Posts Tagged ‘quarter horses’

Buying your first horse is exciting and can be very rewarding. When buying your first horse there are a number of things you need to consider. Owning a horse is a huge responsibility but the rewards are worth it; they are amazing animals and their love is never ending.

Firstly choosing a horse for your needs is the most important thing to do. If you want a horse to just quietly hack out on the weekend then you would look for a horse that has a kind and quiet temperament and is what we call ‘bomb proof’ it should be educated in all areas. It is also an advantage if he is a ‘good doer’. This means that your horse will be little or no maintainance with his feed. Types of horse that are generally most suited to this are stock horses, quarter horses or most types of ponies. If you were looking at competing and you are able to ride most days then you would look for something that specializes in the area you want to go into like show jumping for example. We are seeing more and more Warmbloods emerge from our own breeding stock but also imported stallions and mares. In Europe warmbloods are used mainly in show jumping and dressage but now they are breaking into eventing. Temperament is a major factor in buying a horse, you have to look at ground manners, and it’s temperament when being riden. It’s trainability is a huge part of temperament.

Main Factors to look for when selecting the horse to view:

Your ability – make an accurate assessment of how well you ride, always try and be honest as this will allow you to get the perfect horse for you!

Facilities that are available to you – Climate and weather can affect your choice in breeds. If you only have fields available to you and you live in a cold climate then you will have to buy a breed that can survive through winter in a field. You may have to supplement his feed. If you have stables available then you have more choice.

Age – this will depend on your experience level, and what you want the horse for.

Height – a horse that is to short or to big for you can make riding much harder. Make sure you feel comfortable on the horse.

Breed – can be discipline specific. An example would be, if you wanted to go into show jumping – then a warmblood with a good form over a fence would be more appropriate than a thoroughbred that was bred to race.

Education – What has he done? What results has he received? Who has been riding him.? If he’s riden by a really experienced rider, or a beginner. For beginners a school master would be an appropriate kind of horse. This means that the horse has been correctly trained and educated. However, when looking for a school master be careful as the term is sometimes used very lightly and the ‘school master’ may not have a kind temperament.

Price – Price of course can be a limiting factor. Don’t be put off by a cheaper horse, no one else needs to know how much he was and if you’ve chosen well he will be a good horse anyway.

Things to do when you think you have the right one:

First before anything else when you go and see him, take a professional or experienced rider with you that knows your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to have some feedback on how you will go with him. Whether or not he will be tricky or be able to teach you anything. It will also give you an idea on his temperament, if the horse is willing to to behave for his rider. Some horses aren’t easy for beginners and an experienced rider will be able to help you assess whether or not the horse is suitable for you.

Always get on yourself if you feel safe. You may go and see a horse that your experienced rider suggests that you shouldn’t get on. Don’t worry if this happens, trust their advice. If you are not confident then don’t ride. Ask yourself why you are not confident. If it’s because the horse has been naughty for your experienced rider then it may do it to you as well which may knock your confidence. If you are just a little worried about a new horse give it a try in a small arena if it is available. Trust your own instinct. It would be good to have riden a number of different horses before you go to buy one so you already have a nice skill base and confidence to ride new horses.

Never buy the first horse the first time you see him. You can still come back and buy the first one you saw, but never ever buy on first sight. Always go at least twice to see the horse. The first time will be arranged but try to make the second one a ‘last minute’ decision. Call the owner when your half an hour away and say ‘we were just in the neighborhood and we’d thought we would just go and see the horse’. Even if you don’t ride him the second time, look at the horse, try to assess for yourself what the horse is like. Does he have the same temperament as the first time you saw him? That’s the point to see the horse in it’s own area with other horses and people. If you give them days to prepare the horse they can work him hard so he’s not to jumpy or even dope him to ensure he will be quiet. Your not trying to be cheeky or tricky you have to make sure that the horse is right for you!

