To buy or not to buy

With the arrival of green pastures comes the itch to buy a new horse. As you set out on your adventure today's tips are handy in your back pocket.

1. It is all about finding the right match not the "best horse". If your a timid rider the blazing stallion your friend tears through all the speed events,  generally out of control on, is not for you. Even if your friend wins all the time. Look for a personality that compliments yours and a horse who's strengths are your weak spots. Nothing I mean NOTHING is more important than finding a horse that is a good match for your skills and temperament.

2. A 500 dollar horse for 300 is not as good a buy as a 10,000 dollar horse for 7,500. Adding zero's is a scary idea. It may just be the cheapest thing you do. Your Grandpa always told you that you get what you pay for. Spend a little extra now and reap the rewards for years.

3. Try it twice. While driving a car around the block may get the job done horses are not machines. Like us they have good days and bad days and the best way to find out if you really get along is to try the horse a couple times.

4. Have the owner or trainer ride the horse first when you go to try it. This has two reasons, first if they don't want to get on you shouldn't either. Second this allows you to see what the horse is capable of doing making it easier for you to get on and push the buttons.

5. You really should ride it like you stole it. If it's going to be your horse ride it like it is your horse. The only way to know if your a match is to ride like you ride at home.

6. A pictures is worth a thousand words, but only tells half the story.  In todays online world most of us look at horses online before we go to buy them. Pictures tell a couple things. First they show that the owner can operate a camera if they took the time to take a nice picture. Second they show that some people have no clue how to take a good picture. Call the best pictures first, but don't pass on a horse just because someone did not take the time or have the skill to create a nice image.

So now you have a half a dozen tips to head out and find your next champion with. As you test drive remember to have fun, feel free to use a professional trainer for help, and most of all slide long....

www.ivieranchreining.com