23/11/2025
Someone in one of the groups I'm in asked what they should look for in a horse. Their last horse was dangerous and they had to sell it after going through three trainers.
My comment has gotten a lot of likes and praise so I figured I would share it here.
This was my advice to them:
When you spend enough time around horses, you start to realize that “safe” is never a single trait. It is a pattern. It shows up in how a horse thinks, how it handles pressure, how it moves its feet, and how honestly it responds when something unexpected happens. Safety is really emotional availability paired with consistent handling.
Here are the areas I always slow down and study when evaluating a horse for safety.
Temperament and recovery
The safest horses I have bought were not the quietest. They were the ones that showed a startle, then came back to neutral within seconds. You want to see how a horse recovers from a small surprise. Tap the saddle gently, drop a brush, crinkle a jacket. The question is not “does it react” but “does it come back to you and think.” Horses that recover quickly are horses that won’t escalate when things go sideways.
Groundwork basics
A safe riding horse is first a safe horse on the ground. I watch for softness in the halter, willingness to yield the hindquarters and shoulders, easy backing, and a horse that doesn’t crowd my space. If they understand these building blocks, they have a foundation that keeps you out of trouble later.
Handler respect vs. fear
A horse that looks obedient because it is scared is a risk. A horse that looks connected because it trusts is a partner. You can see it in the eyes and the lick and chew. You can feel it in how they follow a lead rope. You want a horse that is paying attention, not shutting down.
Past experience and seasoning
A horse with real miles in the arena, on the trail, or at shows will have been exposed to enough “life” that they don’t melt down over the random things that pop up. Ask the seller very specific questions about where the horse has been ridden, at what pace, in what company, and how often.
Consistency in movement
Watch them move in all gaits and in both directions. A horse that is sound, balanced, and not tense in the body is less likely to trip, bolt, or brace. Tension in the topline or a short, choppy gait can be physical or emotional and often turns into unsafe moments under saddle.
Ride evaluation
If you can, ride the horse or watch someone else ride. Look for a horse that:
• Stops when asked, softly
• Steers without resistance
• Moves off the leg with minimal confusion
• Doesn’t brace its neck when unsure
These cues show how well the horse understands communication, which is the backbone of safety.
History of injuries or handling issues
Dig into vet records and seller transparency. Old injuries, past colic surgeries, or history of bolting, bucking, or rearing matter. Patterns repeat unless they were addressed with real training and rehab.
How the horse behaves after a break
If the horse has sat for a week or a month, how does it come back? A truly safe horse might feel a little fresh but should not turn explosive. Ask when it was last ridden and request to see it ridden from cold.
Your own instinct
Whenever I ignored my gut, I paid for it with time, training, or vet bills. If something feels off, pay attention. Safe horses give you a sense of softness, presence, and openness even if they are green.
