When shopping for a horse, start by looking at online ads. At first, only look at picture ads. Look for a picture that pops out at you, and what you do. If you're a dressage rider, the picture should show the horse tacked up and being ridden, or at a show. If you're a trail rider, you should look for a picture of the horse walking through a stream, or being ridden on the trail.

When emailing sellers about their horse, make sure you ask important questions first. Ask about the horse's health history, and ask if they will release the vet's records to you. Ask if the horse has any behavior problems, such as rearing or bucking. Also, make sure they send you more pictures.

When you schedule a time to see the horse in person, make sure you are on time. A lot of horse people will not take you seriously unless you are there at the time you said you would be. Bring an experienced friend with you, or a vet. Do not go alone, especially as a beginner horse buyer. Make the owner ride the horse first, if they will not ride their horse before you do, that is a big red flag.

Everything that you do with the owner, make sure you get records of it. Save all your emails, and do not bring the horse home without a solid contract signed by the both of you. Preferably, pay by a check instead of cash.

Please feel free to post any questions you may have!