Many people dream of owning a horse, as the bond one can form with this majestic animal can be deeply rewarding. Horses offer not only companionship but also trust and mutual respect. But before even acquiring a horse, you must remember that this dream comes with significant responsibilities and commitment, which every horse owner must be prepared to take on.
Key Considerations When Buying a Horse
Acquiring a horse can truly be an exciting experience. But before settling for one, you must consider these factors to make sure that your chosen horse matches your needs, expectations, and abilities.
Among the most important horse characteristics you should look for are:
Temperament and behaviour
Horses are very much like humans, whose temperaments and behaviours vary from one another. These subtle differences among horses can add complexity to the selection process.
If you are a beginner, opting for a horse with a calm and steady temperament would be ideal. Such a choice provides a stable foundation for learning and building confidence in your equestrian journey.
These horses are often patient and forgiving, which can be particularly beneficial as you develop your riding skills and bond with your new equine partner. Additionally, a calm and steady horse can help instil trust and provide a positive experience, fostering a love for riding and a strong connection between rider and horse.
You can test-ride the horse to see if its temperament and behaviour align with your personality. Evaluate how it responds to your cues and commands. Additionally, observe the horse's reactions during grooming, tacking up, and other handling tasks.
Health, soundness, and conformation
Each equestrian has their own reasons for acquiring a horse. However, if you plan to use your horse for competitions or travelling, it is crucial to ensure you are buying a healthy one. This is important for both your safety as a rider and your horse’s well-being.
A healthy horse is more likely to perform well, have a longer lifespan, and require fewer medical treatments. Check for any signs of lameness, like uneven gait, stiffness, or reluctance to move. These signs often indicate underlying issues.
It is also important to check if the horse’s balanced conformation is suited to your planned activities, whether casual, riding, competing, or showing. Conformation refers to the horse's physical structure, including the placement of bones, muscles, and tendons. Poor conformation can lead to soundness issues over time, reducing the years of riding you can enjoy.
Age and experience
Another crucial factor to consider when acquiring a horse is its age and experience. Younger horses may need more training, which can be challenging for new equestrians. Older horses might have more experience but could also face more health complications compared to younger ones.
You may also want to check on the horse’s training and experience, especially in your specific discipline (e.g. show jumping, dressing, trail riding). Ask the seller about the horse’s history, including training, previous owners, and any known behavioural issues, and check its competition or performance record if applicable.
How to Take Care of Your Horse
A horse's lifespan extends from 25 to 30 years, making it a long-term investment. Ensuring their well-being demands dedication and attentiveness. Below is a practical guide on horse care to simplify the process for you.
Supply appropriate amounts of food and water
Ensuring your horse's well-being is quite simple. Just provide your horses with their essential daily needs, mainly food and water. However, for first-timers, determining the appropriate amount of food and water can be puzzling.
On average, a horse consumes up to 2% of its body weight in food and needs at least 25 litres of water per day. It is important not to overfeed them and to monitor their weight. A good indicator of ideal weight is when their ribs are palpable but not visible.
If your horse is stabled and fed on grass or hay, traditional feeding is unnecessary, but ample water remains essential. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, dry gums, and tight skin, which can be addressed by adding a salt block to their stall to encourage drinking.
Select a reliable veterinarian
No matter how you keep your horse in tip-top condition, consulting a veterinarian is still essential. Their expertise ensures any health concerns are promptly addressed and can provide you with a guide on preventive care measures. From routine check-ups to addressing specific issues, a veterinarian's assistance is invaluable in safeguarding your horse's health and longevity.
Establish a regular cleaning and grooming schedule
Similar to humans, horses require a clean and bacteria-free living environment. Therefore, practising cleanliness and cleaning out stalls every day is crucial to reducing the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.
Additionally, establishing a daily grooming routine is essential to ensure your horse always looks its best.
Maintain your horse's activity levels
In the wild, horses are naturally mobile creatures, constantly moving from pasture to pasture without human intervention. But if your horse is primarily stabled, this lack of movement can eventually affect their physical and mental health, leading to issues like poor circulation, muscle stiffness, or even arthritis. Therefore, ensuring your horse gets enough exercise daily is crucial.
Stabled horses do not need rigorous training. Keeping them active can be as simple as making them lunge, turning them out in the pasture, or taking them out for a leisurely walk.
Invest in accessories for horses
Invest in accessories for horses to enhance their comfort and safety. Consider purchasing essential items like grooming kits, blankets, and saddles.
Additionally, do not forget to buy a horse float. This essential accessory ensures safe and stress-free travel for your horse, whether for vet visits, competitions, or leisure activities. Choosing the right horse float is crucial for both your horse's comfort and your peace of mind during travel.
All these accessories are designed to ensure your horse's well-being and make caring for them more accessible and enjoyable.
Find a Partner for Your Equestrian Journey
Finding a reliable equestrian partner that can provide all your horse’s needs can be a little daunting, especially if you are a newbie. Fortunately, Euro Horse Shop is here to help.
As the master dealer of EuroFloat, Euro Horse Shop proudly provides a diverse selection of horse floats and accessories. Our exclusive deals and promotions ensure you get quality products at affordable prices, making your horse care experience exceptional.
Visit our website at www.eurohorseshop.com.au for more information.
