Top 10 Tips for Buying Your First Horse (Beginner Checklist + Must-Know Red Flags)

A 2026 Guide for New Horse Owners in Saskatchewan

Buying your first horse is exciting — but it’s also a big responsibility.
This guide gives you clear steps, red flags, real Canadian examples, and the confidence to choose the right horse for you and give that horse a great home.

1. How to Know What Kind of Horse to Buy

(Age • Breed Tendencies • Temperament • Training Level)

Start with your skill level — not your wish list.

Choosing your first horse isn’t about finding the prettiest colour or the fanciest breed.  You need to find a horse that matches your confidence, your goals, and your current level of experience.

A horse that’s too young, too green, or too sensitive can turn the experience into a negative one for you and your horse. Horses naturally reflect the emotions and energy of the person handling them. When you’re the right match for each other, that mirroring creates connection, trust, and a real bond. 

If the horse you choose needs more guidance or confidence than you’re able to provide right them, they’ll feel it every ride will be a struggle, even if the horse itself is wonderful.

Spend the time to find the right match so training and bonding is easier, safer, and more fun — for both of you.

The sweet spot for beginners:
Beginner-friendly horses often share:

• Age 8–15 - mature, steady, predictable
• Calm temperament - not easily startled
• Experience - doing what you plan to do
• Balanced Movement - low-impact stride and flat, easy trot
• Breed - breed matters less than people think.  Some breeds tend to be more beginner-friendly (QH, Arab-crosses, drafts, Morgans), but the individual horse matters most.

Avoid choosing based on:

• Colour
• Breed stereotypes
• “Fancy” movements
• A low price

A horse that matches your confidence, goals and lifestyle will serve you better — and safer — every time.

2. What Horse Ownership Really Costs

(Your First-Year Budget, Based on Saskatchewan Examples)

Before you buy a horse, make sure you can afford one.  Depending on your goals for you and your horse, there are different levels of care that will determine most of your monthly and yearly expenses.

Before you look at monthly costs, remember that your first major expense is the horse itself. In Saskatchewan, a safe, beginner-appropriate horse typically costs:

• $3,000–$6,000 for older, steady, well-broke horses
• $6,000–$12,000 for younger but experienced all-around horses
• $12,000–$20,000+ for registered, athletic, or show-quality horses

Once you bring your horse home, your ongoing costs depend on your horse's care needs.

Here’s a quick, beginner-friendly breakdown of what different levels of horses cost in Saskatchewan. 

Levels of Care (and What They Cost)

1. Easy Keeper (Usually a calm pasture horse that maintains weight easily)
These horses do best living outside 24/7 with shelter, hay, and basic mineral support.  They rarely need grain, and they tend to stay healthy with simple, consistent management.

Typical needs:

• Pasture board or group paddock
• Free-choice hay
• Heated water in winter
• Basic mineral support (e.g., Happy Horses Mineral)
• Routine vet + farrier care

Typical Monthly Cost: $300–$500

Common For: Mature horses used for light riding, seasoned trail horses, many Quarter Horses and draft crosses.

2. Average Horse (The most common and realistic category for first-time owners)
These horses maintain weight with hay but may need grain during winter, training, or higher activity months.

Typical needs:

• Pasture or paddock board
• Mixed hay program
• Grain or senior feed as needed
• Routine hoof + vet care
• Simple supplements for coat/hoof/digestive support

Typical Monthly Cost: $450–$700

Common For: Riding horses, lesson horses, mid-level all-around horses.

3. Higher-Needs Horse (Hard keepers, seniors, rehabs, horses needing specialized care)
These horses require more oversight and more feed to maintain weight. They may have health conditions, a history of injury, or higher nutritional demands.

Typical needs:

• Pen or full-care barn
• High-quality hay + grain
• Specialty feed (senior, performance, mash)
• Therapeutic farrier work (corrective trims/shoes)
• More frequent vet check-ins

Typical Monthly Cost: $700–$1,000+

Common For: Thoroughbreds, seniors, horses in recovery, horses with metabolic or dental needs.

4. Performance or Competition Horse (Show horses, rodeo horses, horses in active training programs)
These horses have the highest monthly cost because their workload requires more feed, more care, and more professional support.

Typical needs:

• Full-care barn (stall + turnout)
• Training rides/lessons
• Performance feed + supplements
• Bodywork (chiro, massage, PEMF)
• Hauling, memberships, entry fees
• Higher farrier frequency (shoes vs barefoot)

Typical Monthly Cost: $1,000–$2,000+

Common For: Barrel horses, rope horses, jumpers, dressage horses, reiners, competition trail horses.

Want the full cost breakdown (hay math, tack, feed, mineral program, vet + farrier totals)?

Read: “How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse in 2026?” [link]

3. Questions to Ask the Seller (So You Know Exactly What You’re Getting)

Before you drive out, book a pre-purchase exam, or fall in love with a photo, ask the seller these questions. Their answers will tell you more than the ad ever will.

