Better to share or loan a horse or pony before buying

We asked our friends on Facebook yesterday for their advice to an imaginary best friend who was about to buy a horse or pony for the first time. To our surprise, nearly all the answers were a resounding ‘Don’t!’

Some good suggestions were made, such as putting off buying until the friend had more experience, finding a pony or horse to share first or helping out at a riding school. All of these are important to consider before taking the plunge and purchasing your own animal. Ask yourself if you really need your own. Both Ireland and the United Kingdom are flooded with unwanted horses and ponies while rescue agencies work night and day to cope with the lame, sick and abandoned equines coming through their gates that many people thought they wanted and now either don’t or can’t afford to keep.

If you’ve no experience of owning a horse, put up a notice in a local riding school or tack shop and see if anyone wants a hand. By helping other horsey people, you’ll find out if this is what you really want and if you’ve got the time and the money to cope. A horse is a huge commitment and the most expensive part begins after you’ve written the cheque to buy him.

We’ve more info on buying here, and an article written by a 12 year old about her first pony here and, if you’d like to see photos and stories of rescued equines who’ve found kind homes.