Thursday, May 30, 2013

Do Not Be In A Rush When Viewing Hunter Jumper Horses For Sale

By Frances Keith


If you are searching for hunter jumper horses for sale, it is important to give some thought to the qualities you need in your new mount. Horses of this type are not cheap. If you choose one that doesn't suit you, it may be difficult to get your money back if you decide to resell.

Classes for hunter jumpers may be on the flat or over obstacles. The former are judged on looks, manners and action but not on jumping ability. They need to have very good conformation, good paces and perfect manners. If you intend to enter jumping classes, your mount still needs to have excellent conformation but his jumping style and ability will also be important.

The conformation of a horse is very important. If he is not well put together, he will not be able to perform to the best of his ability. Horsemen speak of good horses as having 'a leg at each corner'. This means he stands squarely and in a balanced manner. He should have an attractive head with large eyes, a broad forehead and preferably a straight or concave profile.

A nicely arched neck will fit well into a sloping shoulder. The withers should be well-defined. A straight shoulder will make the gaits short and choppy, giving an uncomfortable ride. In order to jump well, the hindquarters should be strong and muscular. The back should not be too long. Avoid a horse with a narrow chest as this means less room for the heart and lungs. The ribs must be well-sprung.

A horse with faulty legs will never succeed in the show-ring. The legs should be straight. The bone must be hard and strong with no blemishes such as splints or spavins. The hooves should not point in or out. The front hooves are often more oval in shape than the back hooves but each pair must be matching. Sloping pasterns are important as they take the shock of landing after a jump.

When you inspect a horse that is for sale, firstly view him from all angles. Have him walked and trotted away from and towards you. He should travel in a straight line without throwing the legs out to the side. Watch the horse from the side too. That way, you will be able to tell if he is stepping short with one leg. A horse that moves well will use his hindquarters properly will overstep the imprints of the front hooves.

It is always best to ask the owner to ride the horse before you try it. Before saddling, check that the feet can be picked up easily and safely. The horse should remain calm and still when being saddled and bridled. It should stand to be mounted. If you wish to ride in classes requiring jumping, ensure that it will indeed jump and that it remains under control.

If you are happy that you will be able to control the horse, you will want to ride it yourself. Walk for a while to accustom yourself to its action. Its footfalls should feel regular beneath you and you should feel happy with its obedience. When inspecting hunter jumper horses for sale, remember that colour is the least important consideration.




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