Choosing a horse is a very big decision (pun intended!). Take your time and do your homework, preferably before you look at any actual animals. Be sure you know, first and foremost, what you want the horse to do.
- Will this horse be used for trail rides?
- Will children or adults be riding her?
- Will the horse be ridden in competitions?
Horse and Rider
When choosing a horse, consider who will be riding him. The experience level of the rider or riders should play a large part in the decision making process. If the horse will have multiple riders, give the most consideration to the rider with the lowest level of skills. An experienced rider can handle an easy horse, but an inexperienced rider should never be placed on “more horse” than he can handle. If you are choosing a horse that will be ridden by children, it is especially important to be sure the horse has been well-trained. In most cases, this means you should look for a slightly older horse. It is not usually wise to choose a horse that is younger than 6-10 years old if it is to be ridden by children. By this age, most horses have been thoroughly trained and are more likely to be docile and obedient. Keep in mind, however, that this is just a very general rule. Each horse is different, and you will need to weigh the temperament of each horse far more heavily than their ages when choosing a horse.Temperament
Generally speaking, geldings (male horses that have been castrated) tend to have good temperaments and are fairly consistent in terms of their demeanors. Female horses, or mares, can be docile most of the time. However, some mares can act very differently while in heat; it is important to ask the seller about this. When choosing 
a horse, especially a first horse or one for inexperienced riders, a stallion is almost never a good choice. If you are buying a horse to use for stud you will obviously select a stallion. For most riders though, stallions are too assertive and can even tend towards aggression.
Tips for Horse Buyers
While you should always have any particular horse checked by a vet before you buy, there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind when choosing a horse. Be sure the horse has a smooth, shiny coat. Her eyes should be clear and bright and she should appear alert and comfortable around you. While it is natural for a horse to be somewhat unsettled around a stranger, she should not be skittish or seem easily spooked. Choosing a horse can be a very time-consuming process, but the effort you put into it more than pays off. Finding just the right horse for your situation is critical. Doing your homework will be well worth the effort when choosing a horse for you.
