Not many people have experience in buying a horse. After all, horses live a long time. Many people will buy a horse only once or twice in their lifetime.
So often we see buyers looking for a horse based on price. Often if we check back, these same people have traded the horse back, hired a trainer because they can’t control the horse, or they just feed it carrots and say that’s enough enjoyment for them.
Everyone does have a budget. Buying a younger horse may be the real answer, trading a little time for the initial money. Working with a young horse is one of the great experiences of horsemanship. If you want a true partner, it can start now - even at birth!
We look at our horses differently – as an investment. Long before we got into breeding, our horses were companions to us. We ride in the desert where anything can go awry and where an accident can leave you many miles in the middle of nowhere. We’re older now, we break more easily. We depend on our horses to be there for us.
We also owned only one horse apiece, so they needed to be sturdy and sound, both in mind and body. We cannot stress enough the temperament of the horse. That determines the horse’s approach to everything – training, surprises on the trail, you, other horses, stress and more.
Well-trained is probably different to every person. Ask for training records, hours and types of training. Hours of training is an investment you either pay for in the puchase of the horse or need to count on adding after you buy the horse.
Good horses cost money. Great horses cost a lot of money.
The annual cost of owning a bad horse or a good horse may be about the same - board, feed, shoes, veterinarian, tack and all sorts of other supplies. Years from now, the price of the horse will seem insignificant.
Why not start with a great horse? – the Mangalarga Marchador, the perfect horse.
We would love to help you make your next horse a Marchador!
Lynn with Bossa Nova de Miami
John with Chanel de Miami