Tuesday, May 19, 2009

15 Do's and Dont's When Buying a Horse Part 2

Well at least you took the time to read part 1 and look for part 2! So lets get right to it.

Don’t Buy a Horse You Can’t Sit On, Put a Bit On, One that Scares You or One that Doesn’t Respond to Your Aids


Do your best to show up on time to your horse shopping appointments. Do not be afraid to ask the seller if you could be there while the horse is being prepared to ride so that you may see what the horse is used to and how he acts. Look for signs of bad behaviors that you do not want to deal with, for example, a horse that fights and slings its head when you are putting a bit in his mouth. You also want to watch the horse, as he is being cinched and mounted. This will give you an idea of how the horse is going to act when you get him home. If you wish, you may ask the seller if you could tack up the horse so that you may be able to get a better feel for the horse before riding it.

If a horse makes you nervous in any way, you are better off thanking the seller and moving on down the road. If you don’t feel safe sitting on the horse and having a casual conversation about him, then you do not want to purchase him. Also, if you can barely get on him in the first place, you do not want to buy him. Horses that have not had proper groundwork and training will often show these signs. When you bring a horse home, you will have to start from scratch and retrain all of his groundwork. Do not buy a horse if you do not have the abilities to retrain him or the money to retrain him.

A horse may not respond to your aids for two reasons. One reason is that he does not understand your aids because he has not been trained properly. The other reason is that he has been spurred, kicked and pulled on so much that he has learned to just ignore the rider. These horses can be dangerous because if the horse were to spook, you would have no resources available to stop the horse or control the horse. If you make simple requests of the horse and he fails to respond, then you may ask if the horse was trained to respond in a different way or why he may not be responding to your commands.

You are not always going to feel completely comfortable on a horse that you have never ridden before, but you should at least feel as though he is safe enough to ride and sit on. If you have any moment in which you feel unsafe or scared, get off the horse immediately. Do not try to ride him back to the barn or the seller, get off where you are at and lead the horse back to the barn or seller. Simply tell the buyer that you don’t think you are experienced enough for him and thank him for letting you look at the horse. Any horse seller will understand completely if you think that the horse is not for you.


Do Examine the Stable for Signs of Vices

Horses that are cribbers may not show this vice while they are in a pasture, although, some of them have been known to suck air on a fence post. If you are able to scope the horse about before officially meeting him, look for signs of weaving, cribbing and other vices. Cribbers will often be wearing a collar while they are in their stall or pasture. Vices may have serious effects on a horse’s physical well-being and they are not generally something that you will want to deal with.

If the inside of a stall is wooden, you will see teeth marks and chew marks on wood that is within reach of the horse. These horses are wood chewers and will continue to chew wood if you take him home. Cribbers will suck air on anything they can get their teeth on. These horses will bite down on something, arch their neck and suck in air. These horses tend to do this behavior after they have eaten. Both wood chewing and cribbing can cause digestive problems later down the road. Cribbers may be prone to gas colic because they are unable to release the gas and air in their stomachs. Cribbers can never be cured, but they can be treated through drugs, surgery and cribbing collars.

Other stable vices include weaving, box walking and stall kicking. Horses that are weavers will sway from side to side on their front legs. They may do this in their stall or the may do this while tied. The nose often moves in a figure eight fashion as the horse sways. This vice may supply the horse with some type of pleasure and many veterinarians suggest that the movement releases endorphins into the brain. The best way to prevent weaving is by allowing a horse adequate time in the pasture so that he will not have to occupy himself by moving excessively.

Horses that constantly turn circles in their stalls are considered box walkers. They often act oblivious to the world while they walk and may even barge into you. Many horses do this out of boredom and will often benefit from being turned out in a pasture or on a regular basis. Some horses may walk to relieve pain, this pain will be able to be determined if the horse continues his behavior in the pasture.

Wall and stall kicking occurs most frequently during feeding time. Some horses are food possessive and they may kick the walls to alert others to stay away. Then there are the door kickers who do it out of boredom. These door kickers put themselves at risk for lameness and soundness problems. They may even kick hard enough to break the little bones in their ankles. You will be able to see dents in the walls of horses that are kickers.

If there is any manure in the stall or pen, this is a good opportunity to see if the horse has any parasite or digestive problems. A horse that has parasites will generally pass them through their manure as well as any undigested corn. This will give you an idea of the level of care that the horse has received.



Do Think Long and Hard about Potential

All horses have “potential” for something. Many of them are sold as having “potential” and “prospects” in a variety of different classes. Every year there are thousands of Thoroughbred colts that are born and are described as having “potential” to be the next Kentucky Derby winner. This goes for hunters, pleasure horses and halter horses as well. No matter what discipline or equine sport, there are several colts born each year that have potential in some sort of discipline. Unless you are willing to put in the money to train a horse and work to make him successful will you have always have a horse that had “potential.”

