Things to Consider When Purchasing A Horse

Purchasing an equine friend is a grand commitment that must be well thought through. Not only are they very pricey, but they are also abundantly time consuming. You must be certain that the horse you decide to purchase suits you, otherwise it could end poorly for the pair of you. You must to consider where you’re going to keep your horse, who’s going to take care of it, and many other issuess. When going to look at a horse, you should bring somebody along  that has more expertise than you, such as your trainer. Be assured to get a vet check if there are any physical consternation.

Price is one of the main concerns when deciding to own a horse. Not only is there the main purchase, but also boarding costs, farrier costs and the dreaded vet bills. You need to keep in mind that there are many things that can go wrong and you must be able to take care of them properly. If you are not ready for this kind of financial commitment, leasing a horse may be a better choice for you.

Fit: Many people make the mistake of purchasing a horse that does not suit them at all. Such as a green rider purchasing a green horse; this is never a good option. Your horse certainly doesn’t need to be perfect for what you want to do with it but you must make sure that he can carry you well and that you will be able to have some control. You wouldn’t want to buy a slow, old and grumpy horse for eventing!

When you go to look at a horse, you want to bring someone along with you that will notice things that you may not be able to pinpoint. Your trainer may have a better idea of what suits you, what’s a reasonable price to pay and they most likely will be able to detect signs of lameness more accurately. If the horse you look at checks all of the boxes listed above but you are concerned about its conformation or health, you should get a vet check done. The vet will be able to inform you about potential problems, many get this done as a precaution for all horses that they purchase.

Purchasing a horse is a big commitment, with many risks, but if you are financially secure and have found a suitable mount, go for it! Don’t make this choice overally stressful; it should be a fun experience. I wish all of you looking to purchase a horse, good luck.

Choosing A Career Path in the Equine Industry

 

Many budding equestrians dream of one day working with horses; It can be challenging to unearth success in this industry, if you are not born into it, and many end up going on to achieve qualifications in other careers that can support their costly hobby. Despite the difficulties to overcome, when getting started in this industry, there are many different paths that one can select. I, myself, would like to master, as much as I am able, prevalent to riding and running a successful, and professional equine facility. There is no written rulebook that teaches us how to become professional riders, trainers, managers and owners but I thought I would apportion some of my ideas and plans with you all.

My aim preceding highschool was to attend the Kemptville College University of Guelph campus for the Equine Management Degree, for two years ,and to then move on to find a job as a working student at a professional facility. This program seemed to be precisely what I required to entrust in me an edge when applying for employement, and to say I was shocked to discover that the college would be closing was an understatement. I realize that you do not technically need any specefic schooling when entering this industry, but I believed it would greatly aid me , and if I changed my mind and wanted to go to university after, I would have the appropriate requirements. Although this is an unfortunate turn of events, I am now looking into the Performance Horse Handler Certificate offered at the Ridgetown Campus through University of Guelph. After that, I plan on doing the same as before, and applying to be a working student. On paper, this plan seems like it will follow through quite well but I also feel as if a one year program is short, and jumping into things that quickly quite frankly, scares me. After thinking about it for a little while though, I realized that the most effective way to improve my skills as an equestrian is to be surrounded by others, and that yes this certificate will help me, but the best way to become educated in this industry is to work under the eye of others who have gone through the same thing.

Whether one chooses to take the traditinal route of employment or not I believe that success can follow; I hope that all of you potential readers follow your dreams. I hope that the uncertaincy in my path will allow me to focus and push for my goals on a grander scale, despite what I choice I end up making. I also wish all of you aspiring professionals good luck with your goals! Happy riding!

 

 

 

Photo found on http://blog.dcbuilding.com/horse-health-how-to-properly-care-for-your-horse/

 

 

First Horse Show: What to bring?

Is your very first horse show coming up this spring? Are you freaking out about what you should bring? We’ve all been there. First horse shows are stressful enough, you wouldn’t want to forget anything! To help you guys with that, I have made a list of items that everyone should bring to a show.

Rider’s Items:

– show shirt
– show jacket
– white/ beige breaches  (This depends on the discipline. White= dressage/show jumping and beige= hunter jumper)
– black gloves
– Helmet  (I recommend getting a black velvet cover if your helmet is not black, or if it is less professional looking.)
– Riding boots  (Tall boots or paddock boots)
– Stock pin
– Hairnets
– Hair ties
– Bobby pins

I recommend wearing a different outfit and bringing your show clothes separate; you wouldn’t want them getting dirty!

Horse items:
– Saddle
– Bridle
– Saddle pad
– Boots ( for jumpers)
– Shipping boots
– A towel ( to wipe off any last minute messes)
– Lots of water
– Hay
– Hay nets

Make sure all of your tack and boots are cleaned and conditioned before the show.

That concludes my list, I hope this helped some of you. The most important thing to remember, especially during your first show, is to have fun!

Monday’s Lesson

Hello everyone,

Last night was another spectacular lesson! I have recently started taking lessons with Erin Josey, a local F.E.I dressage rider, and boy am I ever learning lots! I’m currently riding a ,25 year- old warmblood, named Izzy who is trained up to Grand Prix level. He’s an incredible ride! I’m still adjusting to Izzy’s beautiful , and big canter, which causes me to have the grace of a new born foal, but we’re getting there.  Last night, we worked on head- to- wall leg- yields; I believe that these will assist me greatly when it comes time to tackle the  haunches- in.  The head-to-wall leg-yields also allowed my to feel that diagonal driving everyone speaks so much of!

Later in the lesson,  we also did a flying change in each direction which was AMAZING! It was my first time ever attempting  them, but Izzy’s a pro, and helped me out along the way.  The feeling that they gave was incredible; I can’t wait to do them again!

Here’s a little video of my fist ever flying lead change!

Izzy pictured above with ,my coach, Erin Josey; if only I could make him look like that!

Again.

Until next time guys,

Billi

Shedding season? Izzy thinks so!

Hopefully spring will be here soon; I’m sick of the cold!