| |
Recommendations on buying a horse or pony and costs of
ownership
Temperament: 1.) The manner of thinking, behaving, and reacting
characteristic of a specific individual; disposition. 2.) Ones natural
disposition; nature 3.) A nature that is excitable, moody, etc. -
temperamental
First of all look for good temperament whether you are looking for
youngster
to train or older more experienced pony. A pony that is well mannered,
calm
and won’t kick or bite is always an indicator of his temperament.
We see young Cobs with good solid temperaments whom have had little
training
that are much more trustworthy, calm and dependable than an older
classically trained horse with a bad attitude due to his temperament and
breeding. You can’t change a temperament. A wild horse with a good
temperament can be trained to be a trustworthy riding or driving
companion
but you can’t change a horse with a bred in flawed temperament to be a
calm
and steady companion. Temperament is a born in trait. I consider a horse
or
pony to be truly valuable or have much less value due to his inherited
traits. If he has a good temperament to begin with your chances are much
greater of a horse or pony that is easy and fun to work with. A good
temperament is of the greatest importance in buying a pony or horse
If you buy a young horse without experience for a first time horse owner
it
is important to take lessons with a reliable horse trainer whom can save
you
from making mistakes that could effect the young horses education. A
young
horse can be spoiled by a family or child that does not know how to work
and
train it and can quickly become a dangerous monster.
A healthy well kept pony can easily live for 30- 35 years so don’t worry
about buying a pony that is from 10- 20 years old. If sound they can be
ridden and worked with for a lifetime. Age is not always a reliable
indicator of the experience and training a horse has.
If you buy an older horse that has training and experience you should
expect
him to be forgiving and easy to handle. Both young and older ponies
should
be happy to be caught up in the pasture or stall, easily lead to the
grooming area, tied up without pulling away, groomed and hooves picked
without any fuss. If they are rideable they should be saddled, bridled
and
then mounted without any problems. The horse should stand quietly while
being bathed or groomed and walk quietly while being led around.
Geldings can to be less moody but there are many quiet mares who never
show
any signs of ‘PMS’ or being in heat.
Every breed has some docile and some spirited horses. The Welsh Cob
breed as
well as some other breeds are noted for their good dispositions and bred
in
temperaments. Quarter horses and large draft horses are usually quiet
and
easy to handle. The Thoroughbred and Arabian are often known for their
high
strung spirited nature which is not the case in every individual. You
can
see the temperaments of a foal or young stock’s sire and dam on the farm
where he was bred and be quite sure he will inherit their good natures.
Still with this in mind it is a good idea that each horse or pony should
be
evaluated as an individual regardless of his breeding.
It is always a good idea to get the opinion of your riding instructor or
horse trainer after you locate a horse that looks good to you. Years of
experience are worth the price of his/her evaluation.
You may be able to get and view a video of the pony. But please don’t
ask
for one unless you are interested in buying. Videos and DVD’s take lots
of
ti me,
money and energy to put together. Also send back the video or DVD
after you have had a chance to watch it as many times as you need to.
If you are going to look at a pony please make an appointment and if you
have to cancel please call to cancel ASAP or let the owner know if you
will
be late if you are delayed. It takes a lot of work to get a pony ready
to be
shown and it is rude to take advantage of the owners kindness and
willingness to show off her stock. Get directions and a cell phone
number in
case if you get lost. Read back the directions to be sure you have them
down
right… mistakes are easily made…"Did I say turn left? Well I meant to
say
turn right!"
If the pony is not right for you inform the owner if you don’t think the
pony is a good match so that you don’t waste his or your time. You may
want
to take notes. Be sure to bring your camera to take pictures of the
pony. It
is important to wear the proper clothing and boots when looking at
ponies.
Please don’t bring your pet dog or small children or infants if you can
help
it. They have a way of detracting when you should have your focus on the
pony for sale. This is definitely a good time for a babysitter.
It is very important that you get a veterinarian check and be there for
the
vet check to see and hear what the vet has to say about the horse. The
vet
will relate his own observations and may recommend further tests or
X-rays
for a more complete evaluation of the horse. He will check the horses
general health and check to see if the horse is sound. Then you will be
responsible for making the decision to buy the horse based on the Vets
comments and observations.
Most sellers will negotiate some their selling price depending on
several
things that might include the type of home the horse will get with you.
For
many breeders it is a bonus to sell the horse to a good home where the
horse
will be shown and in the public eye. This is good for their business and
a
good way to get attention to their stock and breeding program. Sometimes
a
seller just needs to let some stock go for lack of time, personal or
financial reasons. It is fair to say that it is not right to insult the
owner with an offer too low. The general concession of a proper offer is
15-20% less than the asking price. This depends on current market
conditions
and/or if the seller will let the horse go for anything less than his or
her
firm price. If the seller won’t negotiate the price he may be willing to
split the cost of delivery or even deliver the horse himself. Every sale
is
different and between the owner and buyer to come up with an agreement.
Be sure to get the agreement in writing. Include any and all warranties
or
terms of the sale clearly and to the point on the purchase contract.
Both
parties should sign and date the contract.
Remember the cost of the horse and veterinarian check is only the
beginning
and you will have many different costs for care and up keep. Some of
these
may include; 1) boarding your horse, which could be full care or partial
care with you feeding and cleaning your own pen or stall. 2) The cost of
feed and supplements could include grass or alfalfa hay, grain and
vitamins.
3) The cost of bedding with straw or shavings. It could be included with
your boarding fee. 4) Farrier work which could be trims or shoeing every
6-8
weeks as needed 5) Initial expense of a saddle and bridle, horse blanket
and
hood, grooming tools, Clothing, boots, tack and equipment and ongoing
supplies like fly spray and shampoo. 6) Lessons and/or training for your
horse. These should be ongoing to continue developing skills and prevent
potential problems in a good horse facility where your child will be
safe as
he learns 7) Showing and competition costs, which could mean boarding
away
from home and a stay in a motel plus meals while you are at the event(s).
8)
Veterinarian fees which could include inoculations, floating teeth or
even
possibly a medical emergency. You may want to purchase a good medical
insurance policy on your pony.
It is a good idea to get your children involved in the local horse 4-H
or U.
S. Pony Club or High School Equestrian team where all kinds of
experience
and knowledge can be gained in a positive way. They can help you learn
about
horse care and your children develop riding, horsemanship and other
leadership skills in a good safe environment. You need not have your own
horse to join and learn and see if a horse or pony is really for your
family.
These are some things to keep in mind when searching for a pony for the
family and after you’ve made your purchase.
Other articles:
All
About Sport Ponies
What is Combined Driving?
|
|
