Buying a Lusitano horse: how to choose well

Buying a horse is a task that calls for a rigorous process. At best, the rider ends up with a good mount for every competition. At worst, they waste their money on an unsuitable one. To avoid the worst, here are some important points.

Consider your level of experience

The rider's level of experience is the main factor pushing them towards one Lusitano rather than another. In practice, a well-schooled horse that is used to being ridden will be easy to handle compared with a horse just starting out. It is wise to know yourself, to assess your own ability and to get your riding instructor's opinion before buying a Lusitano.

The rider's level of experience also implies a significant investment, both in kitting the horse out and in caring for it. You can find good prices at La Sellerie Française . The point here is not to leave the horse in the hands of the experts. Rather, you need to get used to it enough to know whether it is manageable with the knowledge and skill you already have.

Choose for temperament

Not everyone can ride every type of horse. Some Lusitanos are very fiery and need a rider with the skill to contain them. Others are very calm and shy, and need a rider who can spark their enthusiasm for good work. You therefore need to settle on a horse whose temperament matches what you want. Each type of rider suits a particular type of mount.

Ride the horse

A horse is not like other animals: you cannot judge it at a glance. It is a sensitive, surprisingly intelligent animal that reacts according to its rider. You therefore need to make sure it is in tune with you before going ahead with the purchase. With this breed, the horse's quirks are easily managed by the person it takes to. It is therefore recommended to ride the horse several times and go out on a few hacks with it. Only then will you discover the character it has buried deep down or is trying to keep in check. Depending on your ability as a rider, you will be able to gauge how well the two of you click.

Involve a vet

An animal health professional is able to tell you what you do not spot on your new horse. They have the training for it and years of experience to put at your disposal. You may as well make proper use of it. For this reason, a vet specialising in horses is the expert to go to. For such a professional, a few turns around the yard reveal all the animal's hidden flaws. They can then identify its shortcomings, point out its imperfections and advise the prospective owner. Their opinion is entirely objective if you call them in yourself, since they have independent status. Above all, pay attention to the whole diagnosis, and particularly to anything that could spoil your future partnership with the horse.