how to . . .Buy the Perfect
Horse
by Marj Piazza
Republished
with permission from HorsePower
Buying a first horse is an exciting
experience, but it is important not to let excitement and enthusiasm
overrule good judgement.
A horse is not only an investment money-wise, but also an investment
in time and emotions. The right horse can bring endless hours
of pleasure; the wrong horse can bring disappointment, frustration,
and in some instances, even danger.
There are many good horses available, so if the first time buyer
is willing to put some thought and effort into the choice, they
can indeed find a suitable horse.
Colour or Manners First?
Before actually beginning the search, it is a very good idea
to think seriously about the type of horse desired. The first-
time owner often pictures a "dream horse" of a certain
colour. In truth, colour should be very low on a list of importance.
The most important things to look for are the training, manners,
soundness and size. If all these qualities can be found in a
favourite colour, go for it. If not, sacrifice colour first.
When considering the amount of training desired, consider first
the amount of experience the buyer has. A good rule of thumb
is, the less experienced the rider, the more experienced the
horse. For a beginning rider, a well-trained, mature, mannerly
horse will certainly be the best buy. Naturally, a well-trained
horse will cost more than a young untrained horse, but it will
be money well spent. A well trained, mannerly horse, ridden and
handled correctly, can always be sold again at a fair price if
the rider decides to try a more challenging horse at a later
date. On the other hand, a young, untrained horse in the hands
of an inexperienced rider could end up spoiled and worthless.
Also an inexperienced rider could easily get hurt trying to train
a young or spoiled mount.
Tall or Small?
When it comes to the height of the horse, the rider's height
and weight, plus what he plans to use the horse for, will likely
be the deciding factors. Height is usually a personal preference,
but a long-legged person will likely not be comfortable on a
little 14-hand pony, while the very small rider may find it difficult
to manage a huge 17-hander. If the horse and rider are both comfortable,
then the height is right.
The basic conformation of the horse should be good, regardless
of breeding or type. He should have strong legs and feet, good
withers, with a nice slope to his shoulders. He should not have
conformation faults that might result in unsoundness at a later
date, such as feet too small, very straight pasterns, crooked
legs, or other problems. It is always a very good idea for a
less experienced buyer to take along an experienced horse person
to look over any horse that is being considered for purchase.
Male or Female?
The sex of the riding horse is not of major importance, except
in the case of a stallion. Under no circumstances should a first-time
horse owner ever consider a stallion as a riding horse, no matter
how many times they are told he is a perfect gentleman, etc.
Even the best trained, mannerly stallions are unpredictable at
times and are not safe as a pleasure horse, except for the very,
very experienced. So choose either a mare or a gelding. Some
mares get cranky when they come into season, and can be very
moody, excitable or just plain hard to get along with at that
time. As a general rule, geldings are usually more even-tempered
than mares.
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