BUT remember, BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF! Go with your gut feeling. Don’t be influenced by others.

• The Pre-Purchase

My sale’s horses are thoroughly vetted, with a complete set of x-rays before they fly over from Holland. I am buying for re-sale and I know they will be vetted again once they find their new potential owner here in Canada.

No horse is perfect, and you have to decide what you are willing to live with and what you aren’t willing to live with. Your vet will give you his or her professional opinion, but they are not fortune teller’s and a lot of good sound horses have been passed over because of pre-purchase exams.

When I bought my Olympic horse Kaesar as a 4 year old, he failed his pre-purchase due to navicular changes. I had a “gut feeling” about Kaesar and bought him anyway. Thank God, I did because I was 2nd with him at Rolex in 1996 and 19th at the Atlanta Olympics in the same year. His feet never bothered him. He’s still sound and happy at the ripe young age of 26 running around with his pony in my best paddock!

As a last thought, be honest with the seller. If you don’t like the horse you are trying, cut the trial short. Look within your budget.

If you leave and say you will be in touch, BE IN TOUCH. I always respect someone that phones me to thank me for showing them my horse, but tells me that he just isn’t right for them.

In conclusion, my best advice is to be honest with yourself, buy what you are capable of riding and that will bring you the most fun on a daily basis.

Don’t over mount yourself. Buy a great temperament and go with your gut!

My friend and fellow sales agent, Liz Milikin always asks her clients: “How does the horse make you feel?” He should make you smile.

Have fun, because that’s what it’s all about at any level!