New Young Horse Buyers: What to Expect

If you're looking to purchase an un-started barrel prospect (say, a 2-year-old) expect to spend at least another two years of care and training before you can compete at a barrel race. Even then, a young horse is generally not a reliable partner for someone who lacks riding experience. The idea of “learning together” is an anthropomorphic ideal better suited for Disney or Netflix than real life. That said, I understand the desire to take up a challenge. There’s something indescribably alluring about an epic journey. An estimated 3,000 people hike the entire Appalachian Trail each year. They could have soaked up the countryside from hotels, motels, or Airbnbs along the way—instead, they chose to walk it. While I’ve never made that 2,000+ mile trip, those who succeed prepare.

Plan A. Enlist the Help of a Good Colt Starter

Unless you have experience starting colts, I highly recommend hiring a professional.

Over the years, I’ve sent colts to various experts, paying anywhere from $750/month to $1,200/month more recently. We live in an area full of horse ranches and top trainers. Prices vary depending on expertise, workload, facilities, and location. I usually send colts for 90 days. I’ve started colts myself, but as I got older, I noticed it was taking longer to get off the ground after being thrown—and it hurt more. Moreover, it’s hard to admit to your employer you got your black eye from a horse—not a bad boyfriend or a bar fight—and you broke three ribs because you let that horse get the best of you.

What to Look for in a Colt Starter

💰 Price

We don’t all have deep pockets. But you get what you pay for. If you can’t afford your ideal colt starter right now, save for it. They’re worth it. Most of the ones I’ve worked with don’t have immediate availability anyway—I’ve scheduled as far as a year out to get on a good one’s list. They usually charge by the month. Some require a 60-day minimum. I've even had a handy guy come to the house and charge by the ride, though that’s atypical for our area.

📍 Location

I like to check in on my horse. Seeing them firsthand gives me a sense of how they’re doing and lets me troubleshoot directly with the pro. That said, some of the best trainers aren't close by.

Ask these questions:

• Will they send video updates?

• What’s the cost of hauling there and back?

• Do they have access to solid vet care, farriers, and bodywork if needed?

  
  

🏡 Facilities

Horses are notorious for finding ways to get hurt. Don’t make it easier for them.

Be aware of the setup:

• Are they turned out in barbed wire or safely contained?

• Is there a covered arena for riding in bad weather?

• Will your horse have time outside a stall?

Good professionals have thought this through.

🧠 Expertise & Professionalism

Not all horse trainers are colt starters. Some are. Bull riders and brave teenagers might be entertaining to watch—but I wouldn’t hire them to start my colt.

Ask around. Get references. Professionals will have a reputation. If no one’s heard of them, that’s a red flag. Sadly, I’ve seen cases where horses weren’t ridden, fed properly, or cared for—all because an owner trusted the wrong person. Don't be that example.

⚖️ Manage Expectations

Talk with your trainer. Ask what your horse should accomplish in 60–90 days. Horses learn at different speeds.

Also consider:

• What happens if the trainer gets sick or has to be away for shows?

• Who’s riding your horse—the pro or a helper?

• Will your horse still be worked in bad weather?

Make sure you know how these things affect your horse’s time under saddle.

And be professional yourself:

• Pay on time.

• Ask if they need the horse adjusted, vaccinated, or evaluated before arriving.

• Schedule your visits—don’t just drop in.

  
  

Plan B: Do It Yourself

(If You Insist...)

If you want to start your own colts and don’t have experience—my hat’s off to you. That pioneering spirit? It’s exactly what the Appalachian Trail is all about. But don’t go it alone. Prepare. Watch YouTube videos. Attend clinics. Talk to the experts. Read up on it. Watch events like Road to the Horse. We have an unprecedented ability to learn almost anything thanks to the Internet.

A few things I’ve learned from personal experience:

• Know your limits.

• Don’t work from fear or frustration.

• Take your time.

• Enjoy the process. It’s not a race.

Last year, I spent time with futurity trainer Katie Luttrell at her ranch in Oklahoma to learn more about her approach. Check out our article, More Than Dollars, in Cowgirl Magazine. Also, watch the two-part video series we created together:

👉 Watch Part 1 & Part 2👉 Read: More Than Dollars in Cowgirl Magazine

I hope you’re inspired. 💘