Working with horse lovers all day long every day at my job I come across many first-time horse owners that have ended up with a horse that doesn’t suit them and or doesn’t want to do what they want them to. Purchasing a horse doesn’t have to be scary or a long and hard process. However, it may take time to find all those qualities you desire all in one package. But don’t worry the right one is out there somewhere. Here are a few things you need to consider when looking at horses.
The most important thing to remember when purchasing a horse is to realize the seller’s idea of a “broke horse” and yours might be two different things. One man’s “kid broke horse” is another man’s “only broke for experienced rider’s horse”. It is important to look at overall health and soundness of the horse. Make sure you ask every question you can think of when it comes to health and care you can never ask too many.
When going to ride a horse to potentially purchase you want to be sure it is trained in the areas you plan on doing with the horse unless you are buying a project horse. Be sure to ride the horse and run them through everything you intend to do with him/her. The way you click with a horse is extremely important as well. You want the horse to take all the cues you give to him/her and they react accordingly. Granted it is an animal and they will have their moments. But, if it is a problem on the first ride chances are they won’t work out for you in the long run.
After you have ridden the horse and decide that it might be the one, be sure to evaluate the feet, teeth, ground manners, and habits. These are all crucial to how well the horse is going to fit in with you and react to certain things. Ground manners are huge. A horse that is pushing you around on the ground will more than likely not respect you in the saddle as well. It is important to remember to question everything you can think of.
I know you are thinking this seems like a big task, and a lot is at stake when purchasing a horse. Take it from my example, when I bought my gelding Jazz I looked at over twenty horses trying to find the right one. But wow, am I glad that I waited for the right one because I share a bond with my horse like no other bond I have ever shared with any other animal. When you find the right one you will know.. Purchasing a horse can be stressful. However, keep in mind the right one is out there and do not settle for one... If you keep these few things in mind and keep an open mind as well then you are well on your way to finding your new furry best friend, which you hopefully will share an immense bond with.
Leah
No comments:
Post a Comment