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Articles
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Horse Training Success
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"Horse
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Buying A
Horse - On The Day Of Viewing
So
you've weeded out the unsuitables over the phone and found a horse that
seems to fit your criteria. Obviously the next step is to go and have a
look...
Buying a
horse is buyer beware. Not to make you frightened,
but
it is your responsibility to make sure the horse you choose is what you
expected you were getting. Check all claims made about an animal out
for yourself.
To
start with, take someone you know who knows horses. If you don't know
anyone who will volunteer their time, consider paying a trainer or
riding instructor for their time as it will be money well spent. There
is so much to take in when viewing a prospective horse that many eyes
alone will give a more accurate picture. Different people will 'see'
different things. A beginner may see an affectionate good looking
animal. An experienced horse person may observe an arthritic joint and
a tendency towards pushiness.
Also
on a general note, take lots of pictures. Consider making notes. If you
have particular questions in mind, write them down beforehand and note
the answers when you ask. This way you'll cover everything and remember
a lot.
Health.
Although the domain of health is for the experts, look for a general
impression of wellness. In a well lit place, is the coat shiny
and smooth to the touch? Are ribs showing? Does he have a pot belly?
Are the hooves broken, cracked or poorly cared for? Is the horse alert
or half asleep? Are the eyes bright and clear? The
ears scanning for sounds?
Temperament. How
is this horse around other horses? Watching him being walked past other
horses as he is brought in from the pasture or out from the stable will
give you and idea of how he relates to other horses. Does
he kick or bite? This might be forgivable when directed at other
horses, but not at humans. Do not buy a horse with bad manners.
Training.
Ask for
and watch the horse being caught, led, tied and groomed, including
having all hooves picked out. Have
a
demonstration of the horse being
put on a trailer. Watch the horse being
saddled and
mounted. In short, ask to see everything
demonstrated that you'd do with this horse yourself. How does he behave?
Riding.
Let the
owner ride first and put the horse through all it's paces and special
skills. How
smooth are the horse's responses? Are there any signs of resistance or
fighting? Head tossing, leaning on the bit, laziness, tugging?
Your Turn. Ask your
knowledgable friend to try the horse out and then you have a go too.
Watch for how the horse reacts to you. Go back to the basics and try
all the everyday stuff as well. Leading, grooming, hoof handling,
saddling up.
Paperwork.
If this horse is a registered breed, ask to see the papers.
If
the horse does not behave, that's kicking, biting, rearing, bucking,
bolting etc then don't buy it. Did you hear that? No matter how
stunning you think this horse may be! Don't buy it. Yes you want to
feel a strong commitment to your animal AND you also want a
well-behaved animal, especially if this is your first horse. Don't
settle on a gorgeous looking bucker. It's not worth it, and the well
behaved ones come in 'stunning' too.
It
can be worth making a second visit. Ask the questions you forgot the
first time. Repeat the same questions from the first time. Do the
answers match? Is the horse behaving in the same manner?
Want to make a
comment? Please add it to the blog at
http://horsetrainingsuccess.blogspot.com/2007/09/buying-horse-on-day-of-viewing.html
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