it depends on what kind of riding you plan on doing, and your experience.

I agree it does depend on what type of riding you are looking to do. However, I think one of your best bets is to seek a horse from a rescue. Many horses need homes, especially in this economy. I work as a volunteer at a horse and pony rescue and many of our sweet friends are from the track. Several are young and were no longer wanted because they were not winning on the track. It's very sad how many ignorant people just use and abuse these amazing creatures. When you adopt one from a rescue and give them a kind and loving home you also help us in that we now have any empty stall to take in another rescue with the hopes of finding them their forever home. Plus unfortunately many people in the horse world are not honest and will drug horses to mask problems that you may not be able to detect until a week or two later. Rescues are unlikely to even engage in this kind of nonsense because the people there love these animals and want the best for them. If you decide to buy elsewhere I'd suggest that you bring a qualified horse trainer like the person you take riding lessons from (as they know what to look for), have a vet conduct an exam for general health and run a drug test, and only agree to purchasing a particular horse on the condition that you are allowed to take the horse on a week or two trial basis. You want to make sure you have a bond and a connection with your new friend. It may sound crazy to some, but there is a chemistry there just like there is with a best friend or lover. Your horse needs to trust you just as much as you need to trust them. Once you find that match, it only gets better. Horses are so much fun and bring a lot of happiness into our lives. We can thank God for that!!!! :) Lots of luck!!!