Product Details:

This is an introductory guide for anyone interested in owning a horse. Whether you are a first time horse owner or if you have owned horses in the past and are looking for a new friend, this book will share with you common sense ideas and new viewpoints about horse ownership and care.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Horse looks at the different aspects of owning horses including why you think you want a horse. It reviews some of the alternatives to actual horse ownership. It will explain where to look for a horse, what to look for and avoid when looking at horses to buy.

This book gives a brief description of some of the more popular breeds of horses, the colors and the markings of horses.

Also great information contained within is what to look for in a riding instructor and a horse trainer. A list of questions and observations are given for boarding your horse at a public boarding stable, many of these same questions can be applied to your own barn and property.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Horse gives a description of what is required to keep your horse healthy, from shots and worming requirements to a brief description of diseases and when to call the veterinarian.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Horse includes what a horse should eat and how to feed him, trailer issues and horse shoers. It also covers what you can do if you bought the wrong horse and the passing of your horse.

It is a common sense approach to horse ownership and their care.

About The Author:

I grew up in a military family, we moved every few years. I rode horses everywhere I lived, riding with friends and at riding stables. I fell in love with horses when I was 5 years old and rode a donkey in Holland. I was able to purchase my first horse in 1974 and she was with me until she passed away at the age of 26 in 1996. I still have her son, who is now 27 years old.

I think that developing a close friendship with a horse is one of the greatest gifts one can have.

I originally wrote this book for horses and their new owners in the late 80’s because I had heard of and seen so many people receive bad advice when looking for a horse. I have seen sellers try to pass off a horse that should never have been sold to first time owners or used for a mount for children. Many people do not take the time to look at several different horses or educate themselves with lessons prior to looking for a horse. Based on very little information they buy the wrong horse, just because they want a horse so badly. Usually they end up wishing they had never purchased the horse. If they had taken riding lessons, researched the pros and cons of horse ownership and how to buy a horse prior to the actual purchasing, they would have had a great experience

I also wrote this book because too many people seem to think they can treat horses like they do cars. A horse unlike a car does not have unlimited energy and a horse can be severely injured from attempting to do the commands given to him. He can have psychological problems from mistreatment. He feels fear, pain, rejection and happiness just as we do. They are not something to be thrown away or abandon when one tires of them. People tend to forget that a horse is a living breathing creature and should be treated with respect. They take a lot of time, attention and love and these facts need to be taken into consideration before you buy a horse.

Shortly after I wrote this book, I was involved in an automobile accident that totally changed my life and that of my animals. I could no longer care for my horse. He had to be placed in a boarding stable. After several years of intense physical therapy, I have been able to start getting back to some of the things I love. In 2005 I expanded the chapter on boarding stables and have revised some of the other chapters due to the experiences that my horse “Cok” and I have gone through.

There is not one book or one person who knows everything about horses, which is why you want to study under several riding instructors, read several magazines and books before you buy. This book should be one of many in your quest to horse ownership.

No matter how long you have owned horses you continue to have new insights into your horse’s personality as you go through different situations together and get older together. One of the great pleasures of horses is that you bond closer and closer over time.

Owning and caring for a horse is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have and even if you are physically unable to ride, you can still own and enjoy horses. A lot of people may tell you that you should not have a horse because horses need to be ridden. But do you really think that the horse cares if he is ridden? No, his idea of a good day is a field with delicious grass and good friends to be with, this includes you. Horses love it when you go out and sit with them. Talk with them and groom them. They love to be fussed over. If you cannot ride but would like to be more physically involved with horses, you might consider the possibility of learning how to drive a horse under harness (carriage).

Every one will tell you that horses are a large responsibility. This is true, as they require your patience, your time, your money, your common sense and hopefully your love. But they are well worth it, if you love them and give them the time and attention they need. They can be your best friend and you will have a lot of fun together. They bring a sense of calmness to your life and peace to your inner being and they seem to complete your life.

I hope that you find your perfect horse partner and that you have many enjoyable years and adventures together.