When searching for horses for sale, there are a few factors which are worth thinking about in order to make the buying process easier, and to ensure you end up with your dream horse.

All horses have issues – just be sure that the one you buy has niggles that you can live with and that won’t affect your enjoyment.

Take an expert along, someone who is aware of your capabilities and strengths. Ideally take someone who is able to spot whether the horse is lame or any illnesses. Or even your instructor who will be able to tell if the chosen horse is suitable for the way you ride – your level of skill and confidence.

Check any relevant documents and passport.  A horse passport is not proof that the horse is owned by the seller so ask to see a receipt as proof of purchase. Remember it is against the law to sell or purchase horses minus a passport.

Ask if all innoculations are current. A course of innoculations can cost a lot of money and take many months to come into effect if you wish to compete.  You will not be popular if you move a horse to another horse if it is carrying an illness with it.

Once you have decided the horse is for you, engage a vet to perform out the highest check that you can buy. Don’t make a rush decision or be pressured into purchasing if you feel you need the horse examined by your vet.

If possible view the horse or pony demonstrating the trials you would like it to do. Having to reschool a horse adds considerably to the cost if you aren’t in a position to do this on your own.

Try to negotiate a trial loan in which the horse can be sent back if it is not suitable.

Be realistic when buying a young horse, ask yourself if you have the required knowledge to bring it on. Another thought is that, an older horse may just have the stability and experience to give you confidence and help you learn you the basics.

Don’t feel pressured to buy the first one you see and don’t be pursuaded by the many other people just waiting to purchase the horse if you don’t – very often this is just a ploy to push you into an impulse buy. Take your time when buying a horse.

As soon as the sale is agreed make sure you insure the horse before you transport it.  The majority of injuries happen in transit or whilst introducing a new horse into a new yard with other horses.

Trust your instinct – if you believe the vendor is hiding something from you then they probably will be.

Remember that your horse is a major investment of both time and money – be sure you have considered a budget for all the expenses that you will incur.

Finally, enjoy your new addition and look forward to many hours of horse riding fun! Click here to find horses for sale online!

The needs of horses leads to equipment for grooming all the way to food supplements. But, there is an elemental horse supply that you should not leave your shelter, or your saddlebag without and that’s your horse first aid kit.

Having a horse first aid pack could be actually save your horse’s life. You should understand from experience that it doesn’t matter how well planned an expedition might be, there are just some things that go awry. It’s not just paranoia, it is being prepared. Prior preparation may well help prevent your ride from becoming into a serious situation.

The first aid kit should be kept in a container or bag that can stop water and muck out because these further the progression of bacteria. You would run the risk of exacerbating the infection if you were to use contaminated dressings. Places that sell horse supplies hold things such as a plastic zipper bag. Aside from keeping tools, or grooming gear, these are also useful for holding first aid objects. Supermarkets sell plastic food containers in a number of sizes. Apart from keeping possible contaminants out, you could also select one that could fit in your saddlebag.

Among the items that you should incorporate in your horse first aid kit, a sterilizer almost certainly is the most helpful in most injuries. From minor grazes and abrasions to injuries, disinfectants are crucial cleansers. Just follow the manufacturers’ advice especially when using industrial grades as excessive use could dry your horse’s skin. Sterile scrubs and wipes become useful for disinfecting cuts in the nonexistence of water. These are excellent substitutes for disinfectants since they clean cuts with equal efficiency, but without the need for water.

Creams or injury powders are also worthwhile additions to your gear. They can stop the entry of fresh bacteria inside the injury and hurry up the healing procedure. However, make sure to use ointments, powders, and creams that have been approved by your equine vet.

A fly spray applied or sprayed on the injury reduces the chance of additional infection or contamination risks considerably. Wound coverings come in sterile individual packs and they are useful for covering wounds and promoting healing. There should be a stock of bandages in your kit, or at the very least two with a broad span. They are excellent for stabilizing fractures, splints, and securing pads over lacerations. With regards to bleeding, cotton wool and gauze are crucial for slowing excess bleeding. Salts are useful for soaking unhealthy hooves and feet.

Aside from these medications, there are various supplies which you can obtain from equine shops and conventional pharmacies. Petroleum jellies are beneficial for rubbing, secondary burns, and skin irritations.

