It’s summer and many riders’ thoughts turn to finding that
perfect equine partner. But finding a perfect match can be a real challenge.
Not only does the prospective buyer need to consider his or her experience,
skills and budget but the horse’s level of training, soundness
and suitability for its intended purpose. Frustration often runs high
but here are suggestions that may not only make your shopping more pleasant
but will help ensure a happy, long-term relationship!
- Review your "wish list" with
a qualified trainer or instructor. Everyone has a dream horse but it can be very helpful to take the time
to discuss your goals and expectations with a qualified professional
before you begin your search. What do you want to do with your horse?
Trail ride? Safely walk, trot, canter? Show in halter classes or at
second level? Learn the upper level dressage movements? Or watch your
trainer
ride in shows and ride for pleasure? How much time and money are you
willing to invest to reach your goal? And most importantly, are your
expectations realistic? People have very different goals. By taking
the time to really think through your expectations you are much more
likely
to find a horse that is a good match.
- Green Horses and Green Riders are not a good
combination. This is
not new advice. In fact, it is one of the most often repeated axioms
of horse ownership. But it bears repeating because there are too many
people who do not take it seriously. A parent wants to buy a horse
his or her child can "grow into" but what benefits young riders
is an experienced mount that is safe for them to handle and ride. Adult
amateurs want the experience of training their own horse. It typically
doesn’t work and even with the benefit of professional help can
be a risky proposition. Every interaction—good or bad--a person
has with a horse is a training session. It is very easy for a green
rider to unintentionally reinforce unwanted behaviors. For most amateurs,
a
seasoned horse with a suitable level of training for its intended purpose
is a much safer, more fulfilling ?and fun!-- choice.
- Be brutally honest about your experience and riding ability. It is
very easy to overestimate riding skills. Amateur riders typically
take lessons on school horses that know their jobs and have been selected
for their even temperaments. While they may throw in an occasional
shy,
most are pretty stable characters with a lot of experience and they
work within the structure of a lesson under the instructor’s
watchful eye. The difference between riding a horse like this and a
5 year-old
prospect is night and day. Even riders who have had five or more
years of regular weekly lessons may not be able to devote the time
or have
the expertise necessary to safely bring a green horse along. I have
seen very few situations when people have bought horses and then are
unhappy
with them because the horse was not enough of a challenge. But I
have seen many situations where people have bought a horse that was
too much
for them and fear and frustration resulted in them losing the incredible
joy this sport offers.
- Take your time! Everyone is looking for the sane, sound, sensibly
- priced horse that has the potential to go to the top of its discipline.
These
horses are few and far between and sell quickly. That doesn’t
mean you won’t find one but it is likely it will take some searching.
There are lots of horses available but for an adult amateur who is looking
for a good quality, experienced, performance horse the pool is much smaller.
If you consider that you are looking for a long-term partner, it pays
to take your time to be sure you make the right choice.
- You get what
you pay for. People hate to hear this but it is true.
We are all looking for the ’64 Corvette that the old woman has
kept in blocks for the past 40 years and is ready to sell for $100.
While there are certainly
good deals to be had, if it sounds too good to be true it probably
is. Generally speaking a horse’s value is based on its temperament,
experience, level of training, soundness, confirmation and potential.
Experienced horse people know this and they know what similar horses
sell for. A young, green horse may be sound and have potential but
unless you are a professional trainer you will have to pay someone
to train
the horse. It takes more time and money than many amateurs realize
to make a horse into a reliable, safe mount let alone train one for
a specialized
sport. Most people would be much happier putting that money into a
horse that is already trained and has some experience so they can begin
enjoying
their new partner right from the start.
- Don’t fall in love until AFTER
the pre-purchase. You’ve
found your dream horse and can’t wait to bring him home. But before
you fall in love, take the time and spend the money on a pre-purchase
veterinary exam. Horses can have all sorts of health issues that may
not be evident to someone who isn’t a veterinarian. The pre-purchase
will help you determine if the horse is physically suitable for what
you want to do with him. Like people, no horse is perfect and many have
issues that are completely manageable. So while the vet typically will
not make the buying decision for you, at least you will have all the
facts about the horse’s health and any areas of potential concern
before you own him. Finding that perfect new partner can be an exciting
experience.
By keeping these suggestions in mind, you can also make
it more fun! Jonelle Reuland is the owner and trainer at Gateway
Riding Center in Oswego, Ill. Comments? To contact her call 530-554-1446
or
email giddyup63@aol.com |