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Animals/Livestock UT Extension Publications

3-2003

TNH3002- Locating and Buying the Right

The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

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Recommended Citation "TNH3002- Locating and Buying the Right Horse," The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, TNH 3002 3/03 E12-4415-00-022-03, https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_agexani/28

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Locating and Buying the Right Horse

Doyle G. Meadows, Professor, Animal Science

Millions of people enjoy their horses each physical attributes necessary for the success- day. The horse owner can receive years of en- ful enjoyment of a horse. joyment and satisfaction from locating and Experience of the Rider buying the RIGHT horse. The physical ex- The experience of the rider is as impor- ercise and mental relaxation derived from a tant as the age of the rider. Generally, more safe, well-trained horse can justify the ex- experienced youth can capably manage and pense associated with this form of recreation. ride horses that would not be appropriate for A ride on a trail, completing a difficult hunt adults with little or no experience. Typically, course or teaching a foal to lead are experi- only children were considered to be inexperi- ences that happen daily in the lives of horse enced riders, but today many adults with no owners. prior riding experience are buying horses. Do The relationship between a horse and rider not assume that an adult can handle a horse can be unparalleled if the right horse is cho- better than a youth just because he or she is sen. This fact sheet will assist horse owners in older. A highly trained, well-broken horse may not only locating but also selecting the most be perfect for an inexperienced rider, but may appropriate horse for their needs and desires. be boring for an experienced rider who wants There are many considerations and questions to provide at least some level of training to the to evaluate when selecting a horse. Many of horse. The experience of the rider will play a the considerations are directed at the horse, MAJOR role in determining the RIGHT horse. while others involve the rider or the compat- Many people buy a horse before learning ibility of the horse and rider. to ride. However, it may also be beneficial for Age of Rider the prospective buyer to take riding lessons The age of the rider is an important item to develop appropriate skills and a sense of to consider when purchasing a horse. The age confidence before purchasing a horse. These and ultimately the size of the rider can have lessons can help prospective buyers decide if a profound influence on being able to con- they really want a horse. trol the horse. The physical limitations of a Age of the Horse buyer will influence the size and level of train- The age of the horse is an important con- ing of a prospective purchase. Normally a sideration in selecting the right horse. First, 15 -year-old would be able to handle a larger, the age of the horse must be consistent with less-trained horse than a 7-year-old child. the desires and experience of the rider. An ex- The primary consideration of age reflects the perienced rider may want to show or train a

3002.1 young horse, but this young horse would not The size of the horse in relationship to the be totally appropriate for an inexperienced rider should also be considered. Matching handler. A mature older horse would normally appropriate body type of the horse with the be more suitable for an inexperienced rider. rider can be fun and challenging. A large man However, selecting a horse solely based on age may not look good on a small-framed stock could be a problem. Just because a horse is horse in jumping events, but the same man mature does not mean it is a suitable mount. would look great on a large - Although an exact age cannot be given, horses type hunter. Additionally, a small may 8 years of age and older are generally pre- be an acceptable mount for a small child but ferred for novice or first-time horse owners. would not be acceptable for a larger teenager. The horse and rider need to be compatible to Experience of the Horse make a good team. Size, suitability for pur- (Level of training) pose and level of training of the horse must The level of training, or the experience be considered when matching horse-rider of the horse, is a consideration that must be combinations. given high priority. Generally, the inexperi- enced rider should select a highly trained How Much to Pay for a Horse horse. However, this concept can be taken The key to buying a horse, particularly too far. For example, many parents have paid the first horse, is moderation. Even if a family large amounts of money for a professionally or person can afford to spend any amount of trained horse. This in itself is not bad; how- money for a horse, purchase one in a moder- ever, the extra money paid for a horse that ate price range. Many good horses can be pur- can perform sophisticated maneuvers will be chased in the $1,500 to $3,000 price range. negated due to the rider’s inability to capital- The level of training will play a major role in ize on that level of training. In this case, the determining the price of the horse. Select one level of training will decrease to the rider’s that compliments the horse-rider combina- experience unless the rider advances in his tion in a moderate price range. A better, more or her level of training. However, the fact still expensive horse can be purchased later if the remains that inexperienced riders should situation warrants a change. A $25,000 price buy an experienced horse. Selecting a green tag does not mean a great horse. Conversely, horse with no training for a completely inex- many “cheap” horses make excellent mounts perienced rider is a blueprint for failure and and provide a learning opportunity and fun a discouraged horse owner. Do not buy an in- for a rider. It is advisable to grow, step-by- experienced horse for an inexperienced rider step, and gain experience before investing a with the thought that they will learn together. large sum of money. However, it will cost as These situations are frustrating to the riders much to maintain a cheap horse as an ex- who generally lose interest before their newly pensive one. Determine how much money acquired skills enable them to adequately can be spent for a horse and search for suit- train a green horse. able horses in that price range. Do not be- come swayed by high pressure sales pitches Combination of Horse and Rider to spend additional money above the pre-set The combination of horse and rider re- limit. Most people can find a suitable horse in quires serious thought and consideration. their price range if they are willing to invest Emphasis should be placed on the event or time and effort. activity in which the rider wishes to partici- pate. If a person wants to ride hunt courses or Breed-type Selection and jump fences, then a horse of a “hunter” Many people will select horses based on type should be selected. The horse should not the type of event in which they want to par- only be well-matched with the rider’s ability ticipate. The breed or breed-type of the horse but should also be suitable for the purpose. has to be selected based on the interest of the Any horse may make a suitable trail horse but prospective buyer. Many of horses are may be inappropriate for certain suitable for trail or pleasuring riding only. or event combinations. However, if an owner wants to participate in many of the Western events at horse shows,

