If you are searching for hunter jumper horses for sale, it is important to give some thought to the qualities you need in your new mount. Horses of this type are not cheap. If you choose one that doesn't suit you, it may be difficult to get your money back if you decide to resell.
Perhaps you are hoping to show your new mount. If so, there are certain criteria you will be looking for. Classes for these horses may be held on the flat and/or over obstacles. The former will require a handsome, well-conformed horse. His ability to jump will not be so critical. If you wish to enter classes which test the entrants over obstacles, your horse will need to be both well-conformed and able to jump well.
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.
There should be a nice arch to the neck. A sloping shoulder and well-defined wither are preferable. A horse with a straight shoulder will have a short, choppy stride and will be uncomfortable to ride. Strong, muscular hindquarters enable the horse to jump well. A back that is too long will be weak. A broad chest allows plenty of room for the heart and lungs. Well-sprung ribs are important too.
The legs are an important part of any horse but particularly so if it is to perform in the show-ring. They must be straight. The pasterns should not be upright as these need to absorb the shock when a horse lands after jumping. The bone must be hard and flinty. Watch out for imperfections such as splints or spavins. It is important that the legs point straight ahead. Both pairs of hooves must be of a similar size. The front hooves are often more oval in shape than the back ones.
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 the horse seems safe and obedient, you may want to try it for yourself. Let it walk around for a short time before asking it to trot and canter. The gait should be even and regular underneath you. You should feel in control. And remember, when looking at hunter jumper horses for sale, the last consideration should be its colour.
Perhaps you are hoping to show your new mount. If so, there are certain criteria you will be looking for. Classes for these horses may be held on the flat and/or over obstacles. The former will require a handsome, well-conformed horse. His ability to jump will not be so critical. If you wish to enter classes which test the entrants over obstacles, your horse will need to be both well-conformed and able to jump well.
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.
There should be a nice arch to the neck. A sloping shoulder and well-defined wither are preferable. A horse with a straight shoulder will have a short, choppy stride and will be uncomfortable to ride. Strong, muscular hindquarters enable the horse to jump well. A back that is too long will be weak. A broad chest allows plenty of room for the heart and lungs. Well-sprung ribs are important too.
The legs are an important part of any horse but particularly so if it is to perform in the show-ring. They must be straight. The pasterns should not be upright as these need to absorb the shock when a horse lands after jumping. The bone must be hard and flinty. Watch out for imperfections such as splints or spavins. It is important that the legs point straight ahead. Both pairs of hooves must be of a similar size. The front hooves are often more oval in shape than the back ones.
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 the horse seems safe and obedient, you may want to try it for yourself. Let it walk around for a short time before asking it to trot and canter. The gait should be even and regular underneath you. You should feel in control. And remember, when looking at hunter jumper horses for sale, the last consideration should be its colour.
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