Most horses that are described as being prospects or having potential tend to become horses that have either never trained and sometimes never even broke to ride. People buy these horses that have potential with dreams of grandeur in the show ring and then “life happens.” They never get them sent to that trainer that turns colts in to halter champions and often times they are put out to pasture and fed with little or no training. By purchasing one of these horses, you are committing yourself to caring for that horse even if you are unable to train him to be a world champion.

If you like to gamble, then you will buy a prospect. Equine potential is rarely realized and realizing that potential often comes with a hefty price tag. Only buy a horse that has prospect if you are sure that you are willing to pay the money to have the horse trained and showed properly. If you buy a horse that is considered to have potential, then you will be doing yourself a favor by sending him to the trainer right away. Do not buy a horse if you cannot send him to the trainer immediately to see that potential realized, otherwise, the horse might grow-up in your pasture with no ribbons and no titles.

If you are tempted to buy a horse that has been described as having “potential,” you should weigh the asking price against what it is going to cost to have the horse trained by a trainer, boarded and fed. When you purchase a horse, you will always be losing money in hay and feed, but is it worth it to board and train the horse as well? Even if you were able to go and win thousands of dollars at cutting and reining competitions, will the horse end up paying for itself in the long run? These are important points to cover before you decide to buy a horse that is described as having “potential.”

If you are a novice and have limited horse training and riding experience, you will not want to even consider purchasing a horse that is young and full of “potential.” You will end up spending more money and time on horse training, while you should be riding an experienced horse that you will be able to learn from.


Do Take a Trainer with You


Whether the trainer is your own or a friend, most trainers have the ability to pick out horses that are exceptional or average. They will also be able to tell you whether or not the horse is worth the asking price.

Have your trainer or other knowledgeable person ride the horse as well. This will give you something to compare your ride to. If the horse is dropping a shoulder or has a choppy stride, your trainer or friend will also be able to confirm what you felt in your ride. If you are new to the horse industry, the trainer will be able to help you look for good qualities in confirmation and movement of the horse.

A trainer will be able to help you examine both the good qualities and the bad qualities of a horse. The trainer will be able to tell you which confirmation flaws will affect performance and which confirmation flaws will not matter. They will also be able to tell you if the horse is performing in a proper manner that will make you a success in the show ring. As your trainer examines the horse, you will be able to examine the horse at the same time. Together, observe the horse in the stall, in a pasture and under saddle.

The temperament of the horse should be examines. You will want to get a good feeling of the horse’s attitude and disposition. Is the horse interested in you? Does the horse willingly come to you? These are important, as a horse that is standoffish may be more difficult for a novice to handle. Watch how the horse is handled and how he reacts to being handled.

Have the owner first ride the horse. How does the horse act for the owner? Watch the horse while he is being mounted; watch the horse as he works through his gaits. Does the horse look smooth? Does he swing his legs or does he have knee action? Knee action is required in many breeds such as Saddlebreds, but if you are looking at a Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred, you will want the horse to swing his legs from his shoulders and hips.

After the owner has ridden the horse, allow your trainer to ride the horse. The trainer will be able to ride the horse in the manner that you will eventually be riding the horse. The trainer will be able to assess what the horse knows and what the horse will need to be trained. After the trainer has rode the horse, then you should ride the horse. Have your trainer give you a short “lesson” on the horse and ride the horse as you will be riding the horse should you purchase him.


Do Buy a Horse that is Trained in Your Discipline


Do buy a horse that is trained in your discipline, as you do not want to have to retrain a horse to perform differently to suit your needs. It is true that Thoroughbreds have been used and have made great barrel horses, but you wouldn’t necessarily take that horse and ask him to perform in a Hunter class, nor would you ask a Hunter to run barrels. Buying a horse that is already trained for the discipline or activity you plan to pursue will keep you from spending more money in the long run.

There are several horses that have been trained and have made great all-around horses. If you are looking for a horse that can do everything, then you will want to ask the seller what other classes or areas the horse has performed in. If a horse has been shown in Western Pleasure, then there is a good chance that you will be able to teach him to lengthen his stride for a Hunter class, although I wouldn’t necessarily expect him to take jumps in Hunter Hack.

Choosing a discipline is something that you should think long and hard about before you go horse shopping. Most individuals begin by taking lessons in either English or Western and then go from there. There are those individuals who enjoy riding both and an all-around and versatile horse will suit their needs best. If you just plan on riding the horse on the weekends and on the trails, then you may want to ride Western for the extra comfort of the Western saddle on the trails. If you love the idea of wearing breeches and boots and taking jumps, then you will definitely want to choose English. There are also derivatives and variations of both these disciplines. Many trail riders and recreational riders enjoy the Australian saddles because they are a sort of hybrid between Western and English. There are also English style trail saddles that have been designed for added comfort. Choosing a discipline is important because after you go horse shopping, you will need to go tack shopping.

