Ask SAM: Buying your first horse

This column is provided by Larimer County Extension's Small Acreage Management (SAM) Program to assist rural residents.

Dear SAM,

I'm looking to buy my daughter her first horse. How can I find a horse that is a good match for her?

Dianne S.

Dear Dianne,

A good matchmaker will put together a horse and a child that enjoy working with each other in a fun, safe relationship.

A first step is to be sure your daughter truly wants a horse and is willing to participate in the responsibilities of ownership. If she has no riding experience, sign her up for lessons at a local stable. If her interest persists, then move forward with plans to purchase your own animal.

Your first horse doesn't need to be the most beautiful animal with prestigious breeding. Both training and breeding increase the price of the horse. For a beginner, invest in training and temperament instead of bloodlines.

Older, well-trained animals are the best matches for young riders. One of our local 4-H clubs requires that the age of the horse plus the age of the youth equal at least 21. A 9-year-old child needs a horse that is at least 12 years old. This guideline aims to avoid pairing an inexperienced rider with a young, unpredictable horse.

Geldings often have more even temperaments than mares.

Try to spend some time with the horse you are thinking about buying. Bring with you a trainer or friend with horse experience. Consider buying from a private individual or a reputable training facility. Horse auctions are risky because you usually cannot work with the animal prior to making a purchase.

How does the horse react when approached? Is it calm, with ears pointing forward or skittish with ears pinned back?

Watch the horse as it is being led. There should be no signs of stiffness or lameness. Each foot should land on the ground with equal force.

Examine the horse's stall for signs of stable vices. Chewed wood indicates "cribbing." Excessive wear on the floor near the door could mean the animal is a pawer or weaver. These behaviors are difficult to correct and could mean the animal has physical or psychological problems.

Ask to see veterinary records for the horse. Are vaccinations current? Have teeth been floated? Has there been regular hoof care? A good health maintenance history improves your odds of buying a healthy, well-cared for animal.

Ask to bridle and saddle the horse. If you cannot tack it up yourself, the horse probably isn't a good match for you.

Have your trainer or friend take the horse for a test ride. Is it responsive and steady?

Let your daughter get in the saddle. Does the horse seem accepting and comfortable or nervous?

If you plan on taking the horse to shows or trail rides, try putting the horse in a trailer. Animals that resist trailering can make road trips dangerous and uninviting.

If the match doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and look for a different horse. There are many to choose from, and finding an animal well suited for your child will improve her chances of having a good experience when the horse joins your family.

SAM

Have a question about rural living? Write to Ask SAM, Larimer County Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 543, Fort Collins, CO 80522.