If you’ve tried him once, and an experienced rider has confirmed he will be suitable, get him VETTED. Beginners always make the mistake of getting to excited and buying on the first look. This can end up being a nightmare. If you do not get him checked by a vet, any problems that he has had or still has, can not be detected. Remember that some horse people will try to sell you a dud horse. If you get him vetted the vet will tell you if there is anything that you should be aware of, or worried about. It is then your decision whether or not to buy. Get an independent vet, and do not let the seller arrange this. Unless it is a big name rider, although just to be safe I would still arrange it yourself. It’s a little more work but if you’ve arranged it then you can feel more relaxed that the vet won’t be getting a commission from the seller. I have heard many stories about people (even experienced horse people) buying a horse without being vetted and it having chronic lameness 2 days after it gets home. This is a disaster if you don’t get it vetted you can’t do anything about it without going to court and fighting to prove that the seller knew about it before they sold the horse to you.

Questions to ask:

1. How long have you had him (then who had him before you). Get his history.

2. Is he quiet to shoe, float, worm and clip? If he’s not ask if there is any reason that they feel he’s not OK with it?

3. Has he had any major injuries? Has he ever had colic or an operation for colic? Has he ever had laminitis, been lame or had any navicular damage? (At this point if he has had any major things happen to his feet you might want to just turn around and leave him there)

4. Why are you selling him? They could just have outgrown the pony, or be going to uni or not be interested in horses any more but if you think it might be because of any reason they aren’t telling you then ask more questions and try to find out why they aren’t telling you the truth.

My advice is if in doubt ASK someone. Ask a third party who isn’t getting paid by either party and only has your best interests at heart. Listen to your instincts, if you know it’s right and all the other information you have been gathering is saying the horse is right for you then go for it but on the other hand, if you have any doubts, then don’t buy. Or look into it more. If it’s something medical that is minor, then you might be able manage it. Research what it is, talk to experts including vets if you can.

If you do each step calmly and don’t rush into anything you will have found a wonderful pony or horse and will end up having a fabulous time bonding with your new best friend.

Author: Christine Turley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Ask someone what they see when they picture horses in Florida and you’re likely to hear about an imagines scene that places the rider and horse on a Gulf Coast beach with the sun setting in the background over crisp blue water. While that is, admittedly, an idyllic scene that is fairly common, horses in Florida are also likely to be scene carrying their riders along state and national park trails, at racetracks and in both dressage and jumping rings.

Jumping and hunting horses are so common in Florida that many horses for sale throughout the state are described as jumpers and hunters. Because great hunters are less easy to come by than jumpers, listings for these horses in Florida and elsewhere tend to carry a higher price tag, but that doesn’t mean that everyone who makes an investment in horses in Florida is going to buy a jumper – it’s often a matter of preference, not just availability.

Beginners and seasoned riders alike have a variety of preferences when it comes to the horses that they buy and ride. To some extent, the preference that they have is going to be influenced by the style of riding that they are going to do. Those who are looking for a great all-around horse will be more likely to look at Paint horses or an American Quarter Horse.

Not only are Paints and American Quarter Horses both capable workers that are still common on farms in Florida, but they are also great horses for families, who want to be sure that their kids are brought up around horses – who have an even temperament and responsive disposition. American Quarter Horses are great for Florida rides in areas like Amelia Island State Park in the Northeast corner of the state where riders can watch marine life from the coastal shore. Just as the sea cow, or manatee, can be seen in great numbers near Crystal River, Florida, one could also rent horses for a day trip near the same location, north of Tampa Bay and two hours west of Orlando.

Of course, those who crave speed while on horses are likely to turn to Arabian horses and Thoroughbred horses. Likewise, when looking for horses for sale that can be groomed for the race track, plenty choose Thoroughbreds from stables around Florida.

As is the case in most places, when buying horses in Florida, the best guidance to choosing a horse is going to be what purpose the buyer has in mind. Those who wish to build a stable of racing horses will be looking at different animals than those who are casual riders. Those who are looking for a horse that will more or less be a family pet will be looking for different horses than those who need horses in Florida that will assist them with working their farms.

