This message is from: "Dudley and Karen Haines" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hello Listers, If I were in the market to buy a horse, this is what I would look for: At the top of the list is the "rideability", "work-ethic" or "try" quality, whatever you choose to call it, that has been well-defined in previous messages on this list. Not only is this desirable at the upper performance levels, it is desirable at the pleasure horse level! I want a horse that with time and training will go where I point him. I want to be able to ride out on the trail alone and have a willing horse under me. I would look for a mare or gelding, in the age range of about 5 to 12. Conformation as it relates to soundness would be important. If a horse has the temperament I am looking for, a yellow ribbon in a conformation evaluation would be fine. I would put more emphasis on good conformation in the legs, feet and a good, strong topline. I would want to know if the horse had a history of bucking or bolting. I don't expect a guarantee against these things; I just want an honest assessment of his tendencies. I would talk extensively with the breeder/seller about my level of experience and what I plan to do with the horse to see if it's a good match. I would look for a pleasure riding and driving horse that can, or has the potential to handle mountain trails and do local horse shows. I want three good gaits. The horse would need enough training to be able to assess all these things I have listed, but does not have to be perfectly finished. I don't care that the horse is not of breeding quality or has the potential to do upper level performance. I would expect to pay between $4,000 and $6,000 for such a horse. As I look back over what I've written, I see that I have described my Jani (Knut x Camilla). The reason she is such fun to ride and be around is her incredible temperament. If I were able to find this in another horse, I would be very happy. Which brings me to a question that I have for breeders and sellers. It takes some time to be able to assess if the characteristics one is looking for are present in a horse. I am curious how much time is spent with the average buyer before they decide to buy one of your horses. Personally, I don't want to take up a lot of a seller's time, but on the other hand if I am going to shell out several thousand dollars, I want to do everything possible to make sure I'm getting a horse I will be happy with. Once I have determined that I am seriously considering buying a horse, I would like to be able to spend several sessions with the horse - doing groundwork, grooming and riding. Is this a common practice? Is this reasonable or unreasonable to expect to be able to do this? Breeders/sellers, what are your feelings about this. How do you best like to sell horses? Looking forward to your comments, Karen Haines
