Guest Author - Susan Hopf
Okay so you’ve been bitten by the horse bug or have come down with a relapse of horse fever after raising your family. Or perhaps you have decided to retire an age-old friend and would like a younger model. This can be a very exciting time but one that should include some real soul-searching and a little experienced assistance.
Horses easily capture our eye and our heart. Big eyes, a soft nuzzle and a contented sigh go a long way to endearing these half-ton (plus) creatures to the nurturing side of human nature. But when contemplating the purchase of an equine companion knowledge will help alleviate future heartbreak when that too thin blood bay dream turns into a nightmare when she gains back the weight the old owner purposefully took off to keep her calmer than usual.
Once the ads have been surveyed, the videos watched (and watched and watched) and the day arrives when you get to meet the big beast in person most know enough to scrutinize every prospective horse from nose to tail. But the one piece of advice I give to all of my students when first meeting a possible new horse is to, without question, save looking into the eyes for last – once you look into those big, soft orbs it is often too hard to step away.
As you take in each candidate you must look with a critical eye at the conformation and overall quality of the horse. Coat and weight in good order? Size appropriate for you? Do you like the overall look of him or her? Then with an equally critical hand feel every inch of the horse. Check that the horse has no defects, wounds, unexplained bumps or lumps – all okay? Move to the next step.
The current handler should first groom and then walk and trot the horse in hand – observe for any sort of irregularity in gait or behavior. If all is well then ask to have the horse longed at all three gaits – again carefully observe the horse for any lameness or anything “off” the norm. Once longed the current trainer or owner should then ride the horse for you.
During all aspects of this first meeting watch how either the trainer or owner handles each aspect of grooming, tacking and mounting. The approach to the horse should be relaxed and open. Be wary of anything they may want to do out of your sight. Carefully observe for any signs that the horse is unhappy – ears pinned back, tail twitching, back inverted, head too high and/or too much equipment or gadgetry should all be a red flag.
Horses that are unhappy about being handled, groomed and tacked could have ulcers, ovarian cysts, behavior issues, arthritis, muscle pulls or tears and a whole host of other troubles. If you do notice such reactions ask about them. Listen very carefully to the person’s explanation. If they try to evade the question I would be suspicious about what else they may be trying to hide. If they have a seemingly plausible reason then you, your trainer and your veterinarian must assess whether it is something that you, your wallet and the horse can live with and in the case of behavior issues if you can or wish to handle such either on your own or with your trainer's help.
Allow the current rider to take the horse through their usual warm up and schooling session. Judge for yourself if you like the way the horse moves and then ask for your trainer’s opinion. Of course any sign of lameness should be questioned and if severe the rest of the ride and assessment should come to an end.
If all of the above goes well then either you or your trainer should ride next. All should be critically assessed once again with all of the above considerations.
Last but most importantly your own ride must go according to your desires. If at any time you find yourself uncomfortable you must deal with the reasons for such. If you think it is just nerves then come back at another time and try again – a second ride is a must for all perspective horses even if the first ride is a dream. If there are concerns the second ride will most likely serve as a deal maker or breaker. If the first ride went well the second ride will serve as confirmation.
I suggest the second visit be as short notice as possible – “I’m in the neighborhood and thought I’d pop over in five minutes” or just show up unannounced. The later idea may find no one there and a wasted trip but I would try again until you do manage to find someone available. People in a hurry to sell a horse may do all sorts of things to create a good, but inaccurate first impression so the less advance notice the closer to “normal” the horse may actually present.
Other musts:
A pre-purchase exam from a non-biased veterinarian – do not use the seller’s vet. You can use your own vet as long as the seller agrees. You should only schedule a pre-purchase if all else has gone well and you are ready to buy the horse. The vet will perform a physical checking for overall health, heart murmurs and lameness. Any concerns will be explained to you and with the vet’s assistance you can judge whether or not to pursue this horse.
The horse should match your skill level – do not buy a horse that is for “experienced riders only” if you are a novice. That tag is generally reserved for horses that require more training and is far too often used to describe horses with abhorrent behaviors – and sadly these types of horses are often drugged when put up for sale.
Consider drug testing – unfortunately there are unscrupulous “horse traders” out there and as with any other large purchase it is a buyer’s beware marketplace.
The more effort you put forth prior to the purchase of a new horse will make the homecoming and subsequent rides a far better experience than forging ahead without proper guidance from qualified professionals. The old adage to never look a gift horse in the mouth is bad advice and the cheaper the sale price the closer I advise you to look.