The motivation for buying a horse will, therefore, impact the breed of horse that is chosen. Once that decision is made, the next important considerations will be in regards to the health of the horse. A healthy horse will have the build that is best associated with the breed – for example, an American Quarter Horse will have well-muscled, strong hind quarters that enable it to reach sprinting speed quickly, thanks to the concentration of power. Likewise, its hooves, back, teeth and eyes will be healthy, and the horse will have good hearing and eyesight.

While a visual check of horses will help you to identify major health issues such as leg problems – evidenced by scarring or bumps and bulges in the horse’s legs – having a veterinarian perform a more thorough examination is always a good idea. Whether you are looking for racing horses in Florida or a work horse, you want to be able to be sure that you are going to have an animal that will be in good health when you bring it to the stable.

Whether you are able to stable your horse at home or you rent a stall from someone who has a stable and pasture, know that owning horses in Florida will take some effort on your part and can be pretty expensive, depending on where in the state you reside. Still, many find that once they have had a horse, worked with it and experienced the thrill of riding, they cannot simply go back and not have horses as a part of their lives. Perhaps this is why horses remain an integral part of the American psyche, a century after the introduction of the “horseless carriage”.

Author: Philip Wiskell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Quarter Horse seems like a strange name for an animal, but only until you understand that Quarter horses are able to run a quarter mile faster than any other horse can run the same distance (in some situations, a Quarter Horse has been recorded at over 50 miles per hour while running at full speed), then its given name makes good sense. In part, that is a testament to the horse’s athletic ability, along with its strong, well-muscled hind legs.

Combine versatility and an even temper with those characteristics (athleticism and muscle structure) and you can see why Quarter Horses are some of the most popular choices among those who are buying from a list of horses for sale. Not only is the American Quarter Horse common with a lot of general buyers, but the breed is popular overall; the majority of horses registered worldwide are registered with the American Quarter Horse Association.

Of the registered Quarter Horses, many run races thanks to their speed. Many others are participants in horse shows. Others work on ranches around the world. Still others – thanks to the Quarter Horse’s compact body – are used in working with cows, calf roping, barrel racing, reining, cutting as well as other riding events. But don’t think of the Quarter Horse as merely a workhorse: the Quarter Horse is equally at home in other equestrian events.

Sport and speed both create environments in which the American Quarter Horse feels at home. With Thoroughbred, Arabian and Morgan bloodlines all contributing to the genetic pool of the American Quarter Horse, it’s not difficult to see why the Quarter Horse excels in most situations.

Because of this, the American Quarter Horse is often seen in show environments, in racing events, in rodeos as well as on the ranch, and even in stables that are home to horses that are owned by individuals and families, who just want a horse that they can take out for enjoyable rides on trails. It’s important to note, however that just because Quarter Horses are used for ranch working purposes as well as for trail riding doesn’t mean that they don’t serve other purposes as well; for example, many quarter horses have been used for dressage and for jumping competitions.

As with anything else in life, not all Quarter Horses are created equal. Most grow to between 14 and 16 hands high with some growing to 17 hands. Stock Quarter Horses are agile and muscled, however they appear to be compact and a bit stocky. Halter Quarter Horses, on the other hand tend to be taller and have similar smooth muscling to the Thoroughbred.

Regardless of whether or not the horses are of the stock or halter variety, you’re likely to discover that Quarter Horses are available in a wide variety of colors. Most commonly, you’ll find them listed as sorrel – a brownish-red, chestnut brown shade. That, however, doesn’t mean that you won’t find Quarter Horses listed that are described as black, bay, gray, dun, palomino, red roan or a number of other shades. All of these colors – along with spotted or pinto colors – are found to be acceptable when it comes time to register a horse with the American Quarter Horse Association, provided the horse’s parents were registered as well.

