| g horse properties, especially your own horse is similar | | | | operating large ranches are experts in matching the |
| to buying a dog except that this pet can be very | | | | need of prospective buyers to suitable horses (i.e. |
| expensive. Quality horses aren't cheap. If you’re | | | | work horses, racing horses, show horses). Buying |
| in the market for a horse, you might be checking out | | | | horses from small farms and individual owners are |
| newspaper ads, equine forums on the Internet, your | | | | discouraged because they are usually just looking for |
| state’s agricultural bulletin, notices on tack and | | | | opportunities to rid themselves of a problem horse. |
| feed stores or livestock auctions – all in search | | | | You might just end up buying another person's |
| of a good horse at a good price. Depending on the | | | | problem. |
| animal’s breeding, health, age, size and ability, a | | | | If you have a trainer, include him in the purchasing |
| recreational riding horse can cost anywhere from | | | | process. He knows your skills and can match them |
| several hundred dollars to many thousands. The | | | | realistically with the suitable horse. Dealers or owners |
| purchasing cost of the animal, however, is just the | | | | of horse properties will just match your needs, not |
| start. Julie Lucas, a horse veterinarian comments that | | | | your skill level. They can also gauge the horse's |
| often enough, the cost of the horse is insignificant or | | | | capabilities. It also helps to have realistic goals and |
| rather small when put together with the cost of its | | | | expectations. In short, don't expect a show horse to |
| care and upkeep. Needless to say, procuring horses | | | | last doing farm work, or a farm horse to perform |
| makes for a big financial step so careful planning and | | | | beautifully in a competition. Your trainer can advise you |
| preparation must taken to avoid buying less than | | | | on how long a horse needs to be trained before it can |
| quality horses. | | | | be expected to do perform well. |
| Horse owners generally agree that it is better to buy | | | | Of course, horses are only as good as their riders. |
| horses from people who have been in the business | | | | Practice riding your horse especially if you're switching |
| for long. If you found a prospective dealer in horse | | | | breeds. Your investment in horse properties will only be |
| properties like a farm or ranch owner, research about | | | | wasted if you can't ride your horse. It is important to be |
| the owner and the establishment. Find out who their | | | | consistent and authoritative. Horses are instinctively |
| past clients are, and if you're willing to take the extra | | | | herders, they follow the head of the herd. Make sure |
| step, contact them and ask if they are satisfied with | | | | that your horse understands that between the two of |
| horse the ranch sold them. This is a better way to | | | | you, you intend to be the leader. It's no good getting a |
| know your dealer rather than from brochures or | | | | horse if it constantly throws you to the ground at |
| Internet sites. It is also advised to buy your horse from | | | | mid-gallop. |
| large farms with a large selection of horses. People | | | | |