Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Is anyone a used horse salesman?
So one thing from the trip that became abundantly clear is that I´m going to need to buy a horse (and a saddle.) Anyone have any advice? How old is too old? I know 3 years is probably preferred, but where I´m at I´ll be lucky if the horses ribs aren´t visible. What health problems do I need to be aware of?
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7 comments:
I can tell you most things you need to know, hun. 3 years old is actually quite young. You want to go with a horse that is probably 5 or older. Anything in the late teens or 20's is considered elderly for a horse so avoid one that is that old. You want to make sure the horse is saddle broke meaning it has been trained to handle a rider. Otherwise it won't be of much use to you. Watch out for a sloping back. You don't want it to have a pronounced dip in its back. Also check its feet. The hooves shouldn't be long and angled. The should be fairly straight up and down. Its hard to explain but easier with pictures. I'll try to email you some examples. I doubt any horses down their have shoes. Check the horses gait. Watch it walk and run around. Look to see that everything moves properly and there is no limp or odd stepping.
As far as equipment, you'll need to figure out if you want an english or western style saddle and corresponding saddle pad. Be sure the saddle comes with stirrups. You'll also need a bridle an I recommend some brushes and a hoof pick. THe pick is used to clean out the horse's feet which should always be done before riding. That way if there is a rock in their hoof you can remove it before riding and causing the horse to go lame.
I would send you some stuff but I'm sure it would be much easier and cheaper to get it there. Too bad I wasn't coming down sooner or I could help you with it all. What else do you want to know? :D
Most of the horses are fairly old, so I`ll try to keep those ages in mind. All of the horses I`ve seen are very tame and shouldn`t be a problem to ride. Unfortunately, that`s mainly because the horse only eat grass, no hay or oats, so they don`t have much energy. I think the saddles usually come as a package with stirrups and blanket, though they sometimes use grass mats in place of a saddle blanket.
Wow, Gina, where did you learn so much about horses? I guess you are really going back in time, Josh, riding a horse through the jungles -- except for that satellite pay phone in the middle of nowhere! How far is the phone from the village?
The children are beautiful -- and you look soooo happy!
Hi Josh:
Gina is correct on all counts. A teenage horse would be perfect for you. As she said, have him checked for lameness, and make sure the horse is lage enough for your size, with a strong back. Take a friend who knows horses with you, ideally you would have a vet check the horse for you before buying (like having an automechanic check out the used car before purchase); if this is possible, I strongly encourage you to do this, it will be money well spent. But a friend or someone else from the community who knows horses will do. Nothing worse than a sick or dying horse. You will need to keep your horse wit another horse(s). They are herd animals and must have a companion to hang out with...a donkey will do. Have you considered a mountain bike? Good luck!
xxoo Liza
PS Neal, Ava and Alexander say Hola!
Josh, great photos! Thanks for doing this blog. It is great to read and see what you are up to. Sounds like you have gotten great advice on how to pick a horse!
The real question is: have you considered a burro? I think that you would look real sharp riding Pancho Sancha Sancho Panza style.
Fletch,
Unfortunately, the burros aren't available around here. I haven't seen one for sale, but if it there was one it would probably go for more than a horse because they can carry more. I'll try to tilt at some windmills when I get a chance though.
Liza,
A horse is definitely preferable to a mountain bike since horse can handle the mud, stream crossing, and steep hills with more ease.
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