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Your First Horse
by Bonnie Anderson
~ SEPT 2002 ~
Choosing your first horse as a new horse owner is very important. First, you should keep in mind that your horse will be your partner. Youll be a team. Thus a willing horse is more important than the horses color, size, or breed. A trained horse should do all three gaits of walk, trot, and canter in both directions while under saddle. In addition, the horse should perform these gaits readily while the rider easily stays in command.
So what kind of horse is suited for a first horse? Just like people, horses have distinct personalities. And within a herd of horses, there are horses that are the more dominate, and horses that are the least dominate, with the majority falling somewhere in between. Where each horse stands within the herds hierarchy tells a lot about its personality.
A more dominate horse will tend to be aggressive, strong willed, and spirited. The horse at the bottom of the hierarchy will be sensitive, cautious, and easily spooked. The horses in between will demonstrate a bit of both. If you like a horse that charges into the thick of things without a thought, then by all means, look for a dominate horse. But be prepared for arguments if the horse should try to dominate you. A dominate horse requires a strong willed rider.
The least dominate horse is a more sensitive horse that will need to learn to trust you, and when they do, they will follow you to the ends of the earth. Misuse that trust and they will become fearful and overreact to the smallest thing. This type of horse needs a gentle, understanding rider.
The horse in between these two extremes is probably the easiest for the average horsemen to understand. Look for a horse that will neither lay his ears back at your approach, nor one that shies from you in fear. A calm accepting attitude is best.
Once you have a horse picked out with a temperament that matches yours, we next look to see how healthy they are. Do they have an overall good attitude, or are they listless and not wanting to move? Its always wise to have your own veterinarian check out a horse before you put money down on it. Lame horses can be drugged to hide their pain, and sick horses made to feel better by unscrupulous horse traders. You dont always know what situation you have until the horse is in your care for a few days or even a week.
When you finally have your horse in hand, its time to learn the basic grooming, leading, and saddling. Take riding lessons if you can. Read books and magazines about horse care and horsemanship to better prepare you for that big first day of horse ownership.
The following paragraphs contain brief instructions for handling your horse. When in doubt, ask a qualified horse person for help.
Leading your horse. Always approach and stand on the horses left side. Attach the lead rope to the horses halter, and hold it in your right hand about four inches down from the snap. Pull forward to get the horse started walking. Tug downward on the lead to halt the horse, saying whoa as you do so.
Grooming your horse. The basic grooming supplies you will need are a rubber curry, a soft brush, a rag, and a hoof pick. Start by currying your horse with the rubber curry, loosening dirt and hair. Next brush the horse with the soft brush to remove that dirt and hair. Use the rag around the horses face in areas too sensitive for the brush, like the eyes and ears. Pick up each of the horses hooves, and using the hoof pick, clean the hooves before and after riding.
Saddling you horse. Tie your horse to a post or tree. Never tie your horse to anything he can break loose from. Place the blanket or saddle pad on your horses back, smoothing out any wrinkles. Lift the saddle up and gently place it on the horses back. Swinging it on rapidly tends to knock the saddle pad askew, forcing you to start all over again. Reach under the horses belly for the girth strap and thread the tie strap through the girth ring. Pull it tight and secure it. Let the horse stand a minute to let his breath out, and tighten the girth again. Always check to make sure the girth is tight before stepping into the saddle.
To bridle you horse, place the bit in your left hand, with the headstall resting on the horses forehead. Use your right hand to open the horses mouth by placing your finger inside of the horses right lip where the bars of the bit rest. There are no teeth present in this area. Use you finger to press down on the horses tongue and he will open his jaw. Slip the bit in without banging the bit on the horses teeth. Pull the headstall over the horses head and buckle the throat latch.
Now its time to ride. Ride safe and have fun.
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