Finding the right horse
Finding the right horse. How do you find the right horse?
The right horse can be the making of a rider’s career, just as the wrong one can dampen an interest in horses or make for a fearful nervous rider.
How do you find the right horse?
I am often asked this, and I have to admit, there is a fair bit of luck involved, however being in the right place at the right time, networking, and being patient are all important factors for success.
As a teenager, my inexperienced, but well-meaning parents bought me a three year old ex racehorse from a dealer, not a good choice, but he went on to be short-listed for the first World Eventing Championships in Lexington in 1978.
His name was Cervantes and he was a hero of a horse, but that story is the exception to many stories I see. Several decades, later I would never advise on buying a horse like that for an inexperienced teenager.
Finding a coach or trusted adviser is a good start and matching your experience, goals and budget are priorities from there on.
My two children George and Alice both had some “magic” horses in their early riding days: Khana and Scobie are both horses that set George on a path to success and Alice has fond memories of Susie and Perry who won many ribbons and taught her so much.
We got it right in these examples, but it doesn’t always go to plan. If a horse and rider don’t gel well together, find another one. Finding the horse that is right is never easy, but I would urge you to follow the following guidelines:
Always have safety as your first consideration. Never ride a horse if the seller doesn’t ride it first and if it feels dodgy don’t ride it. Just because you go and look at a horse doesn’t mean you have to ride it.
Consult with your coach throughout any purchase process. If you don’t have a coach- get one. Professional coaches have lifetime experience and can spot things well before you might. Accredited EA NCAS Coaches can be found through the Equestrian Australian website http://www.equestrian.org.au/members/search/coach
Always try for a trial, or at the least multiple trial rides in different environments. Be sure you see the horse caught from a paddock, led, saddled, ridden with and away from other horses and hosed down.
Always have a vet check. This is a small investment compared to the purchase price and you don’t always require the most extensive check, even with a basic vet check the vendor will have to sign and declare if they have given the horse and drugs and medication in the last 7 days.
Do your homework. Research any horse’s history, ask around. The horse world is very connected and it pays to spend a bit of time asking a round. I give my students a list of questions to ask about a horse when they make the initial inquiry and to write down the answers and discuss with me before going to see any horse. You can see these questions here http://bit.ly/2iUy1TV
Good luck and remember “buyer beware”, but still enjoy your horse hunting.
Christine Johnson
EA L2 Coach and Coach Educator
Ph 0412 405079
Website www.teamj.com.au
The right horse can be the making of a rider’s career, just as the wrong one can dampen an interest in horses or make for a fearful nervous rider.
How do you find the right horse?
I am often asked this, and I have to admit, there is a fair bit of luck involved, however being in the right place at the right time, networking, and being patient are all important factors for success.
As a teenager, my inexperienced, but well-meaning parents bought me a three year old ex racehorse from a dealer, not a good choice, but he went on to be short-listed for the first World Eventing Championships in Lexington in 1978.
His name was Cervantes and he was a hero of a horse, but that story is the exception to many stories I see. Several decades, later I would never advise on buying a horse like that for an inexperienced teenager.
Finding a coach or trusted adviser is a good start and matching your experience, goals and budget are priorities from there on.
My two children George and Alice both had some “magic” horses in their early riding days: Khana and Scobie are both horses that set George on a path to success and Alice has fond memories of Susie and Perry who won many ribbons and taught her so much.
We got it right in these examples, but it doesn’t always go to plan. If a horse and rider don’t gel well together, find another one. Finding the horse that is right is never easy, but I would urge you to follow the following guidelines:
Always have safety as your first consideration. Never ride a horse if the seller doesn’t ride it first and if it feels dodgy don’t ride it. Just because you go and look at a horse doesn’t mean you have to ride it.
Consult with your coach throughout any purchase process. If you don’t have a coach- get one. Professional coaches have lifetime experience and can spot things well before you might. Accredited EA NCAS Coaches can be found through the Equestrian Australian website http://www.equestrian.org.au/members/search/coach
Always try for a trial, or at the least multiple trial rides in different environments. Be sure you see the horse caught from a paddock, led, saddled, ridden with and away from other horses and hosed down.
Always have a vet check. This is a small investment compared to the purchase price and you don’t always require the most extensive check, even with a basic vet check the vendor will have to sign and declare if they have given the horse and drugs and medication in the last 7 days.
Do your homework. Research any horse’s history, ask around. The horse world is very connected and it pays to spend a bit of time asking a round. I give my students a list of questions to ask about a horse when they make the initial inquiry and to write down the answers and discuss with me before going to see any horse. You can see these questions here http://bit.ly/2iUy1TV
Good luck and remember “buyer beware”, but still enjoy your horse hunting.
Christine Johnson
EA L2 Coach and Coach Educator
Ph 0412 405079
Website www.teamj.com.au
Whether you're an experienced rider or a raw beginner, then we're excited to help you learn more. contact Chrissie to book a time.
