| Keeping a horse is a huge commitment and
places a considerable
responsibility on the keeper. It costs as
much to keep a horse that
proves unsuitable to the rider’s needs as it
does to keep one that
is suitable. Therefore, having made the
decision to keep a horse,
it is essential to choose the right one and
to plan ahead to continue
to get the best from your horse in the
future. The Perfect Horse
No two horses are exactly alike in type,
shape or temperament, and the same is true
for riders. Therefore, whether you are a
first-time buyer or an experienced owner,
finding the
perfect horse means finding the one that is
best suited to the individual concerned.
When choosing a pony for a child, it is
even more important to ensure that the
animal is safe
and suitable. A pony unsuitable for children
is not only a potential risk but can also
prove very
difficult to pass on to a new home.
Needs of the Individual Rider or
Keeper
The rider’s height, weight, fitness
level, ability and riding ambitions all have
a bearing on the
type of horse that should be considered. A
rider that is already having regular lessons
can
get objective advice from their instructor
regarding which type of horse would be most
suited
to their needs.
Regular riding instruction and assistance
is beneficial for all riders, regardless of
their
experience and abilities. The costs of
instruction and ongoing training should be
included in
the horse-keeping budget of every rider.
Pre-purchase Veterinary Examination
It is vital to organize a pre-purchase
veterinary examination of the horse before
finalizing
the decision to purchase or enter into a
loan agreement. The veterinary surgeon
represents the buyer, in order to identify
signs of disorders that may render the horse
unsuitable for the purposes intended by the
potential new keeper. A pre-purchase
veterinary examination cannot identify
everything that may be wrong with the horse,
and
is no guarantee of long-term good health.
Many insurance companies require a copy of
the pre-purchase veterinary report before
they will consider insuring a horse.
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