Training & Experience

• What does this horse do consistently and confidently?
• What level of rider is this horse best suited for?
• How often is the horse currently ridden, and by whom?
• When was the last time the horse was worked, shown, or hauled off property?

Health & Medical History

• Has the horse ever had injuries, lameness, or surgeries?
• Does the horse have any chronic conditions (ulcers, heaves, arthritis, metabolic issues)?
• Has the horse required long-term medication or special management?
• When was the horse last seen by a vet?

Reason for Sale

• Why are you selling the horse now?
• How long have you owned the horse?
• Has the horse changed homes frequently?

Behaviour & Handling

• How does the horse behave for the farrier and vet?
• Does the horse load easily into a trailer?
• Does the horse tie, stand quietly, and behave well for grooming?
• Does the horse have any vices (weaving, cribbing, pacing, pawing, kicking, biting)?

Daily Routine & Environment

• Is the horse kept in a pasture, pen, stall, or mixed turnout?
• How does the horse behave in a herd? (Dominant? Submissive? Buddy-sour?)
• What does the horse currently eat? (Type of hay, grain, mineral program)
• Does the horse require blanketing, special feed, or extra care in winter?

Paperwork & Records

• Do you have vaccination records?
• When were the horse’s teeth last floated?
• When was the last deworming or fecal test?
• Do you have a current Coggins?
• If registered, do you have the original papers and transfer documents?

Red Flag:  If answers feel vague, rushed, inconsistent, or defensive → that’s a red flag.

4. What to Look For Before You Go See the Horse

(Photos, Videos, Early Red Flags)

You can eliminate probably 50% of bad matches before setting foot on a farm.

Photos should show:

• Full body, both sides
• Feet, legs, eyes, and body condition
• The horse saddled

Videos should show:

• Walk + trot under saddle
• Catching the horse
• Leading + tying
• Loading if possible

Red Flags:

• Photos taken at odd angles to hide issues
• No riding video
• If the horse looks tired in a video (sweating, blowing hard, or not giving much energy), it could mean the seller is trying to tire the horse out to mask anxiety, training gaps or behaviour issues

5. What to Look For During a Visit or Test Ride

(Behaviour, Safety, Soundness Clues)

Once you’re there in person, watch the horse from the moment they’re brought in (not just under saddle).

Watch for:

• When the horse is brought in: Do they walk up calmly when someone goes to get them, or do they avoid, rush, or seem anxious? 
• Leading: Do they lead politely and stay in their space, or are they pushy, distracted, or hard to control?
•  Tying: Do they stand quietly, or do they paw, dance around, pull back, or get restless?
• Grooming: Are they relaxed, or do they flinch, pin their ears, get tense, or act ear-shy when touched?
• Movement: Do they move with an even, comfortable stride — no stiffness, short steps, or head-bobbing?
• Under saddle: Are they responsive, relaxed, and willing once the seller is riding?
• When you ride: Does the horse stay safe, steady, and consistent with a new rider, or does their behaviour change?

 Red Flag:  If the owner won’t ride the horse first → walk away.

 6. Why a Pre-Purchase Exam Matters

(Health • Soundness • X-Ray Options)

A pre-purchase exam (often called a PPE) is your safety net.  A veterinarian can spot issues you can’t.

What a PPE Usually Includes:

• A full physical exam (heart, lungs, eyes, teeth)
• Hoof and limb evaluation
• Flexion tests to check joint comfort
• Movement analysis on hard and soft ground
• Conformation assessment
• Discussion of past injuries or health concerns
• Optional X-rays, depending on the horse’s age, price, or intended use

Costs in Canada (2026):

• Basic exam: $300–$450
• Comprehensive + X-rays: $800–$1,200+

Red Flag: If the seller refuses a PPE, makes excuses about scheduling, or pressures you to skip it, there may be something they don’t want you to find.

7. How to Get Ready for Your First Horse

(Before You Bring Them Home)

We know it’s exciting to bring your horse home, but don’t skip this step!  Before your horse arrives, make sure you have:

Your Boarding Plan Confirmed

• A guaranteed spot (in writing or by deposit)
• Clear understanding of what’s included: hay, grain, mineral, turnout, blanketing, arena use
• Feeding instructions ready for the barn owner

Your Care Team in Place

• Farrier booked within the first 4–6 weeks
• Regular vet plus the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic
• A trusted horse person you can call if something feels “off”
• A plan for who can help if you’re sick, away, or overwhelmed

Your Horse’s Essentials Ready

• Safe, properly fitted tack
• Happy Horses Mineral
• Hay or boarding facility’s hay schedule confirmed
• Basic feed or supplements (if needed)
• A clean, stocked first-aid kit
• Halter, lead rope, grooming tools, fly spray, blanket (seasonal)

Your Own Skills Refreshed

• A few groundwork lessons to boost your timing and confidence
• A safety review: leading, tying, reading body language
• Practice staying calm, consistent, and clear — horses read everything we do

Your Budget + Emergency Plan Ready

• A small emergency fund (colic, injuries, weather changes)
• A realistic monthly budget
• A plan for unexpected schedule changes, vet visits, or bad weather days

Reminder!  A prepared rider is a happier rider.  And that makes for a happier horse!