3002.2 he or she should select a breed with suitable and farrier services, grooming aids, tack and traits and attributes. These breeds or breed- equipment, and possibly insurance. It is criti- types should be of origin, such as cal the prospective buyer fully understand the Quarter Horse, American Paint Horse, Palo- costs involved in maintaining a horse prior to mino, or even a Pony of America. the initial purchase. Those interested in hunter events could Another significant consideration that select one of the aforementioned breeds; how- must be addressed is showing the horse. ever, Thoroughbred-types are typically used Showing horses can be very expensive and on the hunter-jumper circuit. requires financial and time management. Al- such as Hanoverians and Trakehners are also though fancy, expensive horse trailers and used successfully in jumping events. Arabi- towing vehicles may not be required, the fact ans, American Saddlebreds or Morgans may remains that the horse has to get to the show. also be used for many events, but are typi- Therefore, the horse will have to be hauled, cally show horses. However, Arabians are very creating an expense. Moreover, to “fit in” with competitive in trail and endurance trail rides. the show crowd, an owner must purchase cer- Many of these breeds, with proper training, tain show tack, equipment and attire, requir- can perform in dressage competition. ing additional expense. Furthermore, Entry Walking or racking-type horses may also fees can be costly, depending on the show. be used as show or pleasure mounts. These Consult a friend who is currently showing or a gaited-type horses are more predominant professional in the area to determine a typical in certain regions of the country than oth- horse show budget. ers breeds of horse. However, in recent years, Registered or Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses Unregistered (Grade) Horse and Spotted Horses have gained in Horse owners who wish to show in breed popularity. or registered shows must purchase a reg- Those wanting race horses may select istered horse. For example, if a prospective a horse from many of the breeds. Today, owner wanted to show in registered Quar- is present in many forms and is ter Horse shows, the owner must purchase not limited to just . Quarter a horse registered in the American Quarter Horses, Arabians, Paints and also Horse Association. Similar situations exist for race on the flat, while harness racing contin- most other breeds and horse show associa- ues to be popular with both pacing and trot- tions, such as the American Horse Show As- ting Standardbreds. Potential horse owners sociation. Many of the associations require simply wanting to breed and race should con- owners to be members to show or transfer sult a professional blood stock agent and se- horses. Requirements can be attained from lect breeding stock based on their interest and each different association or registry. the future use of the offspring. The right to exhibit in breed shows is only Daily and Monthly Expenses one advantage of owning a registered horse. The initial purchase price of a horse may Most breed associations publish a breed jour- be insignificant compared to the routine man- nal that lists show dates and locations, infor- agement costs. The horse owner must be pre- mative articles about horses and many other pared for the daily and monthly expenses. items related to horses. Some owners indicate The primary expenses to horse owners are they feel more a part of the feed and board. However, these expenses may simply by owning a registered horse. vary tremendously depending on where the Many people initially purchase a grade or horse is boarded. If the horse is maintained unregistered horse in the beginning and even- on the owner’s property, then obviously board tually graduate to a registered horse. Many costs would be minimal. If pasture is avail- people purchase a grade horse initially be- able, feed costs also would be reduced. Total cause of the perceived lower cost of the grade feed and board costs required by boarding animal. Registered horses do not automati- stables could range form $50 to $600 per cally cost more than their grade counterparts. month, depending on amenities and locations. Oftentimes registered horses may be found for Additional monthly costs would include health the same cost as grade horses.

