Owning a horse is a huge responsibility. It means hard work and dirty chores for a long time, along with considerable expense. It is important to understand that the initial purchase of a horse is only the first step in your new experience with horses. You will have to consider whether the horse will be kept in a paddock, or whether it must be stabled. You need to discuss feeding costs with a reputable feed merchant. Paddock horses may need some supplementary feed when grass becomes eaten down, and stable horses will be fed continuously on procured feed.

Basic necessities for your horse include a bridle, saddle, and saddle blanket, grooming brush, feed tin and water container. It is wise to enquire about these costs first as they can be very expensive items and time and care is needed in their selection. It’s a good idea to have a safe storage area for your equipment when it is not being used on the horse. Your own riding outfit has to be purchased as well, and this should include a suitable hard hat and good quality riding boots.

There will also be costs for shoeing, veterinary attention for your horse's teeth, worm control, coughs and colds, and for vaccinations against diseases such as strangles and tetanus.

Most young people purchasing their first horse are strongly advised to join the local Pony Club where they will receive expert tuition on riding and advice on horse care.

Choosing a Horse

Buy your horse from a reputable source. Beware of purchasing a horse from anyone who cannot provide a satisfactory history of the animal. Make sure the seller knows what you wish to use the horse for. It is important that you and your horse are well-matched so great care should be employed in its selection.

Find out all about it: age, background, vices (e.g. buck, kick, bite, and bolt). Make sure your first horse has a quiet temperament. Examine the horse and have an experienced friend ride it for you and ride it yourself. If it feels right ask for a one week trial, then ride and handle the horse daily. Have your own veterinary surgeon cheek the horse for fitness and suitability prior to purchase.

Responsibilities of Horse Ownership

All horses have certain basic needs irrespective of the husbandry system under which they are kept:

• Ready access to food and fresh water to maintain health and vigour.
• Freedom of movement to stand, stretch and lie down.
• Regular exercise.
• Social contact with other horses and people.
• Accommodation that neither harms nor causes undue strain, and provides adequate protection.
• Protection from disease and regular inspection to assess the need for attention to feet, teeth and worm control.
• Rapid identification and treatment of lice, injury and disease.

All horse owners should be fully aware of the general and specific husbandry requirements of the horse. Many municipalities restrict the riding of horses in certain areas, prohibit taking horses to specific places (e.g. a beach or public park) and have regulations for keeping horses in their areas.