Mount Up! Finding a Suitable 4-H Project Horse

Elaine Long BaileyCalvert County 4-H Educator

University of Maryland Extension

The 4-H horse project is about

• Youth development• Learning life skills

• Responsibility• Teamwork• Patience• Conflict resolution• Goal setting

• Horses are the conduit to promote PYD

What are your 4-H goals?

• Learn about horses*• Become a proficient

jumper• Be the fastest barrel

racer• Ride and show• Spend time with

friends who enjoy horses

• BE SAFE!!

Basic Questions

• Where will my horse live?

• What is my budget?• For keeping my

horse• For purchasing or

leasing my horse• Do I buy a horse?• Should I lease a

horse?

COSTS

• No free horses• Board $2400-$8000• Facilities (fences, barn,

shed, pasture establishment & maintenance, etc.)*

• Feed $12+/bag• Vaccinations * $150-$250 • Hoof care $800+• Tack $800+

BEFORE you start . . .

• Be HONEST with yourself– Horses require TIME– Do you have the resources that you need?

• Budget

• Trainer

– What is your riding ability?– What is your knowledge level?– Who will you consult for help?

Advantages of Leases

• Typically a shorter term commitment

• May determine true “fit” of horse and rider

• May be less expensive

• Potential for win-win situation

• DEFINE ALL aspects of agreement!– Costs (feed, board, vet, farrier, etc.)– Insurance– Haul horse off property

Finding the Right Equine Partner

• Let’s Begin . . . • Define what you’re

looking for BEFORE beginning the search

• Breed or gaits

• Gender

• Height

• Age

• Abilities (relates to YOUR goals)

• Temperament

The Specs• Breed or gaits

– Sometimes relates to goals

– Beware limiting yourself

• Gender– No stallions in 4-H events

– Mares can be mares

– Select the INDIVIDUAL

• Height– Ponies may be rapidly

outgrown

– Too far to the ground

Age & Abilities• Age

– Youngsters don’t “grow up well” together

– Some advocate 5 yr old minimum; others 10+

– NOTE: Aged horse is NOT same as EASY horse

• SEE horse do whatever you aspire to do with it

• Beware “prospects”

What is Temperament?

• How they “go with the flow”

• Tendency to tolerate a variety of situations with ease

• Important if take horse taken into high-energy situations with lots of external stimulation– Shows

– Gymkhana

– Fairs

– Parades

Places to Find Horses. . . • Horse Friends• Reputable Trainers• 4-H leaders &/or

Educators• Publications • Online

Pre-visit Evaluations: READ, READ, READ!

• What can you learn from the ads?

• Key Words . . . What’s important to you!

• Don’t inquire if– Not what you’re looking

for

– Out of your price range*

The Message in the Wording of Ads

• Age, Height, Breed . . . • “Prospect. . . ”• “Well-suited for . . .”• “Experienced . . . “• “Green . . . “• “Bombproof . . . “• “Half Paint. . .” (almost

PUREBRED)?

Read, Set, Go!

• Refer to Fact Sheet #819, “Horse Shopping? Better Ask Some Questions”

• Guide through process• Remember: some

questions can be answered from OBSERVATION.

What is important?

• BEWARE– Drugged animals*

– Filed teeth

– Dyed hair

– Fraudulent registration papers

• Color? NO• Manners? YES• Disposition? YES• Conformation?

YES/NO*

When you arrive . . . • First impression of farm• Are animals well tended?• How does horse act when

approached?• Who handles the horse?• Casual conversation

– Why selling?– How long have you owned

the horse?

• Trust your instincts!!

Some cardinal rules• Owner ride the horse

FIRST!• SAFETY!!• Observe*• If something is curious,

ASK about it!• Visit and try the horse

multiple times before you buy!

The First Ride—Be Equipped!

• Helmet• Boots• ?Your own saddle?• Ride in a SAFE area

– No obstacles

– Enclosed area, if possible

Pre-purchase Exam or Not?• Wide range of costs• $200-$2000+ (how detailed

process is)• Discover major problems• Disclose problems• Document findings• Discuss impact on goals• Decide• Results of PPE may impact

negotiations

• Depends on value of animal

• Your budget• Risk management

– Asset

– Liability

• No promises from PPE• No pass or fail . . . Just

“serviceable” or not

The Paperwork

• Sales agreement*• Lease contract*• Define expectations• Get registration papers at

purchase • Transfer registration

papers ASAP after purchase

Additional Concerns

• Find help if needed– Trainer

– 4-H Leader

– 4-H Educator

• Fear factor• Find a “good fit” in your

equine partner• ENJOY!!

My contact info:Elaine Long Baileyelbailey@umd.edu

Good luck!!