So you want to be a horse-person....

What does a newbie to the culture of horses need to know?

Not everyone in the horse world is honest or trustworthy. However, it's more likely you will meet some of the most amazing and wonderful people -- and some of them will be your best friends for the rest of your life. 

You will not be successful without connections within the horse community. Your goal as a prospective horseperson should be to create a network of knowledgeable people at your barn and in the local horse community with whom you can ride, ask questions, get good advice and trust with yourself and your horse. The network you create will help you find farriers, veterinarians, competitions, trails, horse supplies -- and even your own horse.

At a minimum, you need a trainer who can help you through the ins and outs of riding, competing and ownership.

The best advice: Start slowly.

• Begin by taking riding lessons. Get lots of experience riding different horses in different styles.
• Do some barn work.
• Help clean stalls.
• Ask questions and help with sick and injured horses.
• Hang out at the barn and observe all the work that goes into caring for horses.

Don't be fooled by jargon.

• A trainer who uses “natural horsemanship” is not necessarily a good or bad trainer.
• The same goes for “Parrelli” trainers -- or any other system of training.
• Any trainer who insists that you buy a specific brand of equipment is just trying to get money out of you. Use your own common sense and obtain products which are high quality and safe.

If you are ready to consider buying a horse, there is much more to consider.

• Make sure you can handle the work.
• Start budgeting. The cheapest part of owning a horse is the initial purchase price. Then come the bills for:
• Boarding
• Feed
• Veterinary care
• Your farrier
• Hauling
• Tack and supplies

• Talk to your trainer.

• Ask if he or she thinks you are ready.
• Try a lot of different horses.
• Figure out what you plan to do with your horse.
• If you have been taking riding lessons, you will have to purchase tack and supplies of your own.
• Your trainer will know what horses will work best for you -- and where to find them.

If you find yourself at a barn or working with a trainer who you determine does not have your best interests in mind, you can leave.

• Talk to other people in your horse network.
• Figure out what you like and don’t like about your current barn and trainer.
• Use that criteria and check out other barns.
• Give notice that you are leaving-at least two weeks ahead, and check any contracts you signed so that you don’t end up owing money.

Your success in the horse world may not depend on money. You can ride and even own horses on a tight budget if:

• Your trainer is willing to work with you.
• You have set your expectations accordingly.
• You have found a barn willing to work with a boarder who has a limited budget; you may have to look hard to find one.

Competitions are expensive -- but without experience at competitions, you will not perform as well as those who can afford to compete every weekend. Even so, you can ride and compete on an unlimited budget and still not win.

• Winning requires the right horse, right trainer, and your own skill and talent as a rider.
• The most expensive horse and trainer will not always win.
• You must have a good relationship with your trainer. That person must know what your goals are and what is feasible for you and your horse. He or she must also be honest with you about your ability, experience and skill.

This is just the beginning of all the things you should know and will learn as you venture into the world of horses. It's OK to make mistakes, and you probably will get in over your head. Use your network for support and advice in dealing with the many pitfalls of getting started in the horse world.

Remember, horses are addictive, expensive, and may impair the ability to use common sense.