How to Choose a Trail Horse for the Riding You Actually Do
“Trail ridden” can mean a lot of things.
It might mean a horse has spent years carrying someone through rocky country. It might mean he follows another horse down a flat path behind the barn.
Both are worth knowing about. Neither description tells you enough on its own.
When you’re looking at trail horses for sale, start with the places you ride and the situations you expect to encounter.
Describe your trails to the seller
Tell the seller what a normal outing looks like.
Maybe you ride wooded trails with narrow bridges. Maybe you haul into the mountains. Maybe your route includes gates, bicycles, dogs, or a short stretch beside a road.
Ask where the horse has been ridden and how recently. Follow up with specifics:
- Has he crossed water?
- Has he been ridden on rocky ground or steep trails?
- Has he encountered bikes, dogs, or vehicles?
- How does he handle stopping while other horses keep moving?
- Has he hauled to unfamiliar trailheads?
An answer such as “We rode him through a shallow creek last weekend” gives you more to discuss than “He goes anywhere.”
Talk about group rides and riding alone separately
If you usually ride alone, make that clear before you schedule a visit.
Ask whether the seller actually takes the horse out alone, how often, and how he behaves leaving home. If the horse has only gone out with company, you still have a question to resolve.
For group rides, ask about different positions. Does he usually lead? Follow one familiar horse? Walk at the back? What happens when the group stops?
Avoid arranging a test that puts the horse or rider in an unfamiliar, unsafe situation. Ask the seller to demonstrate established work, and bring an experienced trainer or instructor if you need help assessing the match.
Include the parts before and after the ride
Think through your whole day.
You catch the horse, load the trailer, unload somewhere new, saddle up, and get on. At some point you may need to dismount and mount again.
If you use a mounting block at home, ask how the horse stands beside one. If you need help mounting on the trail, discuss that before the visit.
Ask about the trailer setup he knows, too. “Loads well” is a useful starting point; knowing what he regularly loads into makes the answer clearer.
Arrange a visit that answers your remaining questions
Tell the seller what you hope to see before you arrive. Ask to watch them handle and ride the horse first.
Keep your own ride within your ability. You do not need to finish a planned route if you feel uncomfortable. For an inexperienced buyer, Extension Horses recommends involving an equine professional when choosing a horse. Read its buying advice.
Discuss the expected terrain, ride length, and frequency with your veterinarian when arranging a purchase exam. Those details help explain the job you are buying the horse for. The AAEP explains how intended use informs the exam.
Browse trail horses for sale on The Cavvy. Use the listing to start the conversation, then work through the details of your own riding plans.