| We all have those visions in our heads of the | | | | confident horse.o Enlist the help of a |
| perfect horse. Maybe it's a 16-hand palomino mare | | | | knowledgeable friend. Sometimes you get so |
| with a snip and two socks and a beautiful, wavy | | | | caught up one aspect of a horse--say his |
| blond mane and tail. Maybe it's a well-muscled solid | | | | bloodlines--that you can't see past it. A |
| black gelding with just the smallest of stars . . . | | | | knowledgeable horse person--a friend, instructor, |
| So why don't we ever end up with it? Well, | | | | or trainer--will notice things that you don't. It |
| probably for good reason. Is it possible to find the | | | | never hurts to have a few pair of eyes look a |
| perfect horse for you? You can certainly get darn | | | | potential horse over.o Ask lots of questions. Make |
| close. But will he look like the vision you've carried | | | | a list of questions about behavior, performance, |
| in your head since childhood? Doubtful. If you | | | | and health, and bring them with you when you |
| want to find the right horse for you, you are | | | | visit the barn. If the owner declines to answer a |
| going to have to do a lot more than go on looks | | | | question, consider it a red flag!o Handle the horse |
| alone. | | | | yourself. Ask if you can groom the horse, handle |
| Finding the right horse is hard. There are lots of | | | | him in crossties, load him on a trailer, or anything |
| horses out there for sale, and it's not always | | | | else you see yourself doing with the horse on a |
| easy to determine that a horse will fit your needs | | | | regular basis. Never buy a horse without knowing |
| in the limited amount of time you spend | | | | that you are comfortable handling him.o Ask to |
| considering him. However, if you follow a few | | | | see the horse ridden. Have the owner or trainer |
| simple rules you can make sure that the horse | | | | ride the horse before you do. That way you will |
| you end up buying is the right horse for you.o | | | | be able to better gauge his performance level and |
| Deal only with reputable sellers. Ask friends, | | | | potential.o Take the horse for a test ride. You'll |
| family, and fellow riders for recommendations of | | | | want to do this at least once, preferably two or |
| good sellers to deal with. An honest, reliable seller | | | | three times, to determine whether you like the |
| will make a considerable difference in your horse | | | | way the horse goes. If you are an inexperienced |
| buying experience.o Determine your discipline. No | | | | rider having your trainer or riding instructor ride |
| matter how much you love the leggy | | | | the horse will also give you a good sense of what |
| Thoroughbred you saw last week, if your | | | | your horse is capable of.o Have the horse vet |
| discipline of choice is barrel racing he might not be | | | | checked. If you love the horse and want to buy |
| the best choice. Know what type of conformation | | | | him, make sure that your contract stipulates that |
| and attitude suits the discipline you enjoy, and | | | | the horse must pass a vet check in order for the |
| look only at like horses.o Know your strengths | | | | sale to be final.o Ask the seller about a trial period. |
| and weaknesses. Your horse should make up for | | | | Some sellers, particularly those who are |
| your deficiencies, and you should make up for his. | | | | concerned that their horses go to the right |
| For example, if you are a beginner rider, you are | | | | buyers, allow a horse to be returned within a |
| going to need an expert horse to show you the | | | | specific number of days if things don't work out. |
| ropes. But if you are an expert rider, you might | | | | Good luck finding the perfect horse! And check |
| enjoy working with a green horse. Don't forget to | | | | out the great resources below for more |
| consider personality as well. If you are a timid | | | | information on equine information. |
| rider, for example, you will do much better with a | | | | Hope that Helps.. |