Buying A New Horse - Some Tips
If your hobbies already revolve around horses, the idea of
owning your own horse will seem a very exciting prospect,
with its promises of endless lazy trots down country lanes,
canters across summer fields, winning those rosettes at the
country shows, and those intimate moments with your own special
pony. Horses have their own special fascination; their loyalty
and the special ways we interact with them make them very unique
companions. Caring for your own horse is a true privilege,
but also a colossal long-term commitment that should never be
entered into lightly, one which requires a great deal of thought
and prior consideration.
If you are one of the lucky few to own enough land and your own s
tabling facilities, owning your own horse should pose few problems
and the cost will be considerably lower than if you have to pay
for stabling separately. Never underestimate the cost in terms of
time as well as money; you will need to locate stables or a livery
yard as close as possible to your home, and note that there is often
a waiting list. You are going to need to come to the stables and work
hard twice every single day all year round and in all weather conditions
so this is not a lifestyle to be entered into lightly. In terms of financial
cost, taking into account the cost of livery, hay, straw and shavings, feed,
insurance, farrier fees, worming and vet`s fees, the annual bill can reach
up to £5,000.
Choosing your ideal horse is no less of an important consideration;
set your sights realistically in terms of your riding abilities and
buy a breed and temperament that will challenge you in your riding,
but not overpower you. It is a good idea to request a warranty for
the horse which will enable you to return it after a short trial period
if you find it to be unsuitable. For insurance purposes and for your own
peace of mind, the veterinary pre-purchase examination (PPE) is also essential.
This can be carried out by a specialised equine vet who will spend a good
two hours with the animal assessing its health in five distinct stages
beginning with a thorough inspection of the eyes and mouth. The heart
and lungs are then tested before, during and after exercise, and the
horse may even be x-rayed depending on clinical findings. Every horse
is blood sampled, and the sample kept in storage in case it needs to
be tested for the presence of any medication that may have been administered
to affect the results of the examination, which can take up to two hours
to complete.
At the end of the day it is only common sense to want to be reassured
that the horse you are buying is healthy and can cope with the challenges
you plan to put its way, but the PPE is also essential for satisfying the
insurance underwriters, who may add exclusions to your policy or refuse
to cover a less than perfect horse. Whilst the results of the PPE give
every reassurance at the time you buy your new horse, you have to remember
that the exam does not profess to give any guarantees of the future health
of
horses and ponies; this is largely down to you and the quality of
life you are able to offer your new companion