If you are looking for a family horse, lineage and registration with the American Quarter Horse Association may not be among your top priorities when you’re looking through listings of horses for sale. Instead, you may be focused on a child’s request for “a brown one,” or on finding a Quarter Horse that is closer to 14 hands rather than 16 or 17, which will make it easier for even the youngest members of your family to ride.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an American Quarter Horse because you are looking for the right animal to help you around the ranch, when it comes to reigning in cattle, you may actually want to know whether or not the Quarter Horse is from a working line.

In other words, when you’re making an effort to research Quarter Horses for any purpose, focus on your needs first and foremost. You will be more likely to find a Quarter Horse that will meet your expectations if you know what your expectations really are. This way you are sure to find exactly the Quarter Horse you need and want.

Author: Philip Wiskell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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While most dressage (a French term meaning “training”) horses are warm bloods – Holsteiners, Trahkeners, Dutch Warmbloods, and Oldenburgs – some American Quarter Horses have also been very successful in dressage competitions. Whether the intent is to participate in basic dressage competitions with your horse or you have goals of reaching international competitions or even the Olympic games, selecting the right horse for the job is important.

In the search for a good competitive dressage horse, the horse must be trained in terms of rhythm and regularity. The horse should be able to maintain a steady and regular gait whether in a pure walk, a pure trot or a pure canter, down a straight path or a winding trail.

Pay close attention to that definition and note that dressage competitions are all about the horses and not the rider; the same is the case with other elements of dressage as well. When it comes to the judge’s decisions about how to score dressage horses, it is up to the horse to perform well against its competitors.

Another factor that judges score is the relaxed and confident behavior of the horse. The evenness of the horse’s gait, a lack of tension and soft chewing of the bit, smooth transitions and a swinging of the tail demonstrate these important factors of the horse’s performance in the dressage competition.

Judges in these events also look at the contact that the riders have with their horses; dressage horses should not pull the hands of the rider and the reins should be held evenly – in other words, the horse should be able to come up into the bridle and should be carried forward in a natural motion.

Just as the pull of the dressage horse is measured, so is its push – the thrusting power that propels a horse forward with correct muscle and joint use. Part of the horse’s push is measured in the straightness of the dressage horses gait, the horse’s ability to move forward with its hind legs following the same path as its front legs.

If you are looking to acquire a dressage horse for future competition, you will want to consider the abilities and traits of the person for whom the horse is intended. While the judges critique dressage horses in competition more than the rider, it is equally important for the rider to be able to guide the horse and to lead it through the judged events. If you are naturally uneasy atop a horse, then you will want to find a horse that is very intuitive and calm. If you were really tall and lanky, you would not want to get a shorter horse, no matter how successful the horse has been in previous competitions.

If a horse being considered is champion dressage horse, then perhaps the horse will not be a good choice for little Suzie to ride, even if little Suzie wants to compete. Little Suzie is still quite young and a champion dressage horse is very expensive. Perhaps more to the point, a champion should compete regularly, rather than occasionally. Another thing to consider is the bond that will develop between little Suzie and her horse, and how Suzie’s participation in the dressage training of the horse will only add to the experience for Suzie.

In other words, when you look at dressage horses, it’s important to recognize that all breeds of horses that are used as riding horses can be trained in the techniques and principles of dressage. If you are an experienced rider who does not have a great deal of experience with dressage – or any experience within the dressage ring for that matter – you’re likely to find that the same American Quarter Horse that you’ve been riding in pasture or on the trail can learn the basics of dressage. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll find that a bit of training as a dressage horse will lead you to a more enjoyable, everyday ride.

Dressage horses are less likely to refuse to do as the rider asks and is comfortable with bit contact. The flow of motion between riders and dressage horses tends to be consistent and will exhibit a constant communication between the two. Dressage horses are balanced and better able to draw on the strength of their hind legs, and have experience keeping a steady pace whether walking, trotting or cantering.