3002.3 When purchasing a registered horse, the Color breeds simply provide another alterna- buyer must be aware of the current recorded tive for the owner to be involved with other owner. This is shown on the registration pa- people and horses. pers. The registration papers simply identify a Sex of the Horse specific horse. If the person selling the horse Sex of the horse is an important consider- and the recorded owner shown on the regis- ation in horse selection. Obviously, if the goal tration papers are different, appropriate trans- of the buyer is to eventually establish a breed- fer information and documentation must be ing program, then and must obtained prior to completing the transaction. be purchased. Normally stallions do not make Additional information shown on the reg- good mounts for amateurs and youth. Many istration papers will help the owner identify of the youth associations — as well as 4-H the horse. This information will include such — do not allow youth to ride or exhibit stal- things as foaling date, three to five genera- lions. Additionally, they are not recommended tions of ancestry, identifying white markings, for trail or because of the po- scars, brands, initial owner and breeder and tential danger they present to the rider as well in many cases, previous owners. Also, neck or as other participants. Mares and geldings lip tattoos, registration number and sex will are certainly the choices for a pleasurable, be shown on the papers. obedient horse. Many people prefer geldings Color over mares, particularly for novice or youth Color of the horse is a determining factor mounts, due to the possibility of behavior for many people selecting a horse. Most people changes associated with mares in heat. Geld- are able to purchase their color preference ings are generally more consistent with be- within most breed or breed-types. However, havior and performance. However, mares can the buyer who makes a purchase decision be successfully ridden on the trail and shown based strictly on color severely restricts the without any problems. pool of horses available for sale. Conversely, Locating a Horse the less restrictive a prospective buyer is One of the many questions asked by a about coat color, the greater the chances are potential horse owner is “Where do I find a to find the right horse. However, if a buyer horse?” Although horses are found and pur- wants to show, for example, Palomino horses, chased in many different locations and set- then it will typically take more time and miles tings, the local breeders are a good place to to find the appropriate mount. In some breeds start the search. An established breeder can or breed-types, certain colors may be dis- give good information to the buyer and is of- criminated against; therefore, it would be ad- ten a good source of quality horses. Likewise, visable to research those possibilities prior to a trainer who rides for the public or for per- purchase. A breeding program based solely on sonal satisfaction makes excellent options color can produce discouraging results. If a available to the buyer. Horse agents or traders person breeds for color and develops a market who buy and sell horses may assist in horse plan for a specific color or color pattern, the selection. Traders are oftentimes overlooked marketability of the offspring can be greatly as resource people because of the perception reduced if the color is not obtained. Therefore, they only have horses with problems. This is an alternate market plan should be developed not true. Reputable traders or agents have as- to accommodate for non-colored horses. sisted many people who are extremely happy Color breeds such as Palomino and Buck- with their purchases. skin will provide an excellent opportunity for Auction sales provide a readily available the owner to exhibit the horse. For example, source to prospective buyers. Simply going to a 4-H youth with a Palomino horse could ex- an auction sale and buying a horse can be hibit in approved Palomino and American risky. Although many quality horses are sold Quarter Horses Shows as well as 4-H and every day at auction sales, the law govern- open shows. Of course, this would only be ing these sales is “Buyer Beware.” Boarding true if the Palomino was double registered in stables provide an alternative for purchasing both the Palomino Horse Breeder of America a horse. Although the boarding stable may not and Association.

