Are You Thinking About Buying A Horse For The First Time ?
Before you run out and purchase the horse you've always wanted there are a few things to think about.
The very first thing you have to learn is that your horse is not a pet like your cat or dog. Your cat and dog are right at home where every member of the family can help feed, walk, and clean-up after. Your horse is going to be kept on someone elses property where you will have to travel to come rain or shine.
 You can't ignore the feeding time because it's cold out or because it's raining. Your horse gets hungry everyday and it must be fed everyday.
One good way to find out what you need to know before you purchase that first horse is to go to a barn and talk to the horse owners that are there. They love to show off their horses and they love to pass on the knowledge that they have stored up in their heads. Asking questions and watching is the best way to learn.
Safety is the first concern around horses. They are big animals and they can very easily hurt themselves or people. When you go for your visit to a barn or stable area, don't do anything that will frighten the horses.
Introduce yourself to the people in the barn area. Ask questions and let them know that you are thinking about buying your first horse. Many of them know where there are gentle horses for sale and they can help you with your first purchase. Remember that they are renting stalls in the same barn you are looking to rent in, they want good people and good horses around. It is very unlikely that they will be handing out bad advice or give you a lead on a bad horse.
Think about some riding lessons. Sometimes just jumping on a new horse and riding off into the sunset doesn't turn out to be such a very good way to start a new relationship with your new horse or the people in the barn area. Both you and your new horse need to establish a few basic riding habits before you open the gate and start riding the trails in your area. Many new riders have been bucked off and the horse has run into the street. Don't let this happen to you. There are people at every stable that will gladly assist you with learning the basics of riding, all you have to do is ask someone for a little help. Remember, they have all been new riders and they all needed help at one time or another, so they enjoy helping the new rider.
Something else to think about is your equipment. Where will you get saddles, bridles, combs, water buckets, walking ropes, fly spray, food, water and who is going to be your new horses Vet ? These are things that you may need right from the first day. Once again, asking around the stable area will bring great results. Some of the owners will have old saddles that they are selling cheap, and someone may have an old blanket they will donate or loan to you. Everyone there knows where to get the food and how much you need to feed your horse. Every horse there has had it's shots and everyone knows the Vet. Ask who does the horse shoeing and get the phone numbers. You can bet your last paycheck that when you need to call someone for help, no one will be around but you. You won't have the phone numbers if you don't write them down the very minute someone gives them to you. Take any numbers you can get to start, the Vet. or the horse shoer might not be the person you like for your horse, but you can always shop around at a later date and find the people you are more comfortable with.
Keep in mind that your new horse is not a pet, it will become a part of your family and it will be looking for you every day, rain or shine, hot or cold. Your new horse will bring you many happy days as you get to know it and the people associated with it at the stables where you keep it. You will have many new friends coming into your life soon, enjoy your new horse and all your new friends.
|
