H&C

18
Aug
2010

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How do I know when to buy a high quality horse?

Don't rule a horse out because it jumps large fences
(c) British Open

The question

"Dear expert, I wish to ask a question in relation to buying a warmblood or sports horse with the ability of jumping a 1m10-15 course of show jumps. I have been told that in order for a person to succeed with this type/ability of horse, the rider would need to be "very" experienced. Which leads me to the question of, when do you know you are "experienced" enough to buy a horse of that substance?

For example, a rider who has been riding a horse with the ability of jumping a course of show jumps ranging from 70cm to 90cm respectively, and who has obtained a good dressage position in the paces and wants to proceed further in their horse career, is that honestly enough to take the next step to buying and riding a horse described above? Noting that the rider would be getting dressage and jumping lessons in order to "gel" with their new horse.

What things would you say a rider must need/have in abilities, experience/competition aswell as the information given in example before going on to buy a horse that could jump 1.10-15 tracks.

I hope you can help me with my query and other things that need to be heard in relation to it. Thank you, Neil."

The answer

H&C blogger and Olympic event rider Sharon Hunt replies: "I would suggest that every horse is different, there is a world of difference between two horses at the same level. One maybe sharp and one very placid.

Dependent on character

To me it entirely depends on the character and ride ability of the horse rather than how high it is jumping. This obviously is a factor but don't rule a horse out because it is jumping bigger fences, it maybe more straightforward than the one jumping smaller fences. There is nothing wrong with having a school master type horse and is quite a nice feeling to know that if you get to a fence incorrectly that he can help you out! I think it is important to buy a suitable horse but go on everything about them - don't 'categorise' them."