When, as a rider, you are able to focus more on the ride than on controlling your horse, you’ll take more pleasure in each outing that you make. Dressage horses – or, at the very least, horses that have had some experience with dressage – make great horses for kids and less experienced riders: while the rider remains in control, dressage horses are responsive, and that can have a huge impact on the pleasure of riding a horse.

Author: Philip Wiskell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Just like dogs, there are hundreds of different breeds of horses. Just like dogs, horses have also been bred to serve many different purposes over the centuries. These purposes have eventually determined the body structures, and even the temperaments of the horse breeds. Even today, most of the popular breeds retain much of their original form and tendencies. If you are thinking of buying a horse, knowing these facts will help you make the best choice for your intentions. If you just want to be in-the-know about other horse breeds, read on to quickly understand the essential facts of the most popular breeds.

Quarter Horse
The most popular of breeds, the original quarter horse is the result of cross-breeding the horse of the American colonists with the horse of the Chickasaw Indians. They were then further developed to herd cattle, and the quarter became the horse breed of choice of the American western regions. The breed’s name comes from its ability to run a quarter-mile distance faster than any other breed. Quarter horses are considered a rugged work horse with a small head and muscular neck. The hindquarters of the quarter are powerful, with straight, solid legs. The quarter horse comes in many different colors including reddish-brown (chestnut), light reddish-brown (sorrel), rich brown (bay), black, palomino, or gray, and stand anywhere from 4′ 8″ to 5′ 3″ tall. They are known to be quiet, easygoing, forgiving, and steady. A staple breed in the western show ring, the quarter horse is most often seen in cattle-work competitions, western pleasure classes, and gymkhana (timed speed events). Quarter horses are a very good option for beginning riders.

Standardbred
Standardbred horses were originally created for use as harness racers, but many are later retrained as riding horses. The breed originated during the early part of American history and was created to race under harness at either the trot or the pace speed. Standardbreds are still used for this purpose. They tend to move at great speeds without galloping. Some unique specimens are natural trotters, and can trot at nearly 30 miles an hour. Some few others are known as born pacers (their legs on one side move in unison) and are just as fast as trotting horses. The early training of standardbred race horses fine-tunes these skills while discouraging the urge to gallop. However, because standardbreds can very capably gallop, they are trained for riding. Standardbreds have large heads and powerful legs, and these horses measure anywhere from 5′ to 5′ 3″ high. They are mostly a rich brown or red color, but are sometimes seen in brown, gray, or black. Another possibility for the beginning riser, the standardbred is gentle and easy to train.

Tennessee Walking Horse
Tennessee walking horses were developed in the early part of the 18th century by American plantation owners. The purpose of this breed was to comfortably transport the rider. The breed is considered a gaited horse, which means it is able to perform a remarkable four-beat running walk for which it is justly famous. This gait is so smooth that it can give the rider the sensation of floating on air. Tennessee walkers will also trot and gently gallop. The breed has a distinctive straight head with large ears. The neck is arched gracefully with prominent shoulder blades or withers. The breed can be just about any color, are 5′ to 5′ 3″ in height, and have easygoing personalities. A wonderful choice as a trail horse, it is another one to consider if you are a beginning rider.

Morgan
The morgan is an American breed developed in Vermont during the 1700s. Started from one horse, a stallion named Justin Morgan, the breed was created by breeding a variety of mares to this stallion. Today’s morgans are small, strong horses, that are usually under 5′ high. They are most often rich brown, chestnut, but sometimes black.. Another choice for the trail, they are willing to work and are patient. Morgans are good western horses, but can be used in hunt seat classes of competition.

Paint
The paint was created by a small, enthusiastic group of horse lovers 50 years ago. They formed an organization called the American Paint Horse Association with the intent to preserve horses with pinto markings, which are irregularly shaped patches of dark color against a white background. The paint parentage is usually that of quarter horses. Though only previously considered an oddity, paint horses were hitherto ineligible for registration with the American Quarter Horse Association. Its fate is fully reversed today, as the paint is one of the most popular breeds in America. It is quiet, easygoing, a popular choice for the riding trail, and now often seen in western riding shows. Aside from its coloring, the paint is considered identical to the quarter horse in appearance and height.

