Take Your Time When Looking At Hunter Jumper Horses For Sale

By Frances Keith


If you are looking for hunter jumper horses for sale, you should take your time and not rush into a purchase. A horse is an expensive acquisition and such a decision should not be made in a hurry. If you make a mistake, you may find it very difficult to recoup your money.

Classes for hunter jumpers may be on the flat or over obstacles. The former are judged on looks, manners and action but not on jumping ability. They need to have very good conformation, good paces and perfect manners. If you intend to enter jumping classes, your mount still needs to have excellent conformation but his jumping style and ability will also be important.

In the show-ring, conformation is extremely important. A horse cannot perform well if he is badly put together. He must stand in a balanced manner with his four legs evenly spaced. An attractive head with large, friendly eyes will draw the judge's attention. The horse should be broad between the eyes with a straight or concave profile.

A nicely arched neck is attractive. It should lead to a sloping rather than a straight shoulder. Horses with straight shoulders have an uncomfortable, choppy action. A jumper needs strong, muscular hindquarters. The back should be relatively short and the chest broad. This gives room for heart and lungs. Well-sprung ribs are another factor that judges will look for.

A horse with faulty legs will never succeed in the show-ring. The legs should be straight. The bone must be hard and strong with no blemishes such as splints or spavins. The hooves should not point in or out. The front hooves are often more oval in shape than the back hooves but each pair must be matching. Sloping pasterns are important as they take the shock of landing after a jump.

When inspecting a possible purchase, have the horse stand quietly while you inspect him from every angle. Watch the horse walk and trot both towards you and away from you. The legs must travel in a straight line. When watching the horse from the side, check that each stride is the same length. The hind hooves should leave imprints in front of those of the forelegs.

If you are satisfied with your inspection, you should now have the animal ridden by the owner. Before saddling up, pick up each of the horse's hooves. He should allow this without fuss. Saddling and bridling should be done with the horse remaining calm. He must be easy to mount. If necessary, ask to see the horse jump.

If you are happy that you will be able to control the horse, you will want to ride it yourself. Walk for a while to accustom yourself to its action. Its footfalls should feel regular beneath you and you should feel happy with its obedience. When inspecting hunter jumper horses for sale, remember that colour is the least important consideration.




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