Take Your Time When Looking At 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.

In the show-ring, conformation is extremely important. A horse cannot perform well if he is badly put together. He must stand in a balanced manner with his four legs evenly spaced. An attractive head with large, friendly eyes will draw the judge's attention. The horse should be broad between the eyes with a straight or concave profile.

A nicely arched neck is attractive. It should lead to a sloping rather than a straight shoulder. Horses with straight shoulders have an uncomfortable, choppy action. A jumper needs strong, muscular hindquarters. The back should be relatively short and the chest broad. This gives room for heart and lungs. Well-sprung ribs are another factor that judges will look for.

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 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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