Thanks to those who commented on my last post, discussing factors to consider when horse shopping. I’ve come up with my list of priorities for my next equine partner:
Non-Negotiables
- Good brain/sane.
- Trained in jumping such that the horse is straightforward and suitable for an amateur who is far from a perfect rider. Dressage training is a bonus.
- Price within my budget.
- Compatible personality.
- Willing attitude/good work ethic.
- Goals – to learn on and have fun on, and be able to compete at local shows within the next 6 months at BN level (or equivalent levels in other disciplines), and compete at larger shows within 12 months.
Preferences
- Age – under 20, over 4.
- Height & conformation – over 15 hands, not completely downhill or backwards built.
- Show experience – a bonus.
- Health, Soundness, Injuries & Vet Check – strongly prefer horse in overall good health, without special medical issues that require lifelong care.
- Vices, Feed, Stable Management – prefer easy keeper with no vices of course.
- Reputation or referral by friends or trainers – good recommendation strongly considered.
- Feet – want to avoid horrible feet.
Don’t Care About
- Breed & Breeding – I enjoy learning about horses’ breeding, but its not a factor for me in selecting a partner this time.
- Attractiveness – honestly its a rare horse I find unattractive.
- Name – a good name is a bonus.
- Je ne sais quois/X-factor – don’t care right now.
- Ground manners – a bonus, but I’m confident in being able to install this if needed.
- Registered – preferred for ease of researching the horse only.
I think this is a really thoughtful list! Good luck with your search, this is a very good time of year to be looking (at least on the East Coast — I hope it's the same for you)
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Love your list. Best of luck!
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You've really thought everything through! I did the same thing, I felt like it really helped me during my search. Best of luck!
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Very good list, keeping my fingers crossed for you!
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nice list – definitely good to know what you do and do not care about ahead of time. good luck!
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I hope that you find one that is perfect for you :) I thinks it's great that you are taking the time to really analyze what qualities are important.
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Seems like a reasonable list. Much simpler than mine was! Best of luck to you!
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