| You're thinking of buying your first horse to fulfill a | | | | experienced rider who has the knowledge and riding |
| lifelong dream. But, have you done the homework that | | | | skill to train them correctly. You cannot learn to ride or |
| is necessary to make sure the dream doesn't become | | | | improve your own limited riding skills while working with |
| a night mare? You want to buy a young horse so that | | | | a horse with minimal or no training. |
| you can learn together. Here are 3 truths to consider | | | | Truth #3: A responsible horse owner also needs to be |
| before making that decision. | | | | knowledgeable about horse care and management. |
| Truth #1: Any money saved buying a young horse will | | | | Whether you keep your horse at home or at a |
| be spent on training. | | | | boarding stable where someone else provides the day |
| It takes years to train a horse well and no time at all to | | | | to day care, an educated and well-informed owner |
| teach a horse unwanted and unsafe behaviours. Riding | | | | must be an advocate for their horse to ensure he is |
| lessons and horse training can cost thousands of | | | | getting good, quality care. Will you know if your horse |
| dollars. And, there is no guarantee that the "finished" | | | | is being fed and managed appropriately? Will you |
| horse will be exactly what you wanted. You are far | | | | recognize any signs of illness, poor condition or |
| wiser to spend more money purchasing a horse that | | | | lameness? A horse cannot speak up for itself and |
| has experience doing the type of work you desire and | | | | needs his owner to be his advocate. |
| can tolerate your learning curve. | | | | The Success Story |
| Truth #2: Riding is a partnership and one of the | | | | You and your horse are working together as true |
| partners should know more than the other. | | | | partners. You are both calm, level headed and relaxed. |
| Green riders should have a well-schooled, experienced | | | | You enjoy just hanging out together and have |
| horse with a patient, forgiving temperament for their | | | | developed a relationship built on mutual trust and |
| first equine partner. Young horses deserve to have an | | | | respect. This is a dream come true. |