8. What You Need Before Your Horse Arrives

(Beginner Essentials Checklist)

These are the core items every new horse owner should have ready before your horse steps off the trailer. The right setup can help prevent avoidable stress or safety issues make it easier for your horse to happily settle in.  

• Saddle (new, properly fitted)
Protects your horse’s back and prevents soreness. Avoid used saddles unless fitted by a professional as hidden damage is common.

• Bridle + Bit
Choose simple, gentle options suited to beginners and matched to your horse’s training.

• Saddle Pad
Provides comfort and supports correct saddle fit.

• Girth or Cinch
Must be the right length and comfortable for your horse.

• Halter + Lead Rope
Soft, sturdy, and safe for everyday handling.

• Winter Blanket (seasonal)
Not every horse needs a blanket. Age, breed, health, coat thickness, and weather all matter.  For help to decide if you need one now, read
👉 “The Blanketing Debate: Will a Blanket Make Your Horse Happier This Winter?” [link]

• Fly Mask (seasonal)
Protects eyes and face during bug season.

• Grooming Kit
Basic brushes, hoof pick, detangler.

• First-Aid Kit
Wraps, wound cleaner, scissors, thermometer, and essentials for minor injuries.

• Happy Horses Mineral
Balanced daily mineral support that most Saskatchewan hay cannot provide on its own.

Stable & Environment Checklist

• Safe, solid fencing
No gaps, loose boards, exposed wire, or sharp edges.

• Shelter
Run-in shed, windbreak, or barn access depending on your boarding setup.

• Clean, fresh water source
Automatic or heated waterers checked daily.

• Hay storage
Dry, organized, and rodent-safe.

For winter-specific prep, you may also like:
👉 “Practical Cold-Weather Tips to Keep You and Your Horse Warm and Happy This Season” [link]

Care & Support Checklist

• Farrier booked (don’t wait until there’s an issue)
• Vet + emergency clinic saved in your phone
• Feeding plan (hay amount, mineral, grain if needed)
• Trainer or experienced mentor ready to support you

Want the full cost breakdown for all these items?

See our companion guide:
👉 “How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse in 2026?”
[link]

9. Safe Places to Look for Horses

(Where Beginners Should Start Their Search)

Choose places that match horses to riders honestly.

Good options:

• Reputable breeders
• Local trainers
• Well-known boarding barns
• Lesson programs with retiring school horses
• Word of mouth from trusted horsepeople

Use caution with:

• Random online listings
• Sellers who refuse visits
• “Too good to be true” pricing

If you can’t try the horse in person → don’t buy it.

10. Red Flags to Watch For

(Signs to Walk Away Immediately)

These are deal-breakers:

• Seller refuses a vet exam
• No videos, or strategically angled pictures
• Horse acts differently with owner vs. you
• Drugging, over-working or hiding behaviour
• Long list of past owners
• Rushed sale (“must sell today”)
• Poor condition (hooves, ribs, dull coat)

If something feels off — trust your gut.

Ready to Meet Your First Horse?

Browse Happy Horses Available Horses
➡️ HappyHorses.ca

Each listing includes:

• Rider match
• Training level
• Suitability
• Personality notes
• Transparent behaviour information

We want your first horse to be the right horse — for both of you.

Should we make a downloadable checklist?

Horse Buying Checklist

1. Know what kind of horse you actually need (age, temperament, training level)
2. Understand full horse ownership costs
3. Prepare questions to ask the seller
4. Know what to look for in photos & videos
5. Know what to look for during a visit/test ride
6. Book a pre-purchase exam (vet check)
7. Prepare your boarding & care plan
8. Buy all beginner essentials before the horse arrives
9. Know safe places to look for horses
10. Know the major red flags when buying

For the full breakdown, read our guide: Top 10 Tips for Buying Your First Horse (Beginner Checklist + Must-Know Red Flags) — [link]

Bibliography (Canadian Sources)

1. Canadian Horse Journal. "Beginner Horse Selection Guide." 2024.
2. Horse Council BC. "Buying a Horse: What Beginners Should Know." 2023.
3. Saskatchewan Horse Federation. "Boarding Costs & Provincial Care Trends." 2025.
4. Prairie Equine Review. "Hay Pricing & Feeding in Western Canada." 2024.
5. Equine Law Canada. "Buyer Protection and Disclosure." 2023.
6. Equestrian Canada. "Evaluating Sale Horses Through Video." 2025.
7. Ontario Equestrian Health. "Pre-Purchase Exams in Canada." 2024.