A little time spent at the begining can save a lot!Perhaps you have been to the U.S. on a wonderful ranch holiday, you have visited a recent western show and seen the amazing quarter horses in action or maybe you have read recent articles in magazines and have decided that the quarter horse is the horse for you!
As a breeder, trainer and exhibitor of these horses I would like to take this opportunity to give you some practical advice before you purchase your new horse so you can enjoy him to the full. In the first instance I would urge you to visit as many studs, trainers, shows and training clinics as you possibly can before you commit yourself. See the horses in action and choose which discipline you would like to pursue - western or english. This should help you work out the bloodlines, conformation and temperament most suited for that discipline.
Take a deep breath and be honest with yourself right from the word go. What exactly are you expecting the horse to do? Will you require him to have the athleticism of a reiner, the soft paces of a pleasure horse or the length of stride and scope of a jumper. Have you the time, money and expertise to go it alone or will you have to seek out expert professional training for both you and the horse to achieve these goals. Consider whether you can manage a young horse, and if you can train it, are there facilities close by or will you have to travel long distances to use them. Temperament and ability are more important than his colour or whether his great - great - great grandfather was a foundation sire. He might be bred to do it, but does the horse actually look and behave as if he might do it?? Having assessed your facilities, level of riding and goals then start to look for your ideal partner.
I would like to emphasize the importance of looking at as many horses as possible before taking the plunge - do not be tempted to rush into a decision or be pushed into a hasty purchase, you may well rue the day. Assess his price in relation to his breeding, conformation and level of training.
In the first instance assess the horse in his own environment, will he tie up, and lead quietly and have his feet picked out. Is he generally good to be around? Next decide on the level of training you can sensibly cope with: • a good safe sensible hack • a young horse suitable for pleasure and trail • a young horse with reining potential • a young halter prospect • an english riding prospect, suitable for hunter under saddle and /or jumping • older horses already showing aptitude in their chosen discipline • an all around performer/prospect i.e. a horse that could perform in pleasure/trail/english/western riding or trail/reining. • a seasoned proven show horse in your chosen discipline. If you decide to go for pleasure and then decide later to switch to reining do not expect your pleasure horse to have the ability or physique to make that change with you. • is he registered or eligible for the AQHA incentive fund. When you view the horse take the time to see it in all situations and several times if necessary, however please do not time-waste if you have no serious interest. If the horse is advertised as being started this can mean a variety of descriptions - please be absolutely clear as to just what the vendor has done with this youngster. He might have just been lunged or worn the saddle and bridle in the stall. He could have been backed or he may have several days or weeks ridden experience. Has he been ridden in just the round pen, the outdoor manage or the indoor school or out of arenas only. If he is started, what is his standard of riding: will he stand still when mounted/dismounted, does he move quietly at the walk and jog (trot). Can he take the correct leads at the lope (canter) and can he willingly back-up and sidepass. Having made the decision to purchase work out a sensible training program for you and your horse with a reputable trainer. Attend clinics and schooling shows to give you confidence and learn new techniques. I hope I have not discouraged you, I want you to enjoy your quarter horse, but a little time spent on research can save you having many problems later - happy hunting!!! |
