Purchasing a Horse

I have had a lot of people ask what I look for in a horse, and what I want to see if I am purchasing a horse.
1. Look at attitude.
a. walk up to you in the pasture
b. Stand to put the Halter on
c. Wait for me to walk.

2. Quiet
a. Stand by me and pay attention to me.
b. stand quietly when tied
c. Stand quietly when saddle

3. Walk, Trot Lope and STOP.
a. quietly move at the gate I am asking for.
b. give their head to both sides.
c. Move away from pressure, on the ground and in the saddle.

4.Always go back to try the horse at least 3 times before purchasing.

Please do not fall for the "let your children and young horse grow up together", this is a good way to get your child hurt and they will lose interest in horses if the horse scares them.
Beginners and Young children should always look for older horses, 5 and up
Novice and Teens with experience can look for something younger but Well Started.

This is my Thought, You are going to pay for it one way or the other. Pay for a well broke experienced horse or send the younger inexperenced one to a traineer. The latter will take more time.

Have fun and Have a safe Ride