A thermometer is an investment to add to your horse equipment. Skilled riders advise to keep your thermometers attached to your horses tail to avoid loss. Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are tools you shouldn’t disregard in your equine forst aid pack. Aside from cutting bandages, they are also handy for removing splinters and stones caught in horses’ hooves.

Lastly, keep in mind these first aid packs are just for giving your horse initial assistance in emergencies before the vet arrives. These are just for precautionary measures, it is still essential to call a vet after providing first aid.

For more horse information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory

Saddle training is the ultimate goal for riding, but the groundwork must be laid first. You will first need to lead your horse from the trailer, for example, to the tack area in order to tack-up and then ride. Not much point in teaching your horse point B, the saddle riding part, if there’s no way to get there from point A is there?. When your horse learns to cooperate with you, you can act as a team. This cooperation begins with your ability to approach, catch, and halter him first. Then you’ll need to lead your horse about with a halter and a lead rope.

The primary objective in teaching a horse acceptable behaviour is safety for both of you. He will need to be taught that his natural tendency to pull against the lead rope, for example, is not allowed. Your horse should also know that he must not invade the personal space of the human leader on the other end of the rope. Accidents can easily occur if proper consideration to teaching basic safety manners to your horse is not given before moving on to more advanced training. Whilst a good equine insurance policy may cover you for accidents that happen in training, it’s obviously far more preferable not to have to find this out!

Leading your horse requires that you use the three Ps of horse training: patience, persistence and positive reinforcement. Having already accomplished haltering, it is likely that you have already discovered the effectiveness of the three Ps.

Beginning lead training when the horse is still a foal is the easiest plan. Although you won’t need to cover saddles and riding with a very young horse, it’s important to get an early start when teaching basic ground manners. The young horse will need to cooperate for farrier and vet visits, as well as for the various people moving about the yard, stables or paddock.

If you’re lucky enough to have the dam on site, the foal will copy the behaviours of the dam. Don’t worry if the dam is not present, as it works as well with any horse which the foal spends time with. A young horse will naturally learn from his elders. For example, you don’t need to teach a horse in the pasture how to graze or go to the water and drink. They learn by watching the others. If your student is older, you can still use another horse’s example by haltering and leading the other horse first. Horses notice everything that goes on around them – particularly if it involves other horses within the herd – so you can be sure that your student will be paying attention.

Begin by leading a more experienced horse or dam along with your young student horse, walking side by side with you in the middle leading both at once. The safest place for you to stand is to the left of your student’s shoulder, with the older horse to your left. A young horse could suddenly decide to bolt or to kick his heels, so make sure that you don’t wrap the lead rope around your hand or anywhere else that makes you vunerable. The last thing you need at this stage is complicating the process with an injury for which you may need to claim on your horse insurance.

If you have a calm horse which you think the foal will follow you could also use the pony method. Using a longer lead rope and simply tow the young trainee behind the more experienced horse. Since it’s natural for the young to follow the elders behaviours, this is actually a quite natural method for teaching the lead.

If you don’t have the luxury of having other horses close by from which your student can learn, you will need to rely heavily on your skills of patience, persistence and positive reinforcement. You will get there in the end but it will probably take a bit longer for the horse to understand what is required.

After satisfactory progress, it’s time to try it alone. Again, standing to the left of your young horse’s shoulder and with both of you looking straight ahead, gently walk forward and as you step out, tug very gently forward, then release any pressure on the rope as soon as the horse makes any motion to go forward. Understanding that release is a reward to your horse is a valuable tip used by professional trainers. It tells your horse he’s doing something right.

After you have him walking with you in straight lines with success, try turning slightly to the left, maintaining the space bubble between you. If he crowds you, use your right hand to push him out away from you and hold your arm out to the appropriate distance. Then try turning to the right with the same safety distance between the two of you, still using your right hand to guide him into the correct zone. Reward him each time he takes a step in the right direction by releasing the pressure on the lead rope.

Lead training can be a testing time. Stay with it and you will see great improvement. To get yourself closer to the day you can saddle up for a ride, you’ll need to put in the work; little and often (every day if possible) works best and will soon give you great results.