After you have chosen a discipline, then you will be able to define your riding goals. If you want to shoot for the National Finals Rodeo in roping, then you will know what type of horse you need to buy. If you aspire to compete in three-day events, then you will need a couple of different saddles and a few different riding clothes options. You will also need a horse that can jump and do dressage as well as be fit enough to cover many miles on a cross-country course.

Take into consideration any equine activities that you intend to participate in and then look for a horse that can help you achieve you goals.


Do Test Ride a Horse Multiple Times

The initial test ride is important, but you should always test ride a horse multiple time to ensure you get a clear picture of the horse and his attitude. Schedule multiple rides at different times of the day. This will help you see the differences in the horse in the morning, afternoon or evenings. This will help you get a clear picture of the horse and his ability. Also, if the horse was medicated the first time, there is a good chance that the horse will not be medicated every other time you ride the horse. If the horse acts very differently from the first time you rode him, then the horse may have been sedated.

If the horse is located at a riding stable, ask if you can take a few lessons on him to get a good idea of how the horse reacts to other horses and riders in an arena. If you are considering purchasing the horse as a trail horse, then you should ask if you could ride the horse on the trails. If you intend to do this, be sure to ask the seller if the horse is safe to ride on trails and if he has any riding experience on trails or outside of the arena.

If you plan on riding the horse English, then you should ride the horse English or if you ride Western, ride the horse Western. Every time you ride the horse, you need to ride as you will be riding when you take him home. Put the horse through his paces; work on maneuvers, figure eights, and gait transitions, everything that you will be doing at home or in your lessons. You can also ask your trainer or riding instructor to come along with you as well. Don’t just go to ride for ten minutes, but spend at least forty-five minutes to an hour riding the horse just as you would at home. Give him a good workout.

After you have rode the horse, spend time grooming him, just as you would a horse of your own. You want to get a clear picture of how the horse is going to act on a daily basis and any bad or good habits he has been trained. See if he prances while you tack and untack or if he nips at you while you groom him. These behaviors will be something that you will deal with on a daily basis and this is your chance to decide on what behaviors you can live with and which ones you won’t.

Each ride you take on the horse will give you a better idea of how the horse acts every time you ride. If he feels more solid and works well every time you ride, then you may have found your match. If you are still nervous on the third ride, then you may want to keep shopping. Don’t expect to find the perfect mount at the first barn you visit. The process and shopping may take weeks to months before you find a horse that matches your skill level and you feel comfortable with.


Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

There are no stupid questions and this is especially true when it comes to horse shopping. In fact, you should ask every question that you can think of. The seller of a horse is required by law to answer every question you have to the best of their ability. Here are a few questions that you may ask the seller of a horse:

• Does the horse buck? Has the horse ever bucked?
• Does the horse kick? Has the horse ever kicked?
• Does the horse bite? Has the horse ever bitten a person?
• Has the horse ever ran away with someone?
• How old is the horse?
• What are the horse’s bloodlines?
• Is the horse registered? Can I see his papers?
• How long have you owned the horse and why are you selling him?
• Where did you purchase the horse?
• Has the horse ever colicked and if so what type of colic?
• Has the horse ever foundered?
• Does the horse have any chronic medical conditions? Does the horse need regular medication for any problems?
• Does the horse mind being de-wormed and is he on a regular de-worming schedule?
• Are the horse’s vaccinations current? What has he been vaccinated for?
• Do you have any records of his health?
• Does the horse have any stable vices such as cribbing or wood chewing?
• Does the horse get along with other horses in the pasture or while riding?
• Has the horse ever been shod? Does he mind the farrier working on his feet?
• Has the horse had a current Coggins Test?
• Does the horse require a special diet?
• When was the last time his teeth were floated?
• If the horse is a male, has he had is wolf teeth removed?
• How does the horse act on the trail? Is he barn sour and eager to get back to his stall?
• Has the horse been ridden mainly indoors or outdoors? This is important if you ride indoors frequently as the horse may have to get used to riding inside or outside.
• Is the horse safe for children?
• How do you prepare the horse before riding him? Does he longe?

If there are any questions you can think of, ask them. The owner has to answer them to the best of their abilities. You may also want to have a notebook with you and write down the answers and date them. If you were to buy the horse and the horse does something that is different than what the owner answered, you have those answers documented should someone get hurt.


