Merrifoal Equine Center

We review useful information for our clients and potential customers.  Whether they buy a horse from us or not, be prepared with these objectives to make the best decision possible.  1. Temperament.  Does the horse have a kind expression?  You can almost always get a good idea of his or her general demeanor by looking at his eye.  Just like with people, there are certain people you get a bad feeling about by looking or talking with them.  Use your intuition the same way with horses.  Is he laid back and not easily excitable?  A horse with a good, quiet temperament is always a pleasure to ride and have around, even if he or she is not the best looking thing in the world.  The saying “pretty is as pretty does” is very true!  You want something that is even keel, that’s not going to take advantage of you, and that is kind and honest.  Basically the same qualities you would look for in a human friend!  We only have horses in the sales barn that have wonderful temperaments, so you can rest assured all of them are confirmed reliably safe, sweet and quiet.  2.   Temperament.  No, I am not just being silly, it is THAT important!  Please don’t skimp on temperament because the horse looks, moves or jumps great.  If you can’t ride it, what good does that do you?  3.   Soundness and Health.  No matter how quiet or how pretty, if the horse cannot stay sound and healthy for the job you are buying him for, it inevitably will only end up in costly of vet bills and heartache.  We do not offer horses without disclosing any known soundness issues.   It may be a lovely older schoolmaster with valuable knowledge that might need a little maintenance, but still has many years of comfortable service left to give.  Or it may be a past health issue not related to performing his job.   Avoid horses with major issues such as navicular, severe arthritic changes, tendon injuries, and things of similar nature in severity that is undesirable.  4.   Experience Level.  Is this your first horse purchase; have you started a horse under saddle before; are you an experienced rider with showing experience; do you ride with a trainer frequently?  Be honest with yourself and with the owners of horses you wish to try.  Know your objectives for the horse you wish to purchase based on your own skills and experience.   Even though we may have a quiet, well-behaved youngster with manners, it may be more beneficial to purchase a horse that is already under saddle.  Make your intentions clear if you are looking for a young horse to raise and bring along.  The experience can very rewarding or turn into a disaster.  A trusting relationship built over time with a horse is an amazing feeling, on the other hand an inexperienced owner and inexperienced horse can end up with a sour relationship.  It’s not to say that if you have a good trainer and lots of help that a greener horse won’t work well.  If you know your goal and you can share it with us, we can help you decide which might be a better fit for you.  We can also recommend wonderful trainers that can get some miles on your “greenie”  for you if you really fall in love with a youngster.  5. Ability, Talent and Potential.  Luckily, or maybe unluckily for horse buyers, the amount of talent or potential a horse has is usually reflected in its price.  So the decision for how far you want to go in this sport is sometimes already made for you if, like most people, your funds are not unlimited!  We cater to all levels of buyers, from those who just want a horse for pleasure and enjoyment that can trail ride and do basic gaits and jumping; to those who aspire to compete at the highest levels in jumping, dressage, or hunters.    Buying youngsters not under saddle can offer huge savings.  Even though you may have to wait another year or two to actually start him under saddle, there is a great deal of things to teach him on the ground; from standing on cross-ties, picking feet, loading on trailers, bathing, trotting in hand, lounging, etc.  It is an excellent way to begin a relationship with a horse before you swing a leg over his back.  Another great way to gage foals and youngsters is to compare them to outside sources (not just the breeder’s opinion).  Foals that are the top of their peer groups, are approved in breed registries at premium statuses, come home inspection-site champions, or place well at national-level competitions (Dressage at Devon) are going to have more natural ability, more potential to excel in sport, and usually be reflected in the price.  These are experienced individuals, usually from European backgrounds, who have extensive knowledge and understanding in confirmation, movement, and potential of young horses.  As a potential buyer, ask to review the horse’s breed approval score sheets, and it may tell you the strength and weaknesses of the horse.  *Take a look at our other post, “Purchasing a Warmblood Foal: Comparing Apples to Apples” if the youngster you are considering is not registered, or if you are unsure about the potential the horse could offer you. Another benefit for our clients if to meet and see other related horses to the prospective horse to purchase.  Lots of time we have siblings, mares, or other foals directly related to the horse you may potentially purchase.  It helps potential buyers to notice similar attributes, and to possibly foresee what size your horse will be similar to, or offspring she may have in the future. The great thing for our clients is that we’ve already researched the bloodlines to look for inheritable traits in horses (desirable or undesirable), invested the time, risk, and cost in breeding the mare, have had the foal approved into a breed registry (most of our foals), assessed their potential based on our opinions and others, and establish a reasonable and justifiable price.  If you think the horse doesn’t justify the price, it’s OK to offer a price you think is reasonable, or ask the breeder to explain how they came up with the price of the horse.  If the cost is was increased due to an attribute that is not important to you, don’t spend the extra money on the individual.  You CAN (and should) get more horse for your money, but make sure you look for a horse that has the necessary physical and mental ability to do the job you’re asking.  Otherwise, his or her unsuitability might result in injury, confusion, loss of confidence, disappointment, or waste of money.