Take Your Time When Inspecting Hunter Jumper Horses For Sale

By Frances Keith


If you are looking for hunter jumper horses for sale, you should take your time and not rush into a purchase. A horse is an expensive acquisition and such a decision should not be made in a hurry. If you make a mistake, you may find it very difficult to recoup your money.

You may wish to exhibit your hunter jumper in the show-ring. Some classes are judged on the flat and the horse is not shown over hurdles. If your new mount isn't required to jump, it will be sufficient if he has good paces and manners, and is strong and well-conformed. If you plan to enter classes requiring jumping, you will need to ensure that he jumps well. He still needs to be well-conformed and eye-catching.

Good conformation is essential. Without it, he will not be considered in the show-ring. The horse should stand squarely. An attractive head will catch the judge's eye. The forehead should be broad and the profile preferably concave or straight. The eyes should be large and friendly.

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.

Good legs and feet are vital to any horse that is required to perform under saddle. The legs should be straight and unblemished. The presence of splints or spavins is not a good sign. Sloping pasterns are desirable as these are better able to absorb the shock of landing after a jump. The hooves should point straight ahead. The back hooves may be rounder than the front but this is acceptable. Each pair of hooves must match.

When you go to view a horse, inspect it first when it is standing quietly. Look at it from every angle. Ask the owner to walk and trot the horse away from you then straight back towards you. Look for straight action without excessive throwing of the feet to the sides. Then stand to one side and have the horse trotted past. The steps should be even with the hind feet stepping past the imprint made by the forefeet.

If you are satisfied with your inspection, you should now have the animal ridden by the owner. Before saddling up, pick up each of the horse's hooves. He should allow this without fuss. Saddling and bridling should be done with the horse remaining calm. He must be easy to mount. If necessary, ask to see the horse jump.

After seeing the horse ridden, you can ask to try it yourself. Be content to walk it around for a while first. It should feel as though it is stepping in a regular rhythm. It must be obedient to your commands. And don't forget, when viewing hunter jumper horses for sale, the colour of the horse is the least important factor.




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