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Over the 20+ years that we have been in the boarding, training and horse show business, we have seen many
people make critical errors in selecting their new mount. It is easy to be dazzled by a beautiful horse and not
see the temperament or personality flaws that the horse might have. In addition, there are many misconceptions made
by novices in the market for a new best friend . . . that beautiful 3 year old is NOT going to grow to love you so much that
you can just climb on and ride it off into the sunset! That just doesn't happen in the real world and we've seen it
time and time again.
Are you a beginner looking to purchase your first horse and want a professional opinion? Or, you're a more seasoned
rider, but have doubts about the horse's capabilities and wish you had an objective professional to look at it with you?
One of the services we offer is a pre-purchase consultation to give you an unbiased opinion and assist you in making
the right decision on your equine purchase. This service is in no way intended to replace a pre-purchase examination
by a veterinarian - we strongly recommend that you do this before purchasing any horse, however our services are intended
to help you decide if a horse you have fallen in love with is really the correct fit for you as a rider.
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Live and Learn . . .
-by
Crystal Moon-Webster
Please do yourself a favor - if you are in the market for a new horse, take a professional with you - whether it be me
or another reputable trainer! Make sure it isn't anyone related to the seller of the horse - as much as we'd like
to think that most people are honest, and many are, there are those who just want to get rid of a problem they have . . .
maybe an ill tempered horse, or one with a dangerous quirk that only shows up under certain conditions. For example,
I have a wonderful horse who is perfect in every way, however the sellers did not tell me that he had a previous accident
with a vehicle. Now he cannot be shown at outdoor shows as he becomes paralyzed with fear when he sees anything
with wheels on it! He won't hurt me, and he would never become dangerous, however, if I ever wanted to show him at an
outdoor dressage show, I'd be out of luck if anyone opened a car door within his view as he simply wouldn't move.
So, we show him at indoor shows and we adore him, but I'd never consider selling him to anyone without giving them knowledge
of this fact. Unfortunately, I tried him out in an indoor arena and he was perfect, so I had no idea about this quirk.
We have tried to cure him of this problem for 10 years with only mediocre results. My proudest moment on him wasn't
winning any of the many championship ribbons he won - it was riding him through the parking lot at the Big E after his class
in the coliseum without having to get off and lead him, panic stricken, back to the barn!
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One more word of warning - PLEASE, please DO NOT purchase a horse online if you are a novice!! Most
often, it doesn't go well and you are stuck with a potentially dangerous horse that you cannot sell. Unless
you have a trainer to help you try the horse and get a vet check, don't do it! Our trainer has successfully bought
several horses online. However, we have the knowledge to deal with any quirks and correct problems. Also,
we always have a vet check and have a beautiful facility from which to sell the horse if it doesn't work out. Selling
a horse you can't handle out of your backyard rarely goes well.
Please contact us for more information and rates on our pre-purchase consultations. It could save you from making a terrible
mistake and give you the piece of mind that the horse you've selected is indeed a good prospect before you spend several
hundreds of dollars on a veterinary pre-purchase exam. The veterinary exam is a very important, "must do" procedure, but having an equine professional who can represent
you, watch you ride the horse, try it out for you and tell you if it's a good fit is just as important! Our instructor
can look beyond the skin deep beauty and really see the horse, partnered with you, and give you an objective opinion.
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