Category: Buying A Horse

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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Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

6/29/2020

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Becoming a forever home for a horse in need can be a dream come true for you and your new horse. How do you go about adopting a horse here in the Lowcountry?

Friends, we have to say it. We LOVE when you visit and take one of our historical tours. Please know you are always getting the best trail rides and horseback riding experience in Charleston every time you visit. But, we know the truth of how it feels to fall in love with horses and wanting one for your very own. It comes with a big-time commitment, a big responsibility, and a can be very expensive. But, they are worth every moment and every penny. With that in mind, we wanted to share a few tips and suggestions on how and where to adopt a horse of very own here in the Charleston. Choosing to adopt and buy one from a breeder is a personal choice, and whichever you decide is perfectly fine. We just wanted to share the adoption process with you first, and talk about some wonderful organizations that can help your dreams come true.

L.E.A.R.N Horse Rescue (Livestock, Equine Awareness, and Rescue Network)

Located right here in the Lowcountry, LEARN is dedicated to not just finding someone to adopt their rehabilitated horses, they are dedicated to finding the best forever home. Since their founding in 2009, LEARN has "successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and re-homed" over 300 neglected horses. They are an all-volunteer organization that takes in and rehabilitate horses that have had to endure the worst. Their adoption process is not one they take lightly. They take the necessary and needed amount of time to help heal, rehabilitate, and train the horses that come to them, and never rush the process. They make it very clear that the love and care they provide these horses is not just to get the adoption fee. The fee is nowhere near what is spent on the care of the horse during its rehabilitation. They have you fill out a very detailed adoption application and you must provide references. Your knowledge of horses, the facilities you have to house them in, your financial situation, and your ability to care for your adopted horse determines if you are a good potential or not. They will also speak to your references before beginning the process. You must provide pictures of the horse's new potential home, too. If all of these requirements are met, you get a 30 day trial period with your horse. If it is a success, you officially get to adopt. If a lifetime commitment cannot be filled after adoption, the horse is returned to LEARN. These horses are not allowed to be sold or used commercially once adopted, and some can be ridden while others are just meant to be companions. To learn more, apply for adoption, or donate visit their website below.
https://learnhorserescue.org/adoption-application%2Finfo

2. Big Oakes Rescue FarmLocated in Hodges, SC this rescue farm is dedicated to the care of horses, donkeys, mules, and more! The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by Joe Mann, who has a passion for saving animals. They strive to give these animals a new life and home along with providing education to the public about awareness of animal care, welfare, and abuse. Since 2010, they have also rescued and rehabilitated over 300 horses and found them brand new homes. Big Oakes also has an extensive application that you must fill out before an adoption can happen. You have to describe where the horse will be living, along with providing pictures of where they will be living, where they will be fed, and where they will exercise. You must provide your personal information, along with your farrier's and vet's information. They will also be calling your vet as part of the application process to talk about your history with animals and if you would be a good potential horse owner. To learn more, begin the application process, or donate to their cause visit their website below!
https://www.bigoaksrescuefarm.org/

3. H.O.P.E ACRES RESCUE (Helping Our Precious Equines) Located in Berkeley County, SC they provide rescue services to horses across the country. Thanks to community, country, state, and donation support they can save, rehabilitate,and give a safe home to horses in need. From the very beginning of the adoption process, HOPE makes it very clear that every potential family must understand the financial and physical demands of owning a horse. Their multipage application is also very detailed. The questions range from wanting to know about you, your knowledge of horses, who will be riding and caring for the horses, what your style of riding is, what activities you have planned for your horses, and more. The HOPE farm also has very specific requirements that must bet met before being considered for adoption including:

A visit to the farm.
At least two references, a vet, and a farrier.
At least one other horse at your home.
At least two acres of pasture space for the horses to roam.
A donation between $400-$600 depending on how much care and rehabilitation the horse has been through.

To learn more, speak with their adoption coordinator Becky Strong, begin the adoption process, or donate, visit their website below!
http://www.hopeacresrescue.org/

Horses are magical creatures and those who take the time to save and care for ones who have been through the worst are heroes. Consider donating, learning more about horse welfare education, and maybe even adopt one someday. 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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A Horse of Your Very Own

10/18/2019

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Owning a horse of your very own can be a very special experience and a lifetime goal. Before you decide to take this very large step, make sure you know everything that goes into the process of researching, buying, and owning a horse.

For many, a dream come true is owning your very own horse. Believe us, we understand that. But, it's not just beautiful fall days filled with glorious rides through your favorite fields and feeding them a few lumps of sugar. There is so much that goes into the purchasing, owning, and caring of a horse. As much as we support the decision, we stress that it's not for everyone. Please take the time to consider this blog as you are deciding to or thinking about buying your very first horse.

Think about it this way. Treat buying a horse like you would any big investment. You must take the time to research, understand the strategies of buying a horse and talk with those who have had serious experiences of their own when buying horses. You don't want to make the mistake of buying a horse that's wrong for you, get frustrated, and then give up on the horse and the dream of owning one. As much as you love them, buying a horse isn't the correct path for everyone. It's a huge emotional, time-consuming, and expensive commitment.
The Book Work

Be very honest with yourself when it comes to how you will be using your horse and the temperament you will need. Don't take on the challenge of overcoming a wild steed or a young hothead that you can't control. Be honest in the amount of time you can invest in spending with, caring for, training, and riding the horse. These are beautiful living creatures that need constant care. Understand the cost of owning a horse, beyond the purchasing price. Will you have a stable and pastures of your own with all the amenities, staff, veterinarian care, and safety precautions that the horse will need? Will you board the horse? What about the care there and the training they offer? Never go over your budget or underestimate what the horse will cost you. Remember, this is a decision that could stick with you for 10, 20, or even 30 years. Only when you can meet all of these and your requirements should you buy a horse.

Stick With The Pros

If it's your first time buying a horse or even if you're still new to the game, put yourself under the tutelage of an experienced horse person and bring them along with you. Bring them with you when you're looking, when you think you've found the right horse, and when you've made the final choice and are buying. Never buy a horse without seeing it and inspecting it first, and never buy a horse online. The experienced horse person can check the horse over and look for things and see things that you might not know or recognize to look for. They can ask more questions and even some you might not know to ask yet. They can shield you and help you deal with an unpleasant or overly aggressive seller. They can also watch you with a very keen eye as you take the horse for a test ride. They can see if the horse is the best fit for you and if you are the best fit for the horse.

Do Your Homework

You don't just need to check the paperwork, lineage, passport, veterinarian documents, and the personality of the horse, you need to do just as much extensive research on the seller of the horse too. Ask around in groups of prominent owners and sellers of horses, do research on Google, and try to connect with others who have worked with your potential seller in the past. It's easy to be charmed by a convincing seller and get wrapped up in any fabrication that they can weave. You want to make sure their reputation is accurate and one you can depend on. This way you know that what they have to say about your horse is accurate and that they've treated it well. Also, do your research so you know if you're buying at the appropriate price!

We love horses, we love owning horses, and we love caring for horses. But we know the work that goes into this every day. We want you to share this magic with us, but be prepared to face the realities too. If it's not quite time for you to own a horse, you know the best place to horseback in South Carolina! Right here at Middleton Equestrian Center! We can't wait to see you on your next ride!

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Middleton Place Equestrian Center Blog

Tips For Purchasing A Horse

Horseback Trail Riding Etiquette!

Adopting A Horse in South Carolina

A Horse of Your Very Own

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