There’s nothing quite like the excitement of buying a horse. Whether you’re a first-time horse owner or you’ve gone through the purchasing process before, a lot goes into finding the proper horse.

It’s easy to size up a horse by looks alone, but there’s so many more factors. And having a gut feeling that he’s a good deal doesn’t mean he is one. The horse must be a good match for you or it’s going to be a disappointing experience – possibly even a disaster.

There are a lot of dynamics when investigating horses. If you’re certain you’re ready to make this leap, read on.

What’s the cost?

We’ll get to the hard-to-measure intangibles in a moment, but there’s no denying the fact that cost is a major factor in buying a horse – and it varies considerably. That’s because several influences will determine the price, namely breed, age, gender and level of training. Let’s look at each.

As much as you consider breed, you’ll also want to simultaneously think about how you’ll be using the horse. If you’re using him for pleasure and riding as opposed to competing, the breed doesn’t matter as much as his personality. If you like competitive jumping, hunting, or dressage, for example, you might look to Warmbloods or Thoroughbreds. If you’re into saddle step riding that employs a high-stepping trot, Saddlebreds or Arabians will fit the bill.

Age will also affect the purchase price, and again, it depends how you’re planning to use the horse. It’s easy to undervalue the older horse that reaches 20, 25, 30 years, or even more. The reality is those horses can be rewarding to ride and also make great companions as they age. Oftentimes the price for them is lower, yet training experience is greater.

Gender can also affect the cost. A male horse is often gelded to make him better-behaved and easier to control, which makes him a little more desirable for riding and showing. Mares have a reputation for being a little more cranky when they come into season.

Training will most definitely affect the price, because it’s a big investment in a horse in terms of time and money. Remember, an inexperienced horse may cost a little less, but it’s a bad choice for an inexperienced rider.

What’s his size?

Buying the right size horse is a crucial factor in your search. First and foremost, the horse’s size must match the rider’s – and the riding goals. And not only that, but the animal’s size will determine what he can and can’t do. For example, a smaller horse can’t jump as high as a taller one.

You also have to remember that the upfront cost of the horse – as expensive as it seems – is much less than their maintenance and upkeep. So make sure his size matches your wallet, long-term.

What’s his behavior and personality like?

You’ll want to spend a lot of time assessing the horse’s behavior, because if his personality is not a match for you, it’s going to be a frustrating relationship.  Remember, you’re investing not only monetarily, but emotionally.

Consider visiting the seller and riding him several times, preferably with an experienced rider or professional if you’re new to all this. You won’t be able to assess his behavior without riding him only once, so ride him alone and with other horses. Ride him in different environments and settings:  trails, farms and even in a show arena. If the seller is willing, you could even ride him in a training class to see how he responds to other people and professional instruction. While you’re at it, try some training of your own. Find out how he responds to you.

Is the horse a fit for your riding skill and goals?

As much as you’re spending time assessing the horse, you should also take inventory of your riding capabilities. Too often inexperienced riders take control of inexperienced horses, which proves to be a very bad idea.

Newer riders should choose a horse that has some maturity and experience. If you’re not sure how your riding ability stacks up, take some lessons and get evaluated. That instructor can also help to make sure the prospective horse is a proper match for your riding skill.

Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish with the horse, as well. If you have big plans to advance and grow as a rider, you’ll want to take all this into consideration.

Can he pass a physical?

Ask a veterinarian to conduct a pre-purchase exam on the prospective horse. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, because vet care can be just as expensive in the long run as a horse. The veterinarian will help you to understand what, if anything, needs to be done regarding his overall wellness. If he passes the exam, talk to the seller about a trial period – such as 90 days. That will really give you time to assess not just his health first-hand, but everything about him as a horse.

Buying the right horse takes a lot of work. As long as you invest a little time and energy into finding the right match, it will all be worth it. Remember, the decision is ultimately yours.