Would you trust your children to someone else while you traveled all the way across the country? Your horse is part of your family too, so why would you be less careful with them? Purchasing a horse lorry allows you to travel with your horse, giving you that same peace of mind.

Hiring someone to transport your horse means putting their future in the hands of someone you barely know. Hired horse lorry drivers may know horses, but they don’t know this horse the way you do. No one is going totake care of them the way that you will, and more importantly, no one is going to know how to handle them in case of an emergency the way you do.

One of the most established Horsebox manufacturers in the UK is Empire Horseboxes Ltd. They maintain and construct new Horseboxes, can convert old horseboxes and have a large range of refurbished used horseboxes. Take a look at Horseboxes for Sale now.

There are hundreds of things that could happen to your horse while they’re being transported when you’re not with them. What would you do if your horse was injured in the hired horse lorry? Would a hired driver be able to calm them and administer the proper emergency treatment? Would you be comfortable letting someone else put your horse down if they couldn’t be helped?

Of course not. Anyone who loves their horse would need to be there. That’s the reason many horse owners choose to invest in their own horse lorry.

For a good selection of New and Used Luxury Horse Boxes in the UK please visit Horseboxes for Sale now.

Buying a good horse lorry isn’t as difficult, or as incompatible with your budget, as most people believe. You’re not limited in the number of dealers that carry well known brand names like Equitrek. There are also a number of dealers that specialize in selling high quality pre-owned lorries to horse owners who want the best for their horse but can’t afford the expense of a new one.

The lorry should be large enough to allow him to brace his legs and swing his neck to keep from being knocked into the walls. It should not, however, allow them to spin around or slam his hooves into the door with force. If he manages to kick down the door or wrap himself in his tether you could have a problem.

Horses are designed to run in the wild, not ride around in a horse lorry. A properly ventilated horse lorry is vital if you want your horse to arrive at their destination in fit, fighting form (metaphorically speaking). It would be prudent to choose one with padding on the walls to brace their stumble if you brake suddenly or go off the pavement.Horses aren’t as lucky as barn cats; a high speed impact into the sides of the lorry would leave them with bumps and bruises for quite a while.Most horses don’t enjoy being put in a tight and enclosed area to travel. Any lorry you choose needs to be well ventilated if you want your horse to arrive in peak condition. It’s a good idea to find one with padded sides, in case they stumble.Your average barn cat would probably fare just fine after bouncing off the walls of the lorry, but your much heavier horse wouldn’t be nearly as lucky.

Horses are some of the best traveling companions you could hope for. Purchasing your own horse lorry allows you to enjoy your horse’s companionship while you’re out on the road.

This very brief article gives you a very quick overview into how to transport your Horses with their comfort in mind. Click on the link to view a large range of Horse Lorries For Sale in the UK and Europe from Empire Horseboxes Ltd.

Below is a brief description of just three simple groundwork exercises you can perform with your own horse or a horse you are training. Ground exercises are a vital part of getting to know each other and of building trust between you and the horse. Good groundwork sets the stage for all future training. The importance of safety and maintaining your personal space bubble should not be taken lightly.

Successful horse training requires patience, persistence and lots of positive reinforcement. These are the 3 P’s of basic horse training that will serve you well no matter what level you are training or what you might be training for in the future.

1. Groom your horse.

This is a perfect place to start before practising more advanced exercises with your horse. Your horse will get to know you during this quality time together, and vice verse. Standing beside your horse, brush his back and neck. It is not unusual for the horse to bring his teeth around to you for a little love bite. While horses do this to each other all the time, naturally they cannot do it to humans. Discourage this by simply waving a hand, or by pushing his head back straight. Those massive teeth could really hurt – so be sure to make it clear from the very start that this is not acceptable. Use patience and keep calm. He’ll get the idea and will cooperate. It will do you no good to panic, stress, smack your horse or get otherwise agitated. This will only set you back with your trust levels.

2. Lead your horse.

Walk on the left side of your horse, holding the lead rope just below his chin in your right hand. Step forward and walk slowly. He should not try to go ahead of you but should remain at your right side. He may try to do this and you should walk around in a circle to your left. Do this as many times as necessary. Be persistent. By circling to your left you will stay just ahead of him as it should be. If, on the other hand, your horse doesn’t want to walk with you, stand slightly behind at his shoulder facing the same direction. Hold the rope close to his chin and push forward. When he takes a little step, praise and positive reinforcement is in order. When he starts to walk willingly, take your place slightly ahead of him and walk on. For your safety, never wrap the lead rope around any part of you. If the horse decides to bolt you’ll be going along and it will not be pretty.

