| When you look into buying the horse for you, you must look at what you want to do. Do you want to jump fences, or race around barrels at top speed? Or would you rather go on a leisurely trail ride every weekend? The kind of horse you buy and his price all depends on what you want him to do. |
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| One type of horse you can get is what
is called a "hot blood." These horses tend to be flighty
and nervous. Examples of these horses are Arabians, Andulsians, and
Pasos. You would buy this type of horse if you were interested in
halter or dressage shows.
The body structure of these horses is light and smallish. The facial structure of the Arabian is dished, and they are famous for their graceful gaits in the dressage arena. Something to look out for in these horses is over nervousness, very thin legs, and temperament. This type is not suggested for the novice rider.
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Arabian |
| Another type of horse you would buy
would be a warm-blood. These horses excel in jumping and
dressage. They tend to be of even temperament and heavier body
structure. Examples of this type are Hanoverians, Selle Fraincais, and
most other horses. The Quarter Horse is another example that would
fall under this category. The spectrum of horses that fall within
the confines of this catergory is
broad, but most common problems include, chronic lameness, asthma, and
allergies.
These horses are recommended as a first horse or a novice horse especially older horses. |
Hanoverian |
| The last type of horse that could be
bought is the cold-blood. They are not called cold-blooded because
they have cold blood, it is because of their come, even` disposition and
great size. Examples of this type are Clydesdales, Shires, and
Percheons. You would buy this type of horse if you were looking into
driving, or heavy pulling shows, or if you needed a workhorse on a farm.
Some things that you must be aware of in cold-blooded animals is their feet. Though tough, thrush and other ailments of the legs and feet can sometimes go undetected because of the feathered legs and feet (see at right). |
Shire |
| Something to be aware of
when you look into buying your horse is who you buy it from. Though
some dealers can be honest and have nice horses for you to choose from,
there is always a chance that he or she is trying to cheat you out of your
money. Some will drug their horses so that their lameness will not
be apparent, others will give the horse stimulants so they don't seem
lethargic or sick. The only advice I can give you is to always have
your vet perform a pre-purchase exam on any horse, no matter how reputable
the seller. But looking for a horse can be fun, too. You can
look in the paper, and drive out to the places on the weekends. You
can check the bulletin board at the tack shop, or even talk to your
instructor about buying your favorite school horse. Another option
is to look into adoption of a retired Thoroughbred, Standardbred, or a
rescue horse. Many people have found their dream horses in rescued
abused horses. This option is definitely worthwhile.
Whatever and whoever you choose to buy your horse from, it should be right for you. Even if you fall in love with the first horse you see, he could not be the best horse for you. Be open to other options, don't set your sights on one horse in particular, be logical. |
