Horse Complex

Are you looking to buy a horse, or maybe your first one? Before you buy you should always know what your buying. Use these basic questions to help you buy the right equine friend! How old is it? Should I get a horse or maybe a pony? Does this horse require an experienced rider? Is this horse good with children? Do I want a greenie or a trained horse? Well, in the next few paragraphs there is very useful information to buying the right horse.

Horse or Pony?

The first step to choosing the right equine friend is picking a horse(+14.2hh )
or a pony ( – 14.2hh) Size, age, and your experience all ties it together! If your buying for a small child a pony might be a better choice, but eventually the child will out grow the pony. But, a adult might feel more comfortable on horses or larger ponies. A teenager might feel for a smaller horse at about 15.2hh. Size and experience really matters when buying a horse or pony because how you sit and feel effects how you ride.

Trained or Trainee?

Whether you choose to buy a trained or an experienced or a green horse or pony it also depends on you. If you are a novice rider you might have more fun with a horse that already I trained. But if you are an experienced rider you might want to train a green horse on your own. Winning your first blue ribbon with a horse you trained is very pleasing, knowing you’ve taught him everything he knows!

What breed? And does it really matter?

While some breeds of horse and pony are bred to work specific jobs most breeds will adapt to what ever you want him to do. If you want a good trail horse you might want a Tennessee Walking Horse. They were bred for walking for long distances with out tiring. But if you want to gallop you may want a thoroughbred or a Quarter horse. The quarter horse is a very versatile breed. It’s activities range from driving cattle, show jumping, western pleasure, reining, dressage, and many more. The thoroughbred is also very good at show jumping, dressage, and racing.

So, Where will I Find Him?

The search for the perfect horse can be very time consuming. But once you have found the right one you’ll be glad you waited such a long time. Now that you’ve chose what type ( horse or pony), breed, and age there are many roads you can take. A great place to look is the barn you ride at. Talk to the barn manager or instructor to find out what horses are for sale. If you take lessons ask if you could try the horse out because you were looking to buy.

And never hesitate to look at the horses for sale in the newspaper for horses sold in auctions. This may mean you will have to wait a little longer, but many great horses are sold that way! Maybe your perfect horse is right around the corner!

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Many horses travel at least once a year; whether going to a national park for a trail ride, or going to a competition, horses travel. It’s a good idea to train your horse to trailer nicely when you do travel. Horses that don’t travel nicely often hurt themselves when loading and unloading. Make sure before you travel with your horse you have the trip fully planned. I hope this article will help you plan your next trip with you horse.

Clothing:

Before you hit the road make sure your horse will be safe in the trailer. It’s a good idea to boot or wrap your horse’s legs before you lead him/her to the trailer. Boots are a lot easier to put on. Make sure the boot is secure to your horse’s leg. Blankets and sheets are optional depending on the weather. Bring a sheet or cooler just to be safe. Tail bandaging is also a good idea because it helps keep the tail from rubbing. Don’t wrap the tail is any type of girth or strap to hold a blanket saddle or bag in place.

Things to have on hand:

Some things you should bring with you on your trip are stall cleaning utensils, hay and feed, hose or sprayer, and a first aid kit. Make sure you also have a spare tire, jumper cables, flashlights with batteries, and duct tape. It’s always good to have spare tires and a jumper cable just in case something happens to your car. Be sure to have a map or a GPS guiding you on your trip. Make sure you have extra halters and lead ropes with you. Scissors and a pocket knife are good to have for emergencies.

Preparing the Trailer:

A few hours before the trip make sure all your supplies are loaded up. Have the stall your horse will be traveling ready with a foam mat and a small amount of shavings. Horses spread their legs and lock them into the sleeping position. This is why you should have good traction on the ground of the stall so he/she won’t slip. Remember to bring extra shavings too! If your horse doesn’t like to travel alone maybe you should bring his/her best friend. This means preparing two stalls for the journey.

Loading Your Horse:

To load your horse you should always have an extra set of hands to help you. Lead your horse into the trailer and have another person push gently on his/her rump to guide him/her in safely. Remember to be cautious when standing behind the horse just in case he/she kicks out. When leading your horse into the trailer lead him/her straight so he/she won’t hit his/her legs. Remember to clip the lead shank provided in the trailer to your horse’s halter. Tell your helper to place the bar down behind your horse too.

Hitting the Road:

Before your get on the road make sure the trailer is latched to the vehicle securely. Drive up the driveway a little and then stop to make sure the trailer is adjusted. Stop every three hours to refill your horse’s water and hay. You can also walk your horse around to let him/her stretch. Don’t stop on the side of the road for those activities because it could be highly dangerous and the passing vehicles could spook your horse. Don’t take your horse out if you don’t think you can get him/her back in the trailer. Drive carefully! Have a Fun Trip!

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Grooming is a fun activity for you and your horse.  Grooming should be an every day activity.  It is also a good opportunity to check for any injuries or sores on your horse.  You should groom your horse before riding him/her.  Dirt and grime will rub and may cause sores on your horse.

Here are some basic tips for grooming:

1. Start by grooming the left side then the right side.
2. Groom all parts of your horse; legs, torso, and neck
3. Groom where the saddle will be placed, including under the belly.

It is a great idea to have all of your grooming supplies gathered and ready for use.  A grooming box or anything that could hold your grooming tools will work.  You could even use an old tool box.  Make sure your tools are placed where you can easily grab them, but in a safe spot away from your horse, so it doesn’t get kicked and knocked over.

Some basic grooming tools to supply your tack box:

1. Curry comb, or grooming mitt
2. A dandy brush with fairly stiff bristles
3. A mane and tail brush; plastic works better than metal and causes less damage(a plastic hair brush used for your own hair is perfect!!)
4. A fine bristled finishing brush
5. A clean sponge or soft cloth

It is also convenient to have these supplies handy:

1. Grooming spray, or show sheen
2. Hoof ointment (a farrier may recommend this also)
3. Scissors or clippers

When you’re grooming your horse you should have him/her tied in the crossties or in a quick release knot.  If your horse is in a quick release knot, make sure that the knot is loose enough so that the horse can be released quickly.

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