Potential horse owners, breeders or racers have to make complicated decisions before selecting the right horse.
While it mays seem easy to imagine having a horse with specific attributes, features and capabilities, there is a lot more to consider for a successful selection.
Whether it is for agricultural purposes, racing, riding or pleasure, you have to select a horse that is able to deliver quality experience and more than that, someone you can count on and take care of its entire life.
One thing is certain, as a beginner in horse buying; you need to choose well-trained and quite types.
This will serve as your beginner's option to get acquainted with horses, and become more confident in the process.
This is particularly true for riders since a wild horse or untrained horse could be a liability in the long run, unless handled by an experiences trainer.
In choosing horses, you have to know that there are 3 main categories based on the sector they belong to.
There are non-racing horses, racing horses and of course the breeding types.
Each category favors specific horse breeds based on activities you are going to use.
· For the racing industry, there are several factors to take in mind.
Races vary depending on landscape and obstacles present.
· For non racing industries, most activities include rodeos, English riding events, polo, jumping, performances, trails, driving or even agricultural work would be focused on stability, compared to racing horses that require speed.
· For the breeding industry, almost all types of horses are included.
These horses are kept for the purpose of transferring genetic potential.
· Some horses will carry versatile traits but one should not expect that horses could do all those tasks.
After exploring these general industries, it is vital to go deeper with various horse activities and disciplines in which we can become more specific with what we want from a horse.
· Pleasure horses are ideal for driving as well as trail riding and ideal for physical activities, companionship and scenic traveling.
This is the most common introductory horse for beginners · Working Stock types are usually seen in ranches to handle daily duties.
They are also used to manage cattle, a task solely handled by horses.
They are also commonly included in rodeos.
· Show horses are competition types and they are also used to pull carriages and can also be ridden with saddles for numerous riding activities.
This is an ideal horse for competitive activities like equestrian events.
They are also delightful horses to look at.
· Sport horses are also known as hot-blooded breeds such as the infamous Arabian and thoroughbred types.
It is still imprecise what it means but it is usually used for sporting activities.
In choosing a horse, you need to consider important aspects: · Pedigree- this is more essential when choosing a horse for racing and show.
· Price- right now, trained horses are quite difficult to find at an affordable price so unless you are rally skilled in handling untrained ones, you have to be prepared to spend a lot more.
· Fads- rare breeds can be very persuasive for some breeders and horse enthusiasts but again, one should be purposive in buying the right kind.
· Vices and dispositions- some horses are naturally nervous.
Some are cold breeds while others are hot breeds.
There are also those warm breeds that are mixes of cold and warm.
Some will be quiet while others, temperamental.
It is ideal to avoid horses with dangerous habits like kicking or running wild.
· Conformation- a horse with good balance and capability to handle expected task should always be considered.
Analyzing the horse from head to tail is ideal to ensure that you picked the right one.