Selling basics

By Loriann Lindner – Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. Arthur, NE

Whether your horse is a weanling or aged it should be healthy and in good physical condition. Make sure your horse is up to date on vaccinations, deworming, trimming/shoeing, and dentals, and is well groomed. We are in a buyer’s market, so paying attention to these details will enable you to ask a fair price for your horse.

If you are selling a youngster, weanling or yearling, put as much time as possible into gentling, leading, tying and grooming. He should be relaxed when being handled, not nervous, and should stand quietly when being tied, approached and groomed. Ponying the young horse is an excellent way to work on leading; you are also exposing them to new things-not to mention it’s easier on you! Having someone above them will also prepare them for that first ride. Don’t forget about their feet! All too often people overlook handling the young horse’s legs and feet. Working with weanlings and young horses takes patience and some amount of experience. If you are not comfortable doing this, find someone with experience to help you. Remember, these first lessons are critical in the early development of your horse’s behavior and disposition.

If you are selling a riding horse, make sure she is in good physical condition. A horse that has good muscle tone shows it has been ridden. If your horse has bit issues (head tossing, chewing on the bit or not in good condition) consult your veterinarian; it may be a dental problem. Also, be current on trimming and shoeing. A well-groomed horse looks healthy and shows it has been given care and attention. Do what you think is necessary. Not every inch has to be washed and clipped, but make sure he is clean and the mane and tail are combed out. A clean, shiny coat goes a long way to make your horse stand out. If you are consigning to a sale, know the requirements and how other consignors are presenting their horses. It’s no fun playing catch-up on sale day-be prepared.

See more tips in the May 2011 issue of Saddle Up Nebraska. Subscribe for only $15 for 12 monthly issues at http://goo.gl/SSKNZ

A few tips on training
Usually, a horse will not begin formal training until it is around two years old. However, foals are able to learn how to behave around people from a very early age.
It is important to spend as much time as you can with your young horse so it will become used to being around you, and by extension, other people.
The first part of the training session is used to warm up the horse.
Longeing is a typical method of warming up.
Next, you should practice those things the horse already knows before introducing something new. Any new skill should be just a tiny alteration on something the horse already knows. Building on previously attained skills is the key to successful training.
If you add a new piece of equipment, take it back off after just a few minutes. Repeat this for a few days. Then let the horse wear it during longeing. Once he is accustomed to wearing a saddle, have someone sit on him briefly as he stands still. Work up to longeing with a rider.
Another example of something to add gradually is a bit. A young horse must learn to accept a bit as something normal and natural to have in its mouth, and this won’t happen overnight.
The saddle should likewise be introduced slowly. The stirrups and leathers should be removed initially. Allow your horse to see the saddle, then just hold it over him, not touching him, until he loses his fear of it. The first time you place the saddle on your horse, be ready to do a lot of reassurance and stroking. Next time, introduce the girth, then the leathers and stirrups. Add each new thing when your horse has lost his fear of the last new thing.
Lastly, all training sessions must end with a cool down period.
Finally, remember that your horse will take its cue from you. If you are calm and unafraid, so will your horse feel. If you move, your horse interprets this as a change of direction from its lead mare and will move, too. Once your horse understands your body language, he will naturally follow your lead.