continued
how to . . .Buy the Perfect Horse
by Marj Piazza
Republished
with permission from HorsePower
Where to Look
When starting a search for the right horse, there are a number
of places to look - some good, some not so good.
The inexperienced buyer is best to shy away from public auctions.
At auction sales, there is seldom the opportunity to become familiar
with the horse's real disposition, nor to handle or ride the
horse. Also, unfortunately, there are some dishonest people out
there still who tranquillize horses, or give pain-killing drugs
to a horse before putting him in the sale. Obviously, a drugged
horse can turn unmanageable once the tranquillizer wears off,
while a pain-killer can make a lame horse look sound until the
drug stops working.
There are many good places to find horses for sale. It is usually
the best idea for a first-time buyer to shop as close to home
as possible, then widen the search, if necessary. Buying close
to home gives the opportunity to see the horse several times
before a final decision is reached.
Friends, riding instructors, veterinarians, farriers, and other
horse owners can often recommend a good horse for sale, or reputable
stables or farms that sell horses. Often many local town papers
or horse magazines run ads. Sometimes a good lead can turn up
there.
Read Between the Lines
Regardless where the information on a horse comes from, always
phone first. This is not just good manners; a call can often
save time and miles. An ad stating "Well-trained saddle
horse for sale. Suitable for beginner" could be the perfect
horse. On the other hand, the horse may be 25 years old, much
too small, completely out of your price range, or sold yesterday.
When you go to see a horse, take note of everything you see.
Is the horse easy to catch? Spending endless time trying to catch
a horse every time you want to ride is extremely frustrating
and takes a good deal of the fun out of owning a horse. Watch
to see if he leads well, neither charging ahead nor dragging
behind. Note if he goes quietly through stall doors or gates.
Pay attention to how the horse reacts to grooming and tacking
up. Does he tie without pulling back? If the horse shows tendencies
to kick, bite, or jump out from under the saddle - forget him.
Watch to see if the horse accepts the bridle willingly. A daily
fight tacking up can quickly make you lose interest in riding.
Ask to have his feet picked up - both front and back - to see
if he is co-operative. Note that the hooves are in good condition.
Inquire about how he acts during shoeing.
Ask if he trailer loads readily and travels quietly.
Observe the horse's behaviour as the owner (rider) works the
horse under saddle. Be particularly watchful of the horse's reaction
to being mounted. The horse should stand quietly.
Watch to see how the horse moves. A well-trained horse should
move out quietly and willingly. A lazy horse, which requires
constant urging at every step, can soon become a bore. At the
other extreme, the horse that leaps into action can be extremely
frightening, and even dangerous.
The Test Drive
If the horse seems to be a decent sort, then the buyer should
ride the horse herself/himself, but must be aware that the horse
may not perform as well as he did for his regular rider. Horses
usually work best for the rider they are used to, so it might
be somewhat confused with a new rider. Even so, he should be
easily controlled at the walk, trot and canter (lope), and easily
stopped.
If the horse is to be used mostly for pleasure and trail riding,
it is a very good idea to ask to take him out of the arena, to
see how he reacts away from the barn.
Shop Around
Even if the horse appears to be ideal, it is a good idea to view
some other horses before making a final decision. By looking
at other prospects, you can compare and be sure you buy the best
horse available, at the price you are prepared to pay. If it
is possible to have a friend bring a camcorder to film each horse
you look at, all the better, as you can study each horse in the
privacy of your own home, without any outside pressures.
Your Responsibility as a Horse Owner
Remember, no matter how perfect the horse, he will only do well
if he is cared for with love and understanding. He does not need
an expensive barn, but does need shelter of some type to protect
him from the weather. He needs clean space in which to move around,
good food, fresh water, regular farrier service, and a regular
worming and vaccination program.
Owning and riding a horse can be a source of great joy. But horse
ownership also means taking responsibility for the animal's health
and well-being. A first time buyer, or anyone purchasing any
animal, must be sure they are willing to make that full-time
commitment.
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