3. Lunge your horse.

This is a fantastic exercise which the vast majority of horse owners and certainly all horse trainers will use to teach their horse about what is expected. Lunging will teach many of the skills and commands, or cues, your horse will need to know when you’re ready to work him under saddle.

In a large open area (an arena works, too, if you don’t have a round enclosure) clip your horse to a lunge lead specifically for lunging. This will be 30 ft long (approximately 10m), much longer than the short lead rope you use for the lead exercise.

Clip the lead to the horse’s left halter side and hold the lead in your left hand. Start by facing the horse’s left side while holding the lunge line. Hold a lunge whip in your right hand which you’ll use to guide him along.

Now step to your right sideways toward the rear of the horse while holding the whip out behind him. The horse’s natural reaction will be to step forward. Now let out the rope as you follow behind the horse to the left side, making a kissing sound as you do so. He’ll begin to associate that sound with “move forward”. Just hold the whip slightly behind the horse’s hindquarters as you are turning and the horse is moving in a circle around you. The whip is not for hitting. Simply by waving it about a little the horse should pay attention to you.

Now, as he moves forward, you should move yourself slowly backwards, so that you come to the centre of your training circle. Stand in the middle and turn in a circle with the lunge line fully extended and the horse walking around you in a good circle. Watch your horse’s hip area as he’s going round.

This is the perfect time to teach your horse to understand “whoa”. Say the word “whoooaaa” in a low and calm voice. At the same time, step toward your horse’s head and repeat the word. When he stops, give him lots of praise and a little neck rub. You will help him remember what to do through this positive reinforcement.

Changing your position now will allow you to lunge your horse in an anti-clockwise manner. It’s done in the same way, but with the lead clipped to the right side of the halter and the lunge whip in the left hand.

These are just a few basic exercises for you to get started with hands-on horse training. Always remember the size and sheer power of the horse. This alone should be enough to remind you to have adequate horse insurance in place should either you or your equine be injured. Your success with training and all future activities depends both on safety and trust. As well as a loyal friend, your horse is also an investment, so remember to protect that investment against theft, accident or misadventure by making sure you compare horse insurance policies to ensure you are getting the best level of cover for both of your needs.

When it’s just you and your horse travelling the countryside, you’re looking for a twofold deal when you’re searching for horseboxes for sale. You need a horsebox that’s just right for your horse and still fits your budget. Learn how you can locate great deals, when you’re looking for horseboxes both on and off the web.

The most important thing when you’re shopping horseboxes for sale isn’t the price. You want to make sure the quality of the horsebox is going to offer your horse a smooth, safe ride. The best way to find a quality horsebox is to buy from the right dealer.

One of the most established Horsebox builders in the UK is Empire Horseboxes Ltd. They maintain and construct new Horseboxes, can convert old horseboxes and have an impressive range of reconditioned used horseboxes. Check out Horse Lorries For Sale now.

The best place to look for horseboxes for sale is a seller who works with horses themselves. When you’re shopping on the web, it’s especially important to choose carefully when you’re picking your provider. A seller experienced with all aspects of horse care is in the best position to give you recommendations when it comes to your horsebox.

An experienced horseman is less likely to provide poor quality equipment and therefore provides a certain level of comfort to your purchase decision. You don’t have to know anything about horseboxes to sell horseboxes online. A good dealer should know the ins and outs of traveling with horses along with the finer details of choosing horseboxes.

It can be hard to resist the temptation to make a decision between horseboxes for sale purely based on price. The cost of choosing an inexpensive but poor quality horsebox can rise rapidly over the long run. Paying for a high quality model up front is much more cost effective than trying to compensate for the long term consequences.

For a good selection of New and Used Luxury Horse Boxes in the UK please visit Horseboxes for Sale now.

When you’ve found a high quality model it’s time to start considering price when you’re comparing horseboxes for sale. The best way to get a great deal on horseboxes is to shop around. There are different prices and specials offered by different dealers at different times. Five or six different companies can offer five or six different pricing options to help you save hundreds of pounds on your horsebox.

