Buying an Equestrian Horse
An equestrian horse can be a wonderful friend but purchasing your first horse can be demanding of your patience. Go slow and follow some of the rules below and your chances of making a good purchase will be better.
Here are some general rules to follow. Talk with the seller and find out how old the horse is. Horses best years are between the ages of five to ten. If you are new to riding, a more mature horse is a better choice.
Make an early decision as to whether you want a registered horse or whether an unregistered horse would be acceptable. This is a personal decision that is made primarily on budget considerations.
The size of the horse is important so inquire about his weight and height. A horse’s height is measured in “hands” where a hand is four inches. A good size for a pleasure riding horse is about 15 hands. Measure from the ground up to the withers of the neck along the front leg. Weight is not quite so critical. Some types of horses can simply be heavier by nature.
Ask how many people have owned the horse. Find out the reason for the sale. A horse with a bad personality or attitude problems is likely to be resold often. Do a little probing to determine if this is the case. Point out to the seller that you will require a vet exam before buying. This may uncover some problems the seller is not telling you about.
Determine if the horse has had any training and what the qualifications of the trainer were. Find out what the horse’s history has been as far as his use. Are you looking for a horse for competition jumping or everyday riding? You will find that you will spend less on a young, untrained horse because of the time you will have to spend with your new animal. This could be a good choice if your budget is tight and you have the background and time to spend with training. If you are a beginner and just getting to know horses you really should spend more money and get a well-trained horse. An older horse can be a wise purchase since they are generally less expensive but will most likely have been trained.
Here are some things you can do wrong when buying an equestrian horse. Don’t turn down and older horse just because he is older. They are typically more gentle and great for the new rider. You can ride a good horse until he is well into his twenties.
Never try to buy a young green horse for a young person. Your child should start with a more mature horse that is easier to ride.
Avoid auction horses. Horses sold at auction are more likely to have been sick or have been hard to ride. It is harder to research your purchase at an auction.
The horse’s coat pattern and color should not be the primary factor in determining which horse to buy. Fall back on the above rules first in picking a horse.
For more advice on horses please visit our website at: http://www.petinfoonline.com
Author: Reba J.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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