In a moment of excitement, in a rush and sometimes under the pressure of someone else, the fact of buying a horse can be a stressful and negative experience. However, the choice of this companion of many years must be done in a climate of relaxation taking the time to analyse and observe the animal ... which means that you must take a lot of time. Here are some "pitfalls" to avoid so that the search for the horse of your dreams does not turn into a nightmare.
No horse is perfect
You will soon find that on the internet, golden opportunities are numerous ... (unless it is the owners of horses somewhat inclined to fantasy). You will quickly find the "perfect" horse: irreproachable behavior, outstanding physical attributes, and even the color of his coat. In short ... it's the one you need!
You are even more spoiled for choice as your friends or your children will not fail to flood you with links to the ideal horse. The reality is, alas, different. No horse (just like men!) is perfect!
And then, you must ask yourself the question: do you have the means and time to invest in the purchase of a horse? Have a crush is one thing, but beware, because the enthusiasm sometimes falls like a puff once the novelty and the excitement of the past acquisition are gone.
You must be reasonable by keeping tide your emotions. Do not get carried away by your imagination, seeing you already galloping hair and mane in the wind with your new companion. This is cinema and not reality, and you don’t buy a horse as you go to the supermarket. So, start by setting your budget and give yourself time, without giving in to pear pressures.
Transport … Plan ahead
Also think about transportation. Sure, to have spotted the horse you need, you must be ready to go for miles in the countryside to meet him and bring him home. But you could have surprises ... Imagine that you were on a muggy road, behind a tractor traveling at 5 m / h ... Better to prepare yourself psychologically for unforeseen events that may occur in rural areas. Similarly, the transport of a horse is not trivial. It requires an adequate horse-box taking care of the animal on the road and the motorway. It's not an easy task! It's a whole logistics that needs to be put in place.
Think before investing
When you will try the horse, you may have to do it in an equestrian centre ... where all eyes will be on you. Not easy to relax and gauge the animal in these conditions ... The pressure may be unsustainable!
On the other hand, if you think that it will be enough to do a simple veterinary examination to check that the horse is in good health, it is false. Even if his passport is up to date, you will have to invest in many other care for him, and in the long term: a field, a pasture (not less than one hectare per horse), if not at least a paddock to relax and warm up your horse ...
Then, think about the visits to the osteopath, the farrier, the vaccines, the food of course, a safe stable ... and anticipate unexpected events such as sickness, colic, unexpected behavior ... such situations arise, you may be disappointed and even heartbroken to have set your sights on the "bad" horse. Again, do not let your heart take precedence over your reason. If your horse does not meet your expectations, you may have a tough time living it. And your horse too. It is a living and sensitive being, and once the first moments of euphoria have passed, it is up to you to take responsibility for its quality of life.
RODI advises you
- Do not give in to the first "love at first sight" as you race for the first horse you've seen: do not stop at one choice, and do not settle for just one visit.
- Beware of "good deals".
- Never go to see a horse on your own is the basis of any visit. Be accompanied by someone who knows the equestrian world.
- Be patient to meet your ideal partner.
- Listen carefully to the seller, make sure everything he describes is consistent.