When comparing horseboxes for sale, it’s important to consider their width and length carefully. A smaller horsebox can be a better choice than a large one. A large horsebox is more expensive and gives your horse more room to move around. Horses aren’t bred to be travelers, and they don’t enjoy traveling in motor vehicles the way dogs do. Less confinement can allow them to panic during transport and cause themselves harm.

If you’re concerned about your budget, consider shopping for a used horsebox rather than a new one. A majority of sellers offering horseboxes for sale offer pre-owned horseboxes as well. A pre-owned horsebox in good condition will provide a perfectly safe traveling environment for your horse.

Keeping your horse safe while you’re traveling requires a safe place for him to travel. With a little bit of careful hunting through horseboxes for sale you should be in an excellent position to give your horse the high quality, cost efficient traveling quarters he deserves.

This short article gives you a very quick overview into how to transport your Horses or Ponies with their comfort in mind. Click on the link to view a large range of Horse Lorries For Sale in the UK and Europe from Empire Horseboxes Ltd.

When you are deciding on horse riding equipment for the 1st time you will almost certainly wish to stick to the basics. Buying only what you need when you are starting is a good idea as you’ll soon learn what is essential as your interest for the sport develops Nonetheless getting poor supplies may stop you from learning to ride properly so always purchase the best horse riding supplies.

Helmets

Helmets are essential horse riding safety equipment. The proper kind of helmet will keep you protected in the event of a fall. In no way skimp on your helmet or get something second- hand, always buy the best. Take an individual more experienced along if you are uncertain about choosing a helmet that fits you correctly.

Boots

Besides your helmet the type of boots that you select is likely the most important part of your horse riding gear. You want boots that fit you comfortably and also look great. The kind of horse riding boots that you pick depends largely on what type of riding that you might be doing. Should you be only into riding for fun then a low cut boot could be the best to buy for your horse riding gear. To make taking your boots off easier I prefer a boot that has a back zipper. Your boot ought to be a snug fit but at the same time it should also be comfortable.

If you are intending to ride in shows thenyou’ll need tall boots. This piece of horse ridingsupplies not only looks great it also helps tokeep your leg position nice and stable. You might find that these are probablythe most comfortable type of boots to have.

Glasses

Despite the fact that glasses might not seem like the 1st thing you need to think about when getting horse riding gear, the proper type of eyewear is crucial. It is advisable to ensure that you can see correctly while riding. Many people opt for contacts if they normally wear glasses. This is specially true for cold months riding as glasses usually fog up quite a bit while in the cold air.

Yet should you opt for to use glasses then safety glass in your frames are a good choice as part of your horse riding equipment. This can avoid terrible accidents that can come about if your glasses should break. Sunglasses are also something you should ponder when riding in the summer as the glare you may encounter can be very distracting.

Please stop by Dressage Saddles for Sale for much further details about horse gear at http://dressagesaddlesforsale.com, thank you.

Find out the answer to these simple questions.

1. What size is my saddle?
2. Does your horse have a long or short back?
3. What is my preference on the look of my tack on my horse?

Size of Saddle:

Take into consideration the size of your saddle in length. Is it a barrel, roping, cutting, etc saddle? Short saddle pads (32″ and below) does not work with large roping/cutting saddles. The pad will probably be too short for the saddle to fit on. For a barrel saddle don’t use a saddle pad longer than 32″ or 33″.

Does my horse have a long or short back?

A lot of people don’t take this into consideration when choosing a saddle pad. The long saddle pads (34″) probably will be too long for short backed horses. It will probably end somewhere in the middle of the horse’s rear. However things could be reversed as well. Using a short saddle pad on a long backed horse will allow part of his/her back to be exposed. It may look weird to you or other people. That is where this next section comes into play.

What is my personal preference of how my horse should look when tacked up?

Ultimately the decision comes down to your personal preference. What do you think looks good? Where do you think your saddle pad should end on your horse?

