AGRISCIENCE AND NATURAL RESOURCES EDUCATION CURRICULUM
(3000) Core Area: ANIMAL SCIENCE
(3180) Unit Title: EQUINE
(3185) Sub Unit Title: SELECTION AND EVALUATION
(3185A) Topic: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to:
Topic 3185A-A Describe the five general categories to be considered to select the right horse for a specific purpose.
Topic 3185A-B List the places where a horse can be purchased.
Topic 3185A-C Discuss breed, sex, age, and size considerations when purchasing a horse.
Evaluation: Written test, quiz, work sheet, and/or application exam.
Interest Approaches:
1. View a video on the finals of a U.S. National championship class.
CONTENT: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS (3185A)
1. SELECTING THE RIGHT HORSE.
a. Horses should be selected for a specific purpose.
i. If the purpose changes, the horse may not be able to adapt to it.
ii. Some horses have great versatility but none can do all of activities required of horses.
b. There are five general categories to consider:
i. Pleasure.
ii. Breeding.
iii. Working stock.
iv. Show.
v. Sport.
c. Pleasure horses include all types kept for the sheer joy of riding and ownership.
i. Trail riding affords an excellent opportunity for relaxation, wholesome exercise, and companionship with friends while riding through scenic nature trails.
ii. A variety of pleasure classes in show challenges the skill of both horse and rider in competition for ribbons and prizes.
(1) A pleasure horse, like most other horses, spends most of his time under saddle at a walk.
(2) Therefore he should have a prompt, fast, flatfooted walk that can travel four or five miles an hour.
(3) A faster gait that is easy on both horse and rider is also essential.
d. Horse breeding.
i. Is a business that is highly specialized and requires considerable capital investment.
ii. Mares have a low settling percent and long generation interval, making the venture expensive.
iii. For these reasons only superior animals should be mated.
iv. In many breeding establishments mares are not used for riding.
(1) However, they may perform normal work in early pregnancy, and light work until about a month before foaling.
(2) A youth's experience in awaiting the birth of a foal and watching its growth to maturity is indeed a good one, although not always financially rewarding.
e. Working stock horses.
i. They are in the unique position of being the only horses really essential in this age, although machines and equipment have made inroads on tasks formerly assigned to horses.
ii. However, it is hard to imagine their complete replacement on ranches and farms in the southwest and mountain areas where large numbers of cattle are produced.
iii. Working horses are gaining in popularity in the Midwest and in other areas where beef cow numbers have been greatly expanded.
f. Show horses.
i. They are defined as those kept mainly for competition in shows vs. other uses.
ii. They are shown at halter, vehicle, or under saddle.
iii. To be winners they usually require professional training and expertise in handling and management.
g. Horses used for sport.
i. Include race horses, both running and harness, and rodeo and game horses.
ii. These are highly-selected, expertly trained, and superbly-conditioned animals used for a single purpose.
2. BUYING THE RIGHT HORSE.
a. There are many different ways you can locate the right horse for you.
i. Regardless of the way in which a horse is bought and sold, the buyer must be aware that dishonest people can calm horses and mask lameness with drugs.
ii. Also, many horses are sold by word of mouth, and facts about the horse become distorted and inaccurate after they have been passed through several people.
b. Friends.
i. Friends who have knowledge of horses can be of help when you are looking into buying a horse.
ii. If you are purchasing a horse from a friend be aware that this can strain relationships.
c. A horse can change their behavior in new surroundings and when they are ridden and cared for by new people.
d. Through advertisements.
i. Advertisements in the local newspaper or horse magazines can be another way to locate a horse to buy.
ii. Be aware that these horses usually have some type of problem that makes the horse difficult to sell to people who are familiar with it.
iii. Problems are indicated by phrases such as "gentle but spirited" or "for the experienced rider."
e. Dealers and trainers.
i. Most of the horses have some fault that the dealer can hide or has corrected so that he/she can sell the horse.
ii. Honest horse dealers try to match a horse to the purchaser's needs and experience.
iii. Horses should be purchased only from the trainers who have a reputation for honesty.
iv. A favorite mount belonging to the stable where you are receiving instruction can be a safe purchase, because you are familiar with the horse.
f. Farms.
i. Breeding farms a good source for horses.
ii. They offer the chance to look at horses of a specific breed.
iii. It is their business to sell horses that meet client's needs.
iv. They are interested in promoting their breeds and want to get business so they will try to satisfy their customers.
g. Auction sales.
i. Can be a real bargain or can be a big headache.
ii. It takes an experienced horseperson to be able to evaluate a horse being sold at an auction.
iii. Generally there is something wrong with most horses sold at an auction.
(1) Especially the auctions that are held weekly or monthly.
iv. Breed association auctions tend to be more reliable.
(1) Especially if the breeders have a reputation for quality.
3. BREED.
a. The breed and the breeding are important factors to consider.
b. Grade horse are suitable for many purposes and usually cost less that horses that are a registered breed.
i. Some grade horses are better performers and command the most money for that particular type of horse.
ii. Horse of fashionable, popular, or proven families within a breed registry usually command higher prices.
4. SEX.
a. Sex of the horse is a definite consideration.
b. A gelding, is the most popular horse for riding and performance contests.
i. It is generally more dependable and cost less than a stallion.
ii. A well-bred stallion can be very expensive.
5. AGE.
a. This is the prime factor in selecting a horse.
i. Young and untrained horses sell for less because of the investment in training and time the owner must bear.
ii. There is also the possibility of the horse not responding to training.
b. Horses that are in the range of 5 to 10 years are usually the more desired.
i. At this age they are at their peak in training and performance.
ii. The less experienced the horse, the more experienced the rider needs to be.
6. SIZE.
a. The price of a horse coincides with the size of the horse when they are average or smaller.
b. Ponies usually are cheaper.
7. COLOR.
a. If you are after a particular breed with a interest in certain colors you may have to pay a premium price.
b. For some breeds, when they are shown, only a certain color is accepted.
8. CONFORMATION.
a. Conformation of the horse and its soundness will affect its value.
b. Well-conformed horses almost always command a higher price.
c. Blemishes will detract from a horse's appearance and will decrease the value of the horse.