SO! You want to buy a horse!

Ides of March.....hearing the reference reminds me of the saying...March, in like a lamb...out like a lion and visa versa.  Well, that is what we have had and along with the mud and rain, a new foal.  A beautiful colt out of Lora by Sparky.  We love the babies they produce and often regret not breeding her every year.  That is what it is!  The baby is doing well and we have just published a for sale ad for the little guy.  Which brings me to offering up some suggestions for choosing your new or next horse.

1.  Foal or Adult?

With a foal, you will need the help of someone familiar with raising and working with a baby.  Just like children, they must be trained up along the way OR....they have NO manners, no work ethic, and just as likely to hurt you because they have no boundaries.  Gypsy Vanner foals are no different and given their attraction to people...it is important to know how to be the dominant animal around them.

As for an adult, which is really my focus today, you really need to think about what you intend to do when you take on a first or new horse.  If it is your first, you need a trainer.  Though some think it is just a matter of throwing a saddle upon the horses back and going off down a lane or field, it is much more.  The color may have been a big attraction, but you can't ride color, no a horse too spirited for your skill level, nor one too tall or too short for you.  The rule of thumb is the horse is capable of carrying 10% of it's weight.  Saddles are not one size fits all, they are fitted to the horses back just as you try on shoes for the precise fit that you can wear comfortably. Buying a saddle for a Gypsy is challenging due to their mutton withers or lack of pronounced wither.  They are a wide horse with a short back and the skirting on most western saddles digs into the hip inhibiting movement.  In addition, the saddle that fits a three year old will not fit the same six year old or same four year old that is fit. 

.......... about buying a youngster.....often a parent or grand parent will ask me for a baby or young horse to grow up with their child or grand child. My first question is how old is the child and how much and what kind of riding have they done. Usually the answer is none or they have sat on the neighbor's horses.....to which my answer is always no.  You would not put you child in a race care and expect them to drive it let alone safely out of the drive way let alone on todays highways, nor would you put you child or grand child on a young horse that knows nothing.  Children need lessons and need to be on horses that are older and have been around kids and ridden by kids for most of their life.

2.  Disposition

A beginning rider must consider disposition.  Thorougbreds are spirited, as are Arabians....in simple terms ..a lot of energy.  Draft and draft crosses on the other hand are usually quite quiet and calm.  Having said this, know that each horse is a personality and can vary either way on this scale.  As most will tell you, find the horse whose temperment and talents suit your own.   Fancy is pretty but not necessarily safe for the new rider.

And for the more accomplished rider, be sure the horse can do what you need.  Don't fall into any of the traps and think you can make him what you want.  If he does not have the conformation or talent for dressage, for instance, keep looking.

3. Test Drive!!!!!

This is so important for riders, new and old.....go for a ride, maybe two or more.  Can you ride safely in the open, does the horse enjoy flat work, jumping, etc.   It is hard to do this over the internet.

4. Buying ahead of your skill level

This primarily applies to the average rider, but can be an issue with everyone. Just because you want to enter high level jumping classes in five years, does not mean you are ready for that yourself.  As we condition the horse athlete we also must condition the human.  Find the horse you can ride and enjoy TODAY.  This may be a big challenge for someone wanting to jump a Gypsy.  They can jump, all horses can jump....just remember, the breed was developed as a heavy horse capable of pulling a load at a walk ALL Day.  Just to condition a Gypsy to jump will take a lot of time over a long period of time.

5.  Have a health and lameness check/pre-purchase exam.

6.Personality

Horses have personalities just as we do.  Some are quite talented with their lips and can open things you can't imagine.  Others are quite happy to go for a casual trail ride all day, every day, but have no talent or desire to jump a fence or even a pile of rocks.  High energy riders often describe their horse as always ready for the next event....events they both prepare for....so maybe they are both adrenaline junkies!  On the other hand, the gal next door is laid back, likes the out of doors, and her horse is calm, laid back and takes to the trail with comfortable confidence.   Each has his or her happy place.

In closing, buying a horse is a huge decision and one to take seriously. Here at Chocolate Horse Farm we are vested in promoting the breed of Gypsy Vanner Horses.  In keeping with this, we participate in Expos and Shows, do parades, and spot light appearances from time to time.  We also counsel individuals and families searching for the right horse.  It may be here or it may be with another farm. Being one of the oldest breeders in the US has given us the opportunity and pleasure to meet breeders and  new and long time owners at these and other events.  Our goal is out reach hoping to see more of the breed in the hands of those who will love them as we do and will continue promoting the breed through this love.

Links:
Felicia Britt Horsemanship   http://www.feliciabritthorsemanship.com/   The Britts represent a saddle especially made with the Gypsy in mind.  Read the info on the site and email Felicia any questions.

Chocolate Horse Farm     http://www.chocolatehorsefarm.com   Take a look around and if you like what you see visit our Face Book page      https://www.facebook.com/chocolatehorsefarmgypsyhorses/