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.

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 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.

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 inspecting a possible purchase, have the horse stand quietly while you inspect him from every angle. Watch the horse walk and trot both towards you and away from you. The legs must travel in a straight line. When watching the horse from the side, check that each stride is the same length. The hind hooves should leave imprints in front of those of the forelegs.

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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