| y"> | | | | you to more easily schedule for vacations and such. |
| A horse is a companion like no other...it feels very | | | | Co-ownership with a friend who is also a horse |
| mystical when you get a horse that's right for you... | | | | enthusiast is another way to reduce or share chores |
| If you are venturing out to buy a horse, then that | | | | and expenses. You both get the enjoyment of having |
| means you have done all of your homework and have | | | | a horse, but with less cost and labor. This also allows |
| researched and understand all that is involved in horse | | | | you to more easily schedule for vacations. |
| ownership--you are aware of the long-term | | | | When horse shopping, keep in mind a good saddle |
| commitment required and know the responsibility and | | | | horse is one that is comfortable with a saddle on its |
| costs involved in owning a horse. And you have made | | | | back, is gentle in nature, is in good health and has a |
| arrangements to provide a suitable home for your | | | | good disposition. If you are not going to the only rider, |
| new horse. | | | | then you will need to base your purchasing decision |
| That said, you will want to have some idea on the kind | | | | with the least proficient rider in mind. |
| of horse you're looking for before going horse | | | | For the first time owner, you are going to want a |
| shopping. What characteristics and personality do you | | | | horse that has a good personality and is forgiving of |
| want your horse to have? You can gain some idea by | | | | small mistakes. A well trained older horse of at least 5 |
| using your own past experience taking trail rides or | | | | years or older with a pleasant demeanor is |
| riding lessons, going to horse shows, reading horse | | | | recommended. |
| magazines or talking to horse owners. Knowing what | | | | If you are new to horses, then you should have a |
| sort of horse you want before shopping will help keep | | | | horse expert or veterinarian help you evaluate the |
| you focused and not get caught up in a spontaneous | | | | condition of the horse before you buy. You will want to |
| purchase, only to find out later on you ended up with | | | | check the horse over and to make sure the hooves |
| the wrong horse. You also need to know what your | | | | are in good shape. The horse's coat should be shiny |
| horse-buying budget is and only concentrate on | | | | and smooth. Its eyes should look clear, bright and alert. |
| shopping for horses within your established price range. | | | | A good saddle horse should have a long straight back |
| Never rush a horse purchase. Take your time and | | | | with flat sides (no ribs poking out). Take the reigns and |
| avoid getting caught up in the excitement of horse | | | | walk the horse. Evaluate whether the horse limps or |
| shopping and making an impulse buy that does not turn | | | | displays any physical problem. When climbing into the |
| out well. When taking your time to shop for a horse, | | | | saddle, the horse should stay still and try to move |
| you can reduce your risk of buying the wrong horse | | | | away. Ride the horse and see how he responds to |
| by at least 75%. | | | | your commands. |
| There are some alternatives to owning a horse if you | | | | You will also want to understand why the horse is |
| decide you might not quite be ready. Taking riding | | | | being sold. When making the purchase, be sure you |
| lessons allows you to improve your skills while allowing | | | | get a bill of sale that clearly describes the horse and its |
| you to be around horses. In this regard, you get to | | | | markings in addition to the purchase price and payment |
| participate in all the fun activities without having all the | | | | terms. Have the owner sign the registration papers. If |
| hard work and expenses. | | | | the owner has lost the registration papers, then you will |
| Horse camps are also a fun way for adults and | | | | probably want the sale to be contingent upon obtaining |
| children to be with horses. These camps are typically | | | | new registration papers. It can be a bit expensive to |
| designed to teach you horsemanship and to provide | | | | get new papers with document research and |
| you with horse riding training. | | | | replacement fees and having someone come out to |
| Leasing a horse is also a good option if you're not too | | | | authenticate the horse. |
| sure about the long-term commitment required to care | | | | When you are in the market for a horse, a good place |
| for a horse. With a leased horse, you will have the full | | | | to start is through personal contacts. If you know |
| responsibility of horse ownership; however, you are not | | | | horse owners or are taking horse lessons through an |
| stuck with the horse if you later decide having a horse | | | | instructor, ask these people if they know of any |
| is not for you. | | | | horses for sale. Through their inner-circle of horse |
| Co-ownership may also be an option. Sharing | | | | friends, vets, farriers, feed stores, tack shops, and |
| ownership with a friend who is also a horse enthusiast | | | | such, they may know of where a good horse might |
| is another way to reduce or share chores and | | | | be for sale. They can also give you some pointers on |
| expenses. Both of you get the joy of owning a horse, | | | | the type of horse that may be best for you. |
| but with less cost and labor. Co-ownership also allows | | | | |