HORSE CRAZY

Buying or Selling a Horse? The experts reveal their secrets for you. Don’t make a move without this information!

So, with that, here are some questions you should ask if you have never owned a horse and you want to own one:

First, you need to decide what interests (discipline) you have in riding and if you want to work towards competing or just enjoying an occasional outing on horseback. 

Think about what breed of horse most appeals to you – small, large, slow, fast – Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Arabian, Warmblood, Paint, Appaloosa, Pony, solid, paint, – registration associations, AQHA, APHA, ApHC, Jockey Club, Arabian, POA, Missouri Fox Trotter, Tennessee Walking Horse, etc etc etc. If you’ve ridden horses you need to consider the level of expertise you have. Did you ride as a kid on Grandpa and Grandma’s farm or with a friend who had horses while you were growing up?

If you have limited experience with horses you may want to consider going to a riding facility and “renting” a horse to get some exposure to the many disciplines available. What type of riding will be most pleasurable? Western, Equestrian, Long Distance Endurance, Showing, Halter, Pleasure, Eventing, Speed Events (barrel racing, roping, gymkhana), Racing (Flat Track, chariots, sulkies, betting), Driving, Trotting, Walking, Mounted Shooting, Jumping, Hunter under Saddle, Draft (farming with horses – wagons, pulling, surries), Trail, Mountain, or simply a pet. Will children also ride the horse or will it be just for one person hence, a family adventure or single user.

Usually if you are a novice it will be wise to buy an older, experienced GENTLE
horse who has been used in a variety of situations. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals out there who want only the $$ and will misrepresent an animal they are offering for sale (more on that later). A suggestion would be to “test drive” the horse several times before making a decision – in several different environments if possible. Get an experienced friend or reputable trainer to accompany you and take that test drive as well. Animals are very intelligent an will figure out quickly your riding level and comfort zone.

There are such diverse breeds, colors, sizes and ages of horses to select from. You most likely already know what color horse you prefer (there are so many – black, brown, bay, sorrel, gray(grey), buckskin, dun, grullo, cremello, roan to nam . If you get one the color you like best that’s a bonus, but don’t let that be a primary factor in your choice. The different breeds are usually more “adaptable” to certain disciplines (bred for it) than others so be cautious before selecting a horse just because you like the way it looks, or you like its color, or you’ve “bonded” with it. Those features are a definite plus but should not be the basis for your selection.

What do you do when you decide you want a horse? For example, the basic event of casual riding has been chosen – you are buying your first horse – you need to consider many facets of exploring the wild, wonderful, rewarding world of being Horse Crazy!! Obsessed by the creatures, I hope you join me in determining the selection of your new companion. Horses are simply good therapy.

Love of horses – it’s a Grand Thing. Enjoy your relationship with the most magnificent animal God ever created.

Happy Trails  

If you need to contact us send an email to lr.unlimited.llc@gmail.com