Finding the right horse is a nightmare. Honestly, it’s one of the most stressful experiences a rider will ever go through, right up there with your first fall or a sudden colic scare. You’re scrolling through Craigslist or EquineNow, looking at blurry photos of a "bombproof" gelding that’s actually a retired bucking horse. This is exactly why people search for a pick a horse book—they want a roadmap. They want someone to tell them how to not get scammed or, worse, how to avoid ending up with a horse that is way beyond their skill level.
But here is the thing. Most books on the market are dry. They’re clinical. They tell you to look for "good conformation" without explaining that a horse with slightly crooked hocks might still be the best trail partner you’ve ever had. You don’t need a textbook; you need a filter.
The Problem With the Standard Pick a Horse Book
The biggest issue I see in most equestrian literature is the obsession with the "ideal." If you open a classic manual, it’ll show you a diagram of a perfect Quarter Horse or a Thoroughbred with a perfectly sloped shoulder. It’s a fantasy. Real horses have quirks. Some have weird personalities, and others have medical histories that would make a vet’s head spin.
When you look for a pick a horse book, you aren't just looking for anatomy lessons. You're looking for behavioral psychology. You’re trying to figure out if that "spirited" mare is actually just barn sour or if she has a genuine neurological issue. Most guides skim over the "red flag" language used in sales ads. Phrases like "needs an experienced hand" usually mean "will try to kill you in the crossties." A good resource should translate that nonsense into plain English.
What You Should Actually Look For
You’ve got to be honest about your own riding. This is the hardest part. I’ve seen intermediate riders buy green-broke three-year-olds because a book told them "growing together" builds a bond. It doesn’t. It usually builds medical bills and a loss of confidence.
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The Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE) is Not Optional
Never, ever skip the vet. I don't care if the horse is a free giveaway from your best friend's aunt. A pick a horse book should dedicate at least three chapters to the PPE. You aren't just checking for lameness. You’re looking for long-term sustainability. Are there signs of early arthritis? Is the horse's heart rate normal under stress?
I remember a friend who bought a "perfect" schoolmaster without a PPE. Six months later, the horse was diagnosed with Navicular disease. It broke her heart and her bank account. A book that doesn’t emphasize the cold, hard reality of veterinary costs is doing you a massive disservice.
Personality Over Pedigree
Unless you’re planning on breeding or hitting the high-level "A" circuit, the name on the papers doesn’t matter as much as the look in the horse’s eye. Is the horse curious? Does he pin his ears when you approach with a saddle? These tiny behavioral cues tell you more than a five-generation pedigree ever will.
Real Resources That Actually Work
If you’re serious about this, you need to look at authors who have actually spent decades in the dirt. Think about people like Cherry Hill or the late, great Margaret Cabell Self. Their advice isn't always flashy, but it's grounded in the reality of horse ownership.
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- How to Think Like a Horse by Cherry Hill is a classic for a reason. It helps you understand the "why" behind the behavior.
- The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Enjoying Your First Horse by Sandy Jessie is another solid entry point, though it’s a bit older now.
You want a pick a horse book that treats the purchase like a business transaction, not a fairy tale. Because it is a business transaction. You’re signing up for a 20-year commitment that costs roughly the same as a small mortgage every month.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Let’s talk about the "cheap" horse. There is no such thing as a cheap horse. If you buy a horse for $500, you will spend $5,000 in the first year on dental work, farrier visits, and specialized feed. Most people buy a book to learn how to pick the animal, but they forget to learn how to pick the lifestyle.
Boarding fees are skyrocketing. In some parts of California or New York, you're looking at $1,200 a month just for a stall and some hay. If the book you're reading doesn't include a budget worksheet, put it down. You need to know how much that "dream horse" is actually going to cost you when he inevitably loses a shoe on a Sunday afternoon when the farrier is at a wedding.
Making the Final Decision
When you finally find a horse that checks the boxes, stop. Take a breath. Take a trainer with you. No pick a horse book can replace the eyes of a professional who has seen a thousand horses.
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A trainer will see the slight hitch in the trot that you missed because you were looking at the horse’s beautiful blaze. They will notice that the seller drugged the horse to make him appear calmer—yes, it happens, and it’s disgusting, but you need to be prepared for it.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, walk away. There will always be another horse. The "one that got away" is usually a blessing in disguise. I’ve walked away from horses that looked perfect on paper but just felt... "wrong." Every time, I later found out the horse had a major temperament issue or a hidden injury.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
Stop looking at the photos and start looking at the videos. Ask for a video of the horse being caught in the pasture. Ask for a video of the horse being loaded into a trailer. These are the moments where the true training—or lack thereof—shows up.
- Define your actual goal. Are you trail riding once a month or aiming for a dressage medal? Be ruthless with this.
- Set a hard budget. Include the purchase price AND the first six months of care.
- Interview your vet before you find the horse. Know who you’re going to call for that PPE before you’re under pressure to make a deal.
- Read the fine print. If you’re buying from a dealer, what is their return policy? (Most don't have one).
- Try the horse at least twice. Once in the arena, once out on a trail or in an open field. A horse that is an angel in an indoor arena might be a fire-breathing dragon once he sees a plastic bag in the woods.
Buying a horse is a massive undertaking. It’s emotional. It’s expensive. But if you go into it with your eyes open and a solid pick a horse book as a reference guide, you’re much less likely to end up with a disaster in your pasture. Focus on temperament, get the vet involved early, and never buy the first horse you see just because he’s pretty.