For my Horsey Freinds

Well I've decided to join the world of "BLOG"..lol..this will be all things Horse related: News..Important facts..Funny stories and "I DIDN"T KNOW THAT" so hopefully it will be insightful and entertaining

Todays subject: Three main types of horses

Many different breeds of horses exist today, but there are only three main types of horses: heavy horses, light horses, and ponies. Heavy horses may also be referred to as draft, dray or draught horses. The heavy horse looks just as the name implies — heavy. The body is strong with a broad back and rounded withers, which is the spot between the horse's shoulder blades.

On a heavy horse, the legs are short and thick to aid them in pulling carts or plowing fields. Heavy horses are specifically made for heavy labor like farming. These types of horses also move with short steps and choppy movements to give them ultimate traction. Heavy horses can also be shown at fairs and horse shows. Some different breeds of heavy horses include the Clydesdale and the American Cream Draft horse.

Light horses, another of the three main types of horses, are usually used for riding purposes. Saddles can easily be fitted over the horses back, allowing for a comfortable ride. Light horses have longer bodies than a draft horse, and hardly bend their knees at all when they move.

These horses have true and false ribs, which aid in placing the saddle on the horses back. The true ribs are the first eight ribs of the horse's ribcage, which are flat so that the saddles lie just behind the trapezius muscle. The last ten false ribs are rounded rather than flat. Some different breeds of light horses are quarter horses, thoroughbreds and miniature horses, which are not to be confused with the third type of horse, ponies.

Ponies are the last of the three main types of horses. Ponies are often confused with miniature horses or baby horses, with are called foals. Ponies are unique in every way possible from a heavy horse or a light horse. They have naturally thicker manes, tails, and coats than a regular horse; and they also have smaller heads and thicker necks than any other type of horse.

Ponies are intelligent, friendly creatures with stubborn habits. Adults can actually ride ponies, although if a pony is trained by a beginner they will exhibit spoiled behavior. One breed of pony that many people may recognize is the Shetland pony.





Todays subject: Considering purchasing a Horse

Selecting a horse is exciting, whether it is your first or your fiftieth. A new horse can open up a world of possibilities and fun, but it is also important to make sure that the horse will meet your needs as a rider. An ideal horse will perform well, stay healthy, and be pleasurable to work with, whether you are trail riding, using the horse for plowing, or participating in equestrian events like dressage and racing. Keep your needs and limitations in mind when you are searching for a horse to ensure that you get the perfect horse for you.

The first thing to think about is what the horse will be used for: pleasure riding, driving, dressage, jumping, eventing, racing, or working, for example. Next, think about the rider's experience. If you are buying the horse for yourself, ask for an honest assessment from your trainer about your level of skills and the type of horse that might be suited to you. If the horse is being purchased for someone else, especially a child, purchase a horse which will suit his or her abilities. You should also consider costs; horses range widely in cost depending on their level of training, breeding, and history, but they also cost a lot of money to maintain. Think about boarding fees, feeding, and veterinary care when purchasing a horse, and if you have never owned a horse before, ask horse owning friends about the costs of upkeep.

Also think about aesthetic and breed needs. Heavier riders will need larger, sturdier horses, while small and short riders would do well to think about ponies and small breeds. Certain breeds of horse have characteristics that are favorable for some activities: Clydesdales, for example, drive very well, while Thoroughbreds are built for speed. If you prefer a particular coat color or breed, consider this when looking for horses; if you want a Palomino, you will never be happy with a Paint.

Next, think about training. Many people prefer to buy horses fully trained, so that they can get straight to work. If you want to train the horse yourself, decide on whether you want a totally green horse, or a horse with some basic skills. Be aware that different styles of riding require different training: do not purchase a dressage horse for trail riding, for example, or a Western pleasure horse for English jumping. The older a horse is, the better trained and behaved it tends to be, unless it has picked up bad habits. If you are purchasing a horse for an inexperienced rider, you certainly want a well trained, well behaved horse.

Once you have thought about needs and training, start checking out horses for sale in your area. Make several appointments to look at horses, and do not settle for the first one you meet. When going to inspect a horse, look it over carefully. Inspect the way in which the horse is put together. Is the horse built well for the tasks you need it to perform? Take someone more experienced along if you are not familiar with what to look for. While you are inspecting the horse, look for a clean, healthy coat, bright eyes, and any signs of sores and swelling. Ask the owners about the horse's history, and keep an eye on the horse's behavior. A horse which stands quietly while being examined is a good candidate for purchase, while a horse which fusses, nips, or fidgets may be a trouble maker