3002.4 be directly involved in selling horses, many of owner. Do not underestimate the value of pro- the boarders may want to sell or may know of fessional help in selecting a horse. someone who wants to sell a horse. Make an unannounced visit after a Someone who wants a show horse may horse has been identified as a prospect. want to consider going to horse shows to look Honest horse owners will not be offended by for the right horse. The buyer can identify a surprise visit to see a horse for the second horses that may be for sale and observe their or third time. Initially, an appointment must performance and behavior during an actual be made and agreed to by both parties. It is show. This provides the buyer with firsthand a good idea to evaluate a horse that may not knowledge of a horse’s ability to perform un- have been ridden close to the previous ap- der show conditions. pointment time. This prevents an owner from Many horses are sold through classified giving a horse extra work prior to a visit so and other advertisements in newspapers, that it will perform better. journals and other horse-related Try to spend some time alone with the publications. Veterinarians often provide in- horse. The more the horse is handled prior to valuable information to prospective buyers purchase, the more likely a correct decision about client horses that may be for sale as will be made. The horse’s disposition and atti- well as other horses in the immediate area. tude can be more easily determined when the Many veterinary clinics provide clients with a horse and rider are alone together. This is ap- bulletin board to list horses to buy or sell. plicable both on and off the horse. Just watch- County Extension agents, state Extension ing the horse in the stall may give the buyer horse specialists and Department of Agricul- an indication of manners in the stall, such as ture marketing specialists are good resource a horse that continually walks or weaves back people for prospective buyers. Extension 4-H and forth in a stall. A prospective buyer can leaders and even 4-H members are very will- also observe eating habits. ing to provide assistance in horse selection. Take some time to tie-up the horse. These people make excellent resource people The horse should be tied up and, if possible, because in most cases there is no financial cross-tied in an aisle to evaluate the horse’s consideration tied to their selection process or ability to stand tied. Even though this may advice to a prospective buyer. seem to be insignificant, a horse that will not stand tied will have limited use. The horse is Pre-purchase Examination a definite candidate for a trip to the veterinar- A must consideration for the prospective ian because of the increased chances of injury horse buyer is a pre-purchase examination to in halter pullers. Simply watching a horse’s determine the overall soundness and health of manners while tied provides an indication of the horse prior to purchase. The examinations prior training. should be made by a veterinarian with ex- Have the owner ride the horse first. Do perience in pre-purchase examinations. The not attempt to ride a horse without watch- examining veterinarian should not have had ing someone ride the horse first, preferably previous business dealings with the seller. In the owner. A trainer riding a horse may make addition to the pre-purchase exam, the buyer the horse appear to have more training than may request records of previous disease vac- it really has. Try to see the horse ridden as cination and deworming schedules, as well as fresh as possible without lounging. This can a complete health record of the horse. These give the buyer an indication of disposition and records will be easily obtained from horse level of training. In addition, watch the horse’s owners who have maintained an appropriate actions as the horse is taken away from the horse health program. barn. Many horses do not want to leave the Suggestions to Help Find barn area. These horses are referred to as the Right Horse “barn sour.” Take a professional with you to help se- While riding the horse during the lect the horse. Just as a realtor can assist evaluation phase, make the horse sweat. the home buyer, a professional in the horse Give the horse a good workout. Some horses business can assist the prospective horse are fine during a light riding session but be-

3002.5 come very ill-mannered and unmanageable if Try to work out a lease or lease-purchase they have to go beyond a light workout. Do not plan for the horse. Some owners are will- try to overwork the horse, just a good strong ing to lease in lieu of selling, particularly if riding session. the owner is having a hard time selling the Load and trailer the horse. Some horses horse. This provides a great way to “test drive” will not willingly load in a trailer, thus se- a horse before a large expenditure is made in verely limiting their usefulness, since most case the horse is not satisfactory. activities require trailering. It is also good not Summary only to load but actually trailer the horse for a First the prospective horse buyers must short period of time. decide one major factor, “Am I willing to make Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask the a commitment?” This is not simply a financial owner certain appropriate questions. Some of commitment, but a total commitment by the the questions could include: buyer to the physical and mental well being • Why is the horse being sold? of the horse. If the answer is affirmative, the buyer can then start the decision-making pro- • Is the horse easy to handle when being cess to decide and respond to considerations trimmed or shod? Also obtain the discussed in this fact sheet such as where to farrier’s name to verify the response. keep the horse, breed or breed-type, sex, age, • Is the horse easy to clip or trim and and level of training. Throughout the entire bathe? selection process the buyer must remember there is no PERFECT HORSE. Many horses • How much training has the horse had? may be acceptable, but the buyer must select • What aids and cues are used to make the one that is RIGHT for him or her. However, the horse perform? to select the right horse, the buyer must do the necessary homework to locate and buy the • Could the buyer see a copy of the horse’s horse. Remember, if this process were easy, show record? everyone would have the PERFECT HORSE. • Does the horse have any unusual quirks?

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TNH 3002 3/03 E12-4415-00-022-03 The Agricultural Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and county governments cooperating in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Agricultural Extension Service Charles L. Norman, Dean

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