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When Horses are No Longer Horses (continued As for advice, well, most of that comes from your own experience, or to learn from others. I would just say, remember, when buying a horse, to make sure your lifestyle is compatible with the lifestyle your horse has been used to. The most important thing to remember is TRUST NO ONE, second hand horses and second hand cars are the two most difficult markets to buy in. One saying is "no one sells a good horse", so check out for a genuine reason for sale. As for buying from a professional/dealer, aske the most improtant question "Why is is here, why is it for sale, why did it end up with a dealer?" Many horses, not all, end up with dealers because they have a problem and cannot be sold on the private market. There are some excellent dealers and professional lyards, but try to go to someone who is recommended and known for selling quality, safe, sensible and suitable horses. Make sure, even in a five stage getting, that you have the owner/seller write a statement stating tht the horse is free of all vices, otherwise it is your word agains his. Make sure if you buy your horse and vices/problems come to light, act quickly, you can return the horse within a two week period under the "Sale of Goods Act". Finally, Good Luck, that special horse is out there somewhere, but boy, is he/she difficult to find! PS, we're getting there...... Well, yet another stable wall kicked down, two bite marks out of Shah's neck in the trailer, even with an anti-bite frame fitted, one chunk out of the roof of my jeep and two teeth scrapes down the side of my trailer. We have managed to attend two SVRC rallies to date, both of which went quite well, with just a few flying leaps, which, I have to say, seem to be a little lower these days. After a few about turns and threatened leaps at the Maggie Doel rally, she feels he is just very brainy and needs to be kept very busy and worked hard as soon as you sit on him. However, I do find it very hard to ride in what I would call a far more aggressive way, just to keep your horse under control. The constant forward, forward, forward and 'kick him harder' words seem so different to my early trainers, whose words were "I do not want to see what you are doing with your hand and leg, that is between you and your horse. Your aids should be barely visible, ride deep into your corners, keep it slow and accurate". This way of riding had always done me proud with my previous horses and with much competition success, yet now, with these so called "talented" horses, I have to learn to ride all over again in what seems an aggressive manner. As Alex Newton and I agreed at the very enjoyable Nick Gauntlett rally, is it all worth it, riding these time bombs waiting to go off? Give us an old dobbin any day of the week, no pressure, just fun. Karen Joynson BHSII (SM & T) BACK to Page 3 BACK to Page 2 BACK to Page 1 HOME |