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Tips For Purchasing A Horse

7/29/2020

Are you finally in the market to buy a horse of your very own? We have some tips and suggestions that can make the process smooth and simple.

This summer weather is not a joke! We love being outside with our horses and on the trails with all of you every time you visit. But, this heat index is crazy! We can't stress enough that keeping yourself and your horse hydrated needs to be your top priority right now! Don't forget your sunscreen and bug spray, too. We've seen a lot of horse flies recently, and those bites are not pleasant.

Since many of us are spending a good amount of time at home right now, more of you might be thinking about buying a horse of your very own. A few blogs back we talked about some steps and what to expect when adopting a horse here in South Carolina. If you missed that blog, please follow the link below to read:

https://www.middletonplaceequestriancenter.com/blog/adopting-a-horse-in-south-carolina

We understand that you might want to go a different way when getting a horse of your very own. There is no wrong way of doing this, it is all a personal preference. But, before you make the big step in buying your horse, we wanted to share some tips and ideas to keep in mind before you do and while you're going through the process.

Understand who you are as a rider and how much time you can invest in your horse. Think about how you'll be riding, if you just want a companion horse, if you want to breed horses, race, or compete. If you're going to ride, be honest about your skill level and what temperament of horse is best for you. Don't challenge yourself just because you can! A horse might look beautiful and might be a great opportunity but, you're looking to buy for a lifetime. Your horse needs love and care for what could be up to 20 to 25 years.
Please be honest about your budget. A horse is a very big investment and is a long term investment. Proper nutrition, a place to live, a place to roam, medical treatment and care, grooming, and care for their hooves will be needed for the whole lives. If you're going to board them, that will be an added expense, and so will be the training you will need if they aren't already. Also, if you want to show or compete with your horse, that will require even more training and will add to your budget.
Make sure you don't buy your horse blind. Seeing a picture online or that someone sends you is not enough. Meet your horse in person and do not be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Do your research and educate yourself on the breeders, sellers, or dealers you want to work with. Reputation holds a lot of truth. According to Horse and Rider, the sale of a horse is protected, and they have to be fit for why they are being sold. So, if you do get yourself in a bad situation, you'll have protection. Even still, this is something you'll want to avoid.
Make sure that your dealer or seller is forthcoming about your horse's linage and breading. Make sure you will be given the full paperwork and records that are needed for your use and to provide to your vet. Not having this important paperwork can find you in a very bad position. Ending up with a horse of poor breading can lead to a sickly horse or a horse that could develop serious issues down the road.
A lot of people will tell you that buying a horse is very similar to buying a used car. You would never buy a used or new car without sufficient research and not without seeing how it drives. Make sure you see not only how the horse rides while you're visiting the stables you're buying from, but also make sure that you ride the horse too! If you can, ride several horses before picking out the one for you. A horse might look beautiful and might ride will for someone else, but that doesn't mean it will be the same for you.

We are so excited that you are thinking about bringing a horse into your family, and we hope these tips and suggestions cleared up any questions or hesitations you might have. Until you do make this dream become a reality, don't forget we are still open for our historic horseback trail rides. They are the perfect way to get outdoors, be safely distanced, and visit with your favorite animals. For more information, please visit our website. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

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Horseback Trail Riding Etiquette!

7/14/2020

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When visiting any horseback trail, it's always good to know the proper etiquette for you, your horse, and the stables you're riding with!

Coming onto our trails and into our barns is just like coming into someone's home for the very first time. There are rules, guidelines, and etiquette you need to follow to be respectful, to stay safe, and make sure your goals for your visit are met. Our etiquette not only follows in those ideals, but is mostly focused on the safety of our horses, your safety, and the safety of our staff while you're with us. If it's your first time visiting our trails or the first time you've ever ridden a horse, making sure you understand the proper etiquette is something very important to us. We urge you to not only read this blog but continue your research before riding with us. If riding with a younger child, please share these tips with them and lead by example. With that being said, we would like to help your educational journey with a blog dedicated to trail riding etiquette! Here are 15 of the most important trail riding guidelines that you should follow every time you visit us and every time you ride a horse.

When you come to a point where you're traveling downhill, your horse's center of gravity will change. Lean back in your saddle slightly to center your weight over the horse.
Always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet.
Always communicate with other riders around you. Let them know when you're going to pass them, what side you're going to pass them on, and give them plenty of room to pass for both you and the other rider.
If you hear a strange or unknown noise, turn your horse in the direction of the sound so they can see what caused it. This can prevent a horse from bolting or throwing you off.
If you're riding along a path in the woods and you need to move a branch, lift it up to go under. Don't hold it and swing it back, you'll hit other riders behind you.
Keep the same gait and speed as the rest of the group at all times.
Do not litter while on the trail! Trash can be mistaken as food or treats for other horses or your own. Eating these items can be very dangerous. Leave everything back at the barn, in your car, or place anything in your saddlebags.
Ride at the level and speed that you are comfortable and trained for. Never do anything unsafe or something you've not been taught to do.
Share the trail with others and be courteous. You are not the only one on this ride.
Leave ample space between you and the rider ahead of you, which is about two horses away.
Take loose or long breaks from the reins to give your horse a rest. But, always maintain communication with them.
Try to avoid running next to or running up to another horse.
Always pay attention to the leader of the pack. This includes their decision on stopping, starting, speed, and gait.
Always stay on the marked and designated trail, do not go off the path or wader away by yourself.
Along with your helmet, please come dressed appropriately for the ride, even in the hot summer months. Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a short-sleeve shirt are all recommended. Please also consider wearing bug spray and suntan lotion!

Safety is always our number one priority! It allows us to keep our beautiful animals safe, and to help our visitors enjoy their ride every time they visit! We are currently offering our historical trail rides, and can't wait to see you soon! For more information, please visit our website. Until you join us for your next ride, please continue to stay safe! We are Charleston's premier horseback riding trail, dedicated to keeping you safe while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

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Middleton Place Equestrian Center Blog

Tips For Purchasing A Horse

Horseback Trail Riding Etiquette!

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