The truth is, your rider is going to need a horse after less than a year of lessons.  We have made some really bad decisions over the years, and several great ones.

First and foremost, the rider’s safety is crucial.  The horse must not put the rider at risk.

Second, this is not your last horse.  We all dream of finding a horse that is perfect today, young and capable enough for your rider to take to the Olympics when they are ready, and inexpensive enough that you don’t need a second mortgage.  NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!  That horse does not exist!  The safe horse at your rider’s current level is going to need replacing as the rider advances.  Plan on it, and get a horse today that is resaleable when horse # 2 is purchased.

Third, there is no system to help you evaluate the horse pre-purchase.  No unbiased appraisers, no independent opinions.  You are stuck with your trainer who has a monetary stake in your purchase and is therefore biased.  We learned this the hard way, and now realize that the trainer’s integrity and concern for your rider is vitally important.  Listen to and question the trainer and make sure they understand your parameters, and then follow their advice. If you can’t feel comfortable doing this, change trainers. Yes, there are cases where someone found their own horse, and ended up pleased, but there are a hundred examples that did not work out for each success.