Am I ready to buy my own horse?
Hi, I am 13 years old. I have been riding western for 5 years. I have been taking riding lessons year round and riding camps in the summer. I can go up to a fast lope (not gallop yet). Right now we are working on reining spins. I want a horse that is trained for western, barrel racing,pole bending,cattle work and trail riding. I don’t want to young of a horse or to old of a horse. Mare or gelding (i don’t care). Height wise about 14.3hh – 15.2hh. Breed, I would like a quarter horse, paint or a quarter horseXarabian. Colour, I don’t care about but I really like Chestnut’s, Sorrel’s, Palomino’s and Black’s. My price range is $1000 – $2300. I do have a lot of money saved up and I am getting a job at the barn where I ride at. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
You’re possibly ready to buy. Can you answer the following questions?
What is ‘floating teeth’, and how often should it be done?
What is the difference between a rotational and daily worming program? Which will you use for your horse?
What about a vaccination schedule, relevant to your region?
What is a Coggins test, and how often do you need one?
What is the name of 3 local feed dealers that sell the products you need? Do you know the difference of what you want to feed, and why do you have a preference?
What is the name of 3 farriers within commuting distance to your farm?
What is the name of 3 equine veterinary practices within traveling distance?
Which of these will you use?
Do you know what a pre-purchase exam is, and are you willing to have one performed?
How do you plan on transporting your horse in an emergency?
What will you do if your horse requires $3000 worth of medical care, and a year off to save its life?
Do you know how to inspect tack for safety, and can you afford to replace broken/ worn tack?
Can you afford 3 months of training if the horse you buy suddenly develops a bad habit?
“Big White Canada” James_meatsac’s photos around Big White, Canada
