Horse Shopping 101: Finding Your Ideal Competition Partner

Friendly advice and real-world tips to help you pick a competition horse you’ll genuinely love.

By Sarah Mitchell

Ever experienced that instant connection when you spot a horse across the arena and think, “This is the one”? Maybe it’s their flashy trot, the effortless jump, or that special spark in their eyes. It’s easy to fall hard, isn’t it? But sometimes, as Lisa Turner discovered, love at first sight can lead to some tough—and costly—lessons.

Lisa met her dream horse at a sunny barn in Florida. A dazzling chestnut Warmblood, he had that star-quality presence. Without much hesitation, she handed over $45,000, certain he’d carry her straight to blue ribbons. But just six months down the road, chronic suspensory problems sidelined him permanently. Her dream quickly turned into an expensive wake-up call.

“I was swept away by his looks and charm,” Lisa admits, shaking her head. “Looking back, I should’ve prioritized his long-term health and how well he suited my riding ambitions.” Lisa’s far from alone—this scenario happens more often than you’d think.

So how do you avoid this heartache? Glad you asked.

Matching the Horse to Your Riding Discipline

Think of choosing a horse like selecting the right gear for a sport—you wouldn’t run a marathon in basketball shoes, would you? The same logic applies here.

Dressage enthusiasts, for example, should focus on horses naturally built uphill (the front slightly taller than the hindquarters). This makes those elegant, floaty movements much easier. Horses with long, graceful strides and balanced, rhythmic gaits often excel. A naturally supple and relaxed horse helps create those picture-perfect moments judges love. You might notice dressage horses seem to move as though they’re dancing; it’s this effortless harmony you’re aiming for.

Show jumpers, on the other hand, need powerhouse hindquarters that deliver strength and precision for explosive jumps. Imagine the hindquarters as the horse’s engine, driving them over fences. Ideal shoulder angles (around 45-50 degrees) ensure agility and tidy landings. Additionally, look for horses with quick reflexes, a confident temperament, and a natural enthusiasm for jumping. Ever seen a horse genuinely excited approaching a jump? That’s what you’re after.

If western sports like reining or barrel racing are your passion, you’ll want a compact, muscular horse with legs built for swift, sharp turns and instant acceleration. Think of these horses as the equine version of sports cars—agile, powerful, and able to change direction in a heartbeat. Temperament is critical here, too—confidence, responsiveness, and a little fire (but not too much!) make all the difference in the arena.

Soundness: Your Secret Weapon

Now here’s a truth bomb: It doesn’t matter how jaw-dropping a horse looks if they can’t stay sound. Soundness might seem boring compared to fancy gaits or high jumps, but trust me—it’s your ultimate game changer.

This is why a thorough veterinary exam isn’t just recommended; it’s essential. Flexion tests, radiographs, and a comprehensive physical exam will catch those sneaky issues that can become nightmares later. Dr. Jennifer Morrison, a seasoned vet specializing in sport horses, often reminds riders, “A horse that’s fine for local shows might not handle the stress of high-level competition. Know exactly what you want, and make sure the horse can realistically deliver.”

Budgeting for ongoing maintenance matters too. Supplements, specialized shoeing, bodywork, and regular vet visits can feel like pouring money into a bottomless pit if you’re not prepared. It’s all manageable—but only if you anticipate it from the start.

Personality Counts—More Than You Think

Okay, let’s be real: A horse’s personality can make or break your riding journey. Ever tried to partner with someone who’s talented but unwilling to cooperate? Yeah, not fun.

When evaluating horses, look closely at how they handle new experiences. Are they curious or anxious? Do they respond to gentle corrections positively or resist stubbornly? Olympic dressage rider Steffen Peters says it best: “I always look for a horse eager to partner with me. Athleticism is great, but willingness matters more.”

If possible, observe the horse in a competitive environment. Watching them navigate pressure and distractions can reveal a lot about their real-world behavior. Notice if they maintain consistent performance, recover quickly from mistakes, or seem rattled by unexpected noises and busy surroundings. Watch their body language closely—are their ears forward and attentive, or pinned back with tension? Do they seem genuinely engaged, or merely enduring the chaos? A horse that can keep its cool, maintain focus, and even seem to enjoy the buzz of competition is worth their weight in gold.

Fundamentals First, Fancy Stuff Later

Here’s something trainers swear by: solid basics are everything. Flashy tricks grab attention, sure, but without fundamentals—respectful ground manners, immediate responsiveness to basic cues, smooth gait transitions—you’ll struggle long-term.

Hunter/jumper trainer Michelle Roberts insists, “Give me a horse with solid basics any day. You can always teach fancy moves later, but correcting deep-rooted problems? Much tougher.” Keep this in mind when tempted by the showiest moves.

Smart Budgeting, Expert Advice, and Taking Your Sweet Time

Buying a horse isn’t like grabbing coffee—you’ve got to slow down and consider your options carefully. Setting a realistic budget is critical, and that means factoring in transportation, board, training, equipment, vet bills, and insurance. Trust me, the hidden costs add up quickly.

Surround yourself with a support crew—your trainer, vet, or trusted friends who aren’t afraid to give you brutally honest feedback. Having objective opinions can save you from emotional decisions you’ll regret later.

And most importantly, don’t rush. Ride the horse multiple times, observe different environments, and ask a million questions if you need to. The right horse will stand up to your scrutiny.

Trust Your Instincts (But Not Too Blindly)

Your gut instinct is one of your best tools—but let’s be honest, it isn’t foolproof. You’ve probably felt it before: something feels a bit off, even though you can’t put your finger on it. Boyd Martin, a renowned eventer, always advises riders, “Listen to your instincts, because they’re often picking up on subtle cues your brain hasn’t processed yet.” However, always balance your gut feelings with careful research and expert advice. Remember, instincts guide you, but facts confirm your decision.

It’s easy to fall in love with a shiny coat or a powerful jump, but those first impressions should be the start—not the end—of your evaluation. Emotions can point you in the right direction, but a trusted team and a clear checklist keep your decision grounded. So yes, listen to that inner voice—but make sure it’s joined by experience, objectivity, and a little healthy skepticism.

Your Perfect Match is Waiting

Let’s be real—horse shopping can be emotional, unpredictable, and at times, downright exhausting. But it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences in your riding journey. Every horse you try, every question you ask, and every ride that doesn’t quite click is guiding you closer to the one that will.

Your perfect match might not be the fanciest mover in the barn or the one with the biggest ribbons. It could be the horse that quietly tries their heart out every time you ask, or the one who stands still while you tack up on a windy day. The right horse makes you feel confident, inspired, and excited to ride again tomorrow.

So take your time. Stay curious. Trust the process. Because when you do find that horse—the one that fits your goals, your budget, and your soul—it won’t just be a good purchase. It’ll be the beginning of a partnership that could shape your entire riding life.

And isn’t that what we’re all really looking for?