Every horse has a history, a sequence of events leading up to the here and now. Many of the details of a horse’s history help explain his current disposition, and may even predict future behavior.
There are several facets of equine history that riding instructors should consider when buying lesson horses:
- Veterinary History: Previous injuries and illnesses.
- Ownership History: All of the people who have taken possession of the horse.
- Training History: The things the horse has been taught since birth.
- Competition History: Awards, ribbons and other accomplishments.
- Behavioral History: Quirks, habits and other behaviorisms that define his disposition.
It is extremely important to take a comprehensive equine history before buying lesson horses because a detail of the animal’s past could very easily come back to haunt you.
A Short Story
When I first started teaching riding lessons, my boss and I went on a field trip to find a new lesson horse. We would up at this barn on the north side of Houston where literally dozens of horses were offered for sale.
Although my boss had answered an advertisement for a 15.2-hand bay quarter horse, we ended up looking at a 16.3-hand warmblood with whom I instantly fell in love. He was sweet, eager to please and full of energy, which made him perfect for my advanced jumping classes.
We bought the horse that day, without a pre-purchase exam or any other formalities. My boss explained that this was the type of facility where you didn’t make any fuss—you either took the horse or you didn’t.
Back home, we gave the horse four or five days off to adjust to his new surroundings, then I took him out for a practice run in the arena. Within five minutes of climbing on his back, I found myself in the dirt.
Later one, we learned that the horse was a rescue from an abandoned farm in Florida. He’d been beaten, neglected and left to rot in a murky pasture full of insects and water. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” farm in north Houston had drugged him for the showing, but by the time I got on his back the drugs had long since worn off.
Even worse, the horse had suffered a serious injury to his suspensory ligament some time ago, which rendered him useless as a lesson horse. We eventually sold him to a kind rescue farm in Pearland where he probably still flourishes today.
Moral of the Story
You can take two lessons away from this story: 1) Equine history is one of the most important things to find out when buying lesson horses; and 2) You’re stupid if you don’t order a pre-purchase exam.
Fortunately my boss probably paid only a few hundred dollars for that warmblood, but it could have been a much more costly lesson. At the time, I was too green to know that I should have advised my boss differently.
Again, every horse has a history and the details might not show up during a pre-purchase exam. Perhaps the horse was beaten as a youngster and is still afraid of quick movements. Or maybe he took a bad tumble when jumping a solid fence and now refuses to approach them (I’ve seen it many times).
How to Obtain an Equine History
I wish it were as easy as asking the current owner some leading questions, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way. You can never guarantee that a horse seller is giving you the straight story about any horse, so you might have to do some digging.
If the horse is registered, you can usually obtain a list of all owners. You can then call them to ask about the horse—they have no reason to lie—and find out what they know.
You should also examine the horse carefully for any scars and inquire about the ones you find. Look for a tattoo if you’re buying a Thoroughbred lesson horse.
Any horse owner worth his salt will have kept detailed veterinary records, so ask to see the originals for all bills and reports. If you are concerned about buying a show-worthy lesson horse, inquire about past competition and ask to see dressage tests and other proof of winnings.
Always a Gamble
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but rarely will you obtain a complete equine history for your lesson horses. However, using all the resources at your disposal (don’t forget the Internet!) you can compile a fairly comprehensive overview that will highlight any red flags.
And, of course, I advise all purchasers of lesson horses to negotiate a trial period of ownership. Pay for the horse on the condition that you can return him for a full refund (less a convenience fee, if necessary) should anything trip your radar.
More in the Lesson Horse Evaluation Series:
- Introduction
- Behavioral Suitability
- Physical Ability
- Student Compatibility
- Vet Check
- Disposition
- Price
About the Author: Laura Jane Thompson is the Editor in Chief of Riding Instructor University and the Feature writer for the horses section at Suite101. Follow her EquiTips on Twitter.
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