Don’t Skip the Pre-Purchase Exam

No matter how inexpensive or expensive the horse is, you will want to have the horse examined by a veterinarian. Veterinarians are not allowed to do a pre-purchase exam if they have performed services for either the seller or the buyer. This is to keep the pre-purchase exam as ethical as possible. The buyer and seller should decide on a veterinarian that neither the owner nor seller have previously used. Call the vet ahead of time to schedule the appointment and to get the cost of the exam. It is the buyer’s responsibility to pay for the vet check.

It also does not matter what age the horse is. A vet will be able to tell you if the horse has the beginnings of any conditions that may limit the horse’s future performance. For example, if you are buying a two-year-old colt or filly, the vet will be able to X-ray the legs and ensure that the knees have fused. Horses of this age may also show the beginnings of degenerative arthritis that will keep you from riding and training the horse. No matter how much you like a horse, you do not want to buy a horse that is only going to cost you more money in upkeep and feed in the long run, especially if you are not going to be able to get any enjoyment out of them.

The vet will provide a written report for you on the horse’s condition. The vet will do blood tests, musculoskeletal tests, they will put them through their paces, check lungs and heart and respiration. They will check virtually every area of the horse. Should the vet find a flaw, ask the vet if the flaw will affect the horse’s future and life later. The vet will also be able to tell you whether or not the horse is suitable for what you want to use him for. The teeth will also be checked and the horse will be aged. You will be able to compare the vet’s findings to what the owner has stated.

This exam is even more important if you are buying the horse to add to your breeding stock. The vet will do a reproductive soundness test on both mares and stallions. If you are purchasing a stallion for breeding purposes then you should have a semen exam and collection done. The vet will be able to find any conditions the horse may have that may prohibit him from performing well in the breeding shed. They will also do sperm counts and tell you whether or not the horse will be able to reproduce. On mares, the vet will check for reproductive confirmation and will tell you if the mare will be prone to problems such as urine pooling which may cause uterine infections. You will also be able to find out if the mare has any bacterial infections of the uterus. If it is in the spring, the vet should be able to tell you what part of the cycle the mare is in.

Listen to the vet intently. Although the vet will issue a written report, you may be able to pick up enough information that will help you make your decision immediately. If you feel that the horse is right for you and that you are going to buy him, go ahead and have the vet perform a Coggins test as well as update the horse’s vaccinations before you take the horse home.


Do Prepare a Contract


There are too many circumstances in the horse business that a horse is sold without a proper contract being drawn up. There are a lot of details that cannot necessarily be pinned down in the sale of a horse. You can avoid many problems by drawing up a simple contract that states an individual’s responsibilities.

A sales contract can protect both the seller and the buyer. A sales contract can protect a seller from future claims by a buyer if the horse is sold “as is” and the contract includes a disclaimer that states the seller does not guarantee the future performance or soundness of a horse. If the contract requires the seller to disclose all existing defects of the horse, then the buyer has the right to expect that from the seller. For example, if you sell a horse that has a history of colic and you sell him without disclosing that, then the seller could be liable to the buyer.

It is up to the buyer to full investigate the horse they are buying. In many situations, you are able to control the information that the seller has a legal obligation to disclose. Take another person with you as a legal witness and jot down all answers the seller gives you. Don’t skip the pre-purchase exam and include the findings in the contract. By omitting a pre-purchase exam, you are waiving any warranties of the horse’s health and soundness.

Should you have to get involved in a lawsuit, your contract and your notes will be able to back you up as a buyer. If a buyer is able to prove in a lawsuit that the seller did not disclose information that they were obliged to, the liability could extend beyond a full refund for the purchase price of the horse to including the buyer’s expense in purchasing and keeping the horse.

If the horse injures the buyer or someone else through an undisclosed bad habit, such as rearing, the seller may be responsible for those personal injuries if the habit exceeds the boundaries of normally accepted “dangerous” or unpredictable behavior. The liability is even higher if the rider has disclosed himself or herself as a novice or beginning rider or if the buyer told the seller that the horse was intended for a child. Should these events happen your notes, witnesses and contract, as a buyer these will help you to prove negligence by the seller. It is not wise to go buy a horse for the intent of suing the seller, but you should have your bases covered should something happen to you or visitors to your barn.

In writing your contract, you will also want to consider your state’s laws on equines. The state may allow additional inclusions in the contract that will help protect both the buyer and the seller. It is also important that both the buyer and the seller understand that horse’s are dangerous and are capable of unexpected behaviors that may cause injury or death, this fact should also be considered in the writing of your contract.


Hope this helps you re-consider a few things you were thinking about. I published this a couple years ago but thought it to be time to re-hash it.


Stop by the forum and say hello if you get a chance.

HorseCommunityForum

Thanks again friends


Ron

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