A lot of people like for their saddle pad, saddle, and horse to look a specific way. A shorter (28″ or 30″) saddle pad is good for a short backed horse with a barrel or youth saddle. On the same horse if a roping saddle is used they may get a little longer of a pad (33″) to compensate for the larger saddle. On a long backed horse if a roping saddle is used they may use a long (34″) pad. However if the same long backed horse is used and a barrel saddle they may use a long (32″ or 33″) pad to cover the horses back.

In reality it just comes down to your opinion, type and size of saddle, and the horse. There really isn’t a “correct” answer to this question. There are only opinions.

Here is a link with a variety of saddle pad to help you in your decision.

Hoof maintenance is a crucial part of maintaining your horses health. Ideally you should check your horses hooves every day, and at least two to three times per week.  You should become familiar with what is usual and what is not, and will be able to to spot any problems that might be beginning.

Reading this simple guide will hopefully aid you in your daily grooming routiene.

1. Looking at your horse ensure the symmetry is close, however they don’t have to be exactly equal, but very similar to being the same size and shape.

2. Look carefully for faults in the wall and coronary band.  Pick up the hoof, run your palm over the outside of the wall to feel for impairments.  Use the same technique for the coronary band and then squeeze it softly. Using these two procedures will also highlight tender spots and moisture holding areas.

3. Inspect the sole. Examine the colour of every hoof. If correct they should be the same in colour.  A well defined dark spot should indicate a bruise or hole.

4. Examine and compare the frogs.  The front hooves should be the sae size and shape, the same applies to the hooves at the rear. You should lightly depress each frog with your hoof pick, in most areas, with the exception of desert areas, they should be slightly spongy.

5. If shod, hold the shoe and see if it is loose. Look for missing clinches, if the shoe is loose you may choose to remove it in case your horse misplaces it on its own and perhaps removes a piece of hoof as well.

If you regularly check each hoof, you will be able to avoid a lot of issues by noticing the issue before it’s too late.

It is recommended you work into your daily hoof cleaning a couple of simple steps. Use your hoof pick from heel to toe.  If it is tightly packed you will probably need to loosen it up a touch before it is taken off. Once the material has been taken out, look at all the regions of the hoof and be positive that there is not a smell as this is usually a obvious sign of thrush.  Be certain there are no pebbles or stones embedded anywhere, even beneath the shoe.

Your horses hooves should exhibit a natural gloss on the hoof wall.

If you see a smooth uniform surface free of cracks, circles, depressions, flares and a concave sole which meets the horseshoe, then you should be confident that the hooves are in great shape.

For more horse information, horses for sale and more, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory.

When you care for your horse, it is essential to make arrangements for the winter months. Horses need to be able to tolerate the chilly climate and stay as healthy as possible. During the winter horses will have special requirements which you as the owner will have to take in hand. It is imperative to organize for winter ahead of time.

Horses are naturally tolerant to chilly conditions. In fact, horses cope with icy conditions much better than hot weather. Regardless of this, there are some rudimentary things owners will need to do to make sure their horses remain healthy. Be sure the horse doesn’t have any fleas, and has been fully vaccinated. The costs for doing these things will significantly pay off during the winter months, as the expenses of feeding your horse will be lower.

You may also wish to consult your vet in arranging up a health plan to care for your horses. Preparing your horse for cold weather will help it lower the need to eat greater amounts of food in order to retain its weight. Your horse shouldn’t lose any weight during the colder months. Allowing your horse to gain a slight amount of weight will help them during the winter months, as the additional fat will act as a guard to provide the horse with energy if it becomes stressed. Through the winter you should give your horse some additional calories.

Probably the most effective protection for a horse in the winter is its actual winter coat. If allowed to grow, it will act as a warm jumper which will lessen the loss of heat that the horse experiences in cold environments. A horse’s coat is also glossy and will help brush off off snow and ice. If you keep your horses outside, you must ensure their coats grow long enough before the cold weather starts.

To confirm the condition of your horse, you will want to feel its ribs. A longer coat may indeed hide the fact that your horse has lost weight Your horse should be lean enough so that you can feel the ribs, but not so lean that you can see them. Feel your horses ears. Are they cold? If this is the case, your horse is cold.

Like all animals which are warm-blooded, horses must maintain their body temperature in order to survive. It is vital that they retain heat throughout the winter, so you must make sure they’re ready for the frost.

Visit the Horse and Pony Directory for more information and horses for sale