Horse Training

If you haven’t already made the purchase of a horse, here is something you might want to keep in mind.  Have a vet go with you to look at the horse before finalizing the purchase.  As the vet is looking over the horse, let him tell you what he learns about the horse. You will have the opportunity to ask the vet questions about the horse.  If the vet does not feel the horse is right for you, listen to him when he tells you not to buy the horse.

If the horse you are looking at has a certain temperament, specific training or lack of training, he may that you being a new horse owner may have trouble with the horse later on down the road and may recommend that you not purchase that particular horse.  Take for example; a well-trained cutting horse is not necessarily a suitable pleasure riding horse because they were trained to do a specific job.

By taking a vet with you to look at a horse, you will not only be paying for a check-up for the horse, but also for the vet’s ex

By taking a vet with you to look at a horse, you will not only be paying for a check-up for the horse, but also for the vet’s expertise with horses.  Some people may believe that it isn’t the vet’s business to find the proper match for you, however you and the horse you purchase or don’t purchase will be better off. So, if you take a vet with you to look at a horse, it is best to listen to him.  He may tell you, if you purchase a particular horse, that the horse will need a professional trainer.

Many sellers like to attend when the vet check’s the horse, but they prefer the seller say nothing during the examination.  The seller could influence your perceptions and do nothing for your confidence.

The vet will also check the horse for any physical ailments. This will prevent you from buying a horse with an existing condition that may prevent the horse from performing, as you would like for him to do.  If you buy a horse to ride, you don’t want to end up with a horse whose legs can no longer sustain the weight of a rider, or spends the majority of your time and money with the vet.

If the horse has an existing condition you are aware of, and ask the vet to check it out, the vet may decline or he will inform you of the problems associated with the condition before moving on to something else. Vets use professional ethics and many times will not report on a horse belonging to an existing client because of conflict of interests.

When it comes down to the vet check, many people don’t want to listen to someone else’s advice and will not have the vet perform a check-up before making the purchase.  New horse owners on the other hand should know that having a vet check the horse can save you thousand if not tens of thousands of dollar by not purchasing the wrong horse.