Buying a Horse for Kids

The right horse can instill invaluable confidence in a child. Children can learn patience, kindness, teamwork, responsibility, trust and myriad other life skills on the back of a trusty horse. Check out these seven tips to get you started on your search for a great kids’ horse.

Checklist to Buy a Kid’s Horse
By Jim Caudill

• Ensure that your child is ready for the responsibility of horse ownership. Indications that they are include: A strong desire/love for horses; a strong desire to learn about the needs and care of a horse; knowledge and desire to participate in specific disciplines. Experience (such as lessons) help make sure it’s not just a passing fancy.
• Find an expert you trust to help guide your purchasing decision.
• Evaluate the child’s skills and needs to decide what kind of horse to look for.
• Take your time – find the perfect horse, not the first one you see.
• Let the child interact with the horse, including groundwork and riding to make sure their personalities mesh.
• As a general rule, a good kid horse is older (over the age of 10 years), is a gelding or mare, has a quiet temperament, has extensive training and, if it is a show horse, has a performance record.
• A pre-purchase exam, even on a relatively cheap horse, can save a lot of upset in the future and is recommended.

Click here for your free report, AQHA’s Guide to Buying an American Quarter Horse.

Horse Help

Need help determining your child’s horse needs? Contact one of AQHA’s Professional Horsemen.