| Buying Your First Horse: |
| Buying your first horse can be quite exciting although there are quite a few things you must ask yourself ~ Can I provide a safe home? ~ Am I responsible? ~ Am I knowlegdeable? ~ Can I meet the horses every need? ~ Am I financially inclined in every direction? With the answer "Yes" to all of the questions above, then you are ready to buy your first horse. So start out by looking in the paper, on the internet, talking to your instructor or place a wanted ad in a horse magazine! You have to also remember your not just purchasing the horse you have to buy tack, blankets, bedding, feed, insurance(optional but recommend), hay nets, feed buckets, halters, lead shanks etc. You also have to be perpared to pay for the farrier, vet checks, worming medications and most of all unexpected emergencies! All of these can add up to a bundle of money. So the question about being finacially inclined is pretty serious! |
| When choosing breed of horse, you must put the discipline you want to do toward the breed of horse. For example for 3 day eventing you want high energy, with enormous athletic ablility so Thorougbreds, Warmbloods etc. It is extremely important to purchase the right horse that can do the job of what you want of it and which is within your riding ability. When looking at a potential purchase you must consider the signs of good health. ~ Clear eyes ~ Horse is bright and alert ~ Coat should be glossy and lie flat (no curls) ~ Skin should be clear of scrapes, scabs etc. ~ Horse breathing properly and physical fitness ~ Walks effortlessly Remember what your riding ability is, it is vital. If you are inexperienced then you should have your trainer or vet come along with you. When examining the horse ask the seller as many questions as you can about the horse such as what type of training has he /she done?, what is the horse suitable for?, Has the horse ever been lame?, and the list could go on and on! The go over the horse yourself and check for bumps soar spots etc. When going to see a horse I suggest you ride it. Test everything, from the walk to the canter, steering, stopping and be sure to watch how the seller tacks up the horse. Notice any unusual behaviours such as nipping, figiting etc. Once you have asked all the questions, examined the horse and rode. Don't purchase right away. Think about it, then return to see the horse without an appointment, for this reason, sellers are often known to drug problem or hot horses. When drugging the horse it takes 4 hours and the horse will seem calm and on his/her awesome behaviour. So I suggest arrive to see the horse again unexpectantly. ( I have personally experienced such an event when looking for my first horse!) If everything checks out to be GREAT then you have yourself a horse ! Good luck purchasing your first horse, I hope this information has helped you! |
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