[horselesswonder]

Pretty is as pretty does

This is an excellent point. You can learn to love an ugly duckling if you love riding and caring for him or her. One of my best horses was far from beautiful when I bought him, but he was lovely to ride and we won everything there was to win together. I passed on a GORGEOUS green filly to buy him (made and not at all gorgeous) and never regretted it.

Additionally, a horse is not an investment. Most of us - even very experienced owners who have done lots of buying and selling - are lucky to break even. If you make a profit, mark the day on the calendar. At best, I would consider a horse a resale prospect with the objective of enjoying the process and hopefully breaking even at the end. Just find one that you like to ride and enjoy handling. The rest is gravy.

Last, a horse is either a good horse or he isn't. No excuses when you're trying one or have one on trial. If it's nutty, send it back. Sure, some of them will take a day or two to settle in, but if it's still a wreck after four or five days, it's probably not one you want to keep.

Good luck and have fun!

[mvp]

For the love of God, buy a mind *you* like. Evaluate the horse this way. Do some stuff that lets you see into his little head until you think you can see almost all the way to the bottom of him.

Why?

Because you'll be happy with your purchase, whether he becomes your World Beater for 6 months or forever. And as many pros will tell you, the ammy horse who ends up with division wins is the one that is consistent. If the horse lays down decent trip after decent trip, you'll have a good time and be competitive even if you aren't sitting on the born star athlete or pretty model.

Because you'll be ok if this horse gets hurt and has to become your expensive pet. The good-minded one is always easier to keep in a variety of riding/boarding situations.

Because many people-- trainers and later buyers-- will want him if *you* like him and can figure him out. You want a horse that 10 people can ride, not 2 with some pro help. Then you have an auction, not a horse that's hard to market.

For ammies who want to do a little "investment horse-ing" I think it's best to buy one that doesn't depend on having *the* program or *the* set of pro connections to get sold. It takes a lot of money to stay in this kind of network. If you and your current trainer break up for any reason, you want an easy, pleasant horse to come with you to someone else.

You can do your part by sitting on lots of horses and figuring out "your type"-- not just as a horse to ride, but a horse your training style will improve.

Hope this makes sense.

[Laser]

Additionally, a horse is not an investment. Most of us - even very experienced owners who have done lots of buying and selling - are lucky to break even. If you make a profit, mark the day on the calendar. At best, I would consider a horse a resale prospect with the objective of enjoying the process and hopefully breaking even at the end. Just find one that you like to ride and enjoy handling. The rest is gravy.

Horselesswonder, I totally, totally, toally understand. I fully expect to lose money (just trying not to lose too much from the off, and therefore asking for some advice so I can dance around hidden quicksand). Of course, we would all like to break even or better, but I think I see it more as an investment of time, love, and education. No love lost on an expensive experience.

And your advice is great, and actually made me reflect on one of the horses I tried earlier this week. I can't get him out of my head, and it's not because he is gorgeous (I'm lucky, or rather foolish, enough to fall in love with just about anything looks wise - I've been very quick to remind myself to look at each horse objectivley, and not get lost in the day-dreaming aspect). There was a "saneness" about him that I enjoyed, and a manner about him that seemed to say, "Okay, I trust you" without coaxing, despite the fact that he's green as grass. And yes, he's a bit of an ugly duckling that I hope has the potential to become a swan But, more than anything I think I need to see several more and see if he still is a candidate in the comparison.

And mvp, I love your advice. And it too made me reflect on the one I recently tried. I liked his mind. The rider showing him to me made a couple of blunders, and the fact that, as a youngster he made up for her blunders, I thought was impressive. Again, trying him again will let me re-evaluate that statement, but it's a good mindset for me to maintain when trying and considering horses. Thank you!

[80s rider]

When you do decide to purchase a horse. Make sure you pay the horse owner directly....Do not make the check for the horse out to a trainer. Pay the owner the purchase price and get a bill of sale. Then write your trainer a commission check.