Appaloosa
Appaloosa horses used to be synonymous with the Nez Perce Indians of northern Idaho, who kept the breed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. When the Nez Perce were forced onto reservations, the Appaloosa breed was almost lost until the 1930s. A concerned group of horsemen got together to start the Appaloosa Horse Club in an effort to save the breed. Since then, the breed has recovered and became quite popular. The appaloosa is known for its spotted coat, which comes in a number of different patterns, including leopard (white with dark spots over the body) and blanket with spots (a dark body color with white over the hindquarters which is covered with dark spots). Other distinguishing characteristics include very bright tissue that surrounds the pupil, striped hooves, and a mottled skin appearance. Also good trail mounts, appaloosas range between 4′ 6″ to 5′ 3″ in height, have quiet temperaments, and are often seen in western riding and jumping shows.

Saddlebred
Saddlebreds began as a potpourri of horse breeds including the morgan, the Narragansett pacers, Canadian horses, and several strains of Spanish horses. Breeders hoped to develop a horse that could comfortably carry riders over long distances, yet perform specific disciplined maneuvers. The saddlebred became another example of the gaited horse, capable of performing the stepping pace like the Tennessee walking horse, and a four-beat gait called a rack, as well as an animated walk, trot, and gentle gallop. Saddlebreds are distinctively featured with a long, arched neck and a high, fine head held aloft. The saddlebred turned out to be slim and lean, but has a broader range of 5′ to 5′ 6″ high. The most common colors for this breed are black, brown, rich brown, chestnut (red), sorrel (reddish brown), and gray. Saddlebreds make great show horses because of their flashy appearance, but they’re also good trail mounts and are very comfortable to ride because of the breed’s smooth gait.

Thoroughbred
The thoroughbred is the breed you will most often see on the racetrack. Famous horses such as Man O’ War and Secretariat were thoroughbreds. The breed was developed in England in the 18th century for the purpose of racing and was later imported to the American colonies prior to the revolution. Thoroughbreds are known by their straight profiles, high withers (shoulder blades), and long, fine legs. They stand from 5′ to 5′ 6″ high and have a lean, often lanky appearance. They come in rich brown, chestnut, gray, and black. Thoroughbreds are the fastest horses in the world, and can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour in a full gallop. They are also talented jumpers and quite suitable as candidates for dressage events.

Arabian
The Arabian is one of the oldest and purest breeds of horse still among us. The horse was developed in the Middle East several hundred years ago and has been used to improve the quality of other breeds throughout the centuries. The breed has an easily recognizable head, with a nearly concave profile. The Arabian ears are small and curve inward; its neck is long and arched. Oddly, the Arabian has only five vertebrae, not six as in most other breeds. This difference makes the Arabian back shorter and stronger. Arabians also measure 5′ or less. They are gray, chestnut, bay, and black. Arabians are friendly but often high spirited animals, known for elegance, stamina, and prowess in endurance competitions. They are a good choice as a show horse.

The breed of horse you finally choose may or may not make a performance difference, depending on the purposes for which the breed is most suited. You may only wish to ride a trail a few times each week. In that case, you have a broader range of choices as long as it is an easy, affable animal. If you plan to jump competitively, hunt, or even work your way into the upper levels of dressage (the intricate training of horse movements in competition), the breed becomes much more crucial. Even if you aren’t planning to go into competition, you may still prefer a particular breed of horse. There are some people that fall in love with a certain breed, unable to explain the fascination. Most importantly, bear in mind that each horse is an individual, so you should thoroughly understand how you and your chosen horse within that breed will get along for the long term of your ownership.

Author: Tanya Vorgan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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