| v> | | | | (the horse not you)? No nipping or kicking when |
| Knowing what to look for when buying a horse | | | | being saddled? Look for little signs like tail |
| can make the whole process a lot less risky. By | | | | twitching, ears laying back, basically observe the |
| following some simple steps you can lesson the | | | | horses body language. |
| chances of buying someone elses problems. | | | | Do a physical check of the horse, lift its feet, run |
| Knowing what to look for when buying a horse | | | | your hands down its legs, run you hands along its |
| can make the whole process a lot less risky. How | | | | back, run your hands over its head. If you are |
| many times have you heard of someone buying | | | | not confident doing this let an experienced person |
| a horse only later to find out the real reason it | | | | do this for you. Doing this not only lets you see |
| was sold. By following some simple steps you can | | | | how well the horse stands when being handled but |
| lesson the chances of buying someone elses | | | | also lets you find any tender spots that may be |
| problems. | | | | an indication of more serious problems. |
| The first thing you need to do when deciding to | | | | The next step is to observe the same things |
| buy a horse is be honest with yourself about | | | | when the seller gets on and rides the horse. Does |
| your experience. If you are just starting out or | | | | the horse stand still when mounting and wait for |
| have never bought horses before I strongly | | | | the rider to signal when to move off? The horse |
| suggest you take an experienced person with | | | | should not show any signs of being nervous |
| you to view a horse. I should clarify that...by | | | | (watch the rider for any signs of nerves too) and |
| experienced I do not mean someone who is a | | | | should not fight any commands. Does the horse |
| fantastic rider or trainer I mean someone who is | | | | transition easily from a walk to a trot and a trot |
| experienced at buying horses. Yes some people | | | | to a canter? Stop easily? Walk on from a stop |
| are both but handling, riding and training horses is | | | | easily? Get the rider to do a figure eight, then ask |
| not the same as buying them. Buying horses | | | | them to go the other way doing a figure eight. |
| needs someone who knows the tricks and traps | | | | Often a horse will show its true colors when |
| to avoid and can spot them a mile away. | | | | asked to do something different. |
| Don't know anyone who is experienced at buying | | | | If all has gone well so far it is time to try the |
| horses? No problem just go along to your local | | | | horse yourself. Pay attention to all of the things |
| pony club, riding club or any other equine club and | | | | you did when watching the owner ride the horse. |
| you should find someone willing to help. A word of | | | | Does it respond calmly and confidently to you? |
| caution if you do this make sure they are not | | | | Pay attention to your gut feelings and if |
| best friends with the person selling the horse. | | | | something does not feel right don't ignore it as it |
| You have found what sounds like an ideal horse | | | | may be something you have picked up |
| and arranged a look at it, what now. First thing to | | | | subconciously. |
| do is turn up a little early (10 - 15 minutes should | | | | The final few tips I have for buying horses are |
| do it). There is a good reason behind this, you | | | | common sense. Ask the owner lots of questions, |
| want to know if the horse is hard to catch. If the | | | | why are they selling? How long have they had the |
| horse is already caught ask the seller to let the | | | | horse? What activities have they used the horse |
| horse out again so you can see it being caught. | | | | for? Are there registration papers? What is it like |
| When you arrive also look around the property it | | | | being riden with other horses? Has it had any |
| will give you a good indication of how well the | | | | illnesses or injuries? Has it been vaccinated and if |
| horse is looked after. A clean property with good | | | | yes when are the boosters due? When was it |
| fencing, no signs of cribbing or stall kicking and no | | | | last drenched? Pay attention to how the seller |
| rubbish laying around is what you want to see. A | | | | answers, look for any hestitation and other |
| little tip for you, if there is a rubbish bin near the | | | | indicators of lying. |
| stable have a little peek in it without being too | | | | Buying a horse is an exciting time but do not let |
| obvious. People have been known to give | | | | your emotions lead you. When you get the right |
| something to their horses to calm them for sale | | | | horse you are getting much more than something |
| you may just find evidence of this. | | | | to ride around on. You are getting a companion |
| You have seen the horse being caught and the | | | | who you will have many enjoyable years riding |
| property looks good, no sedatives in the bin so | | | | with so take your time and find the one that is |
| what next. Observe the horse when it is being | | | | right for you. |
| saddled. Does the horse stand still, not nervous | | | | |