Chapter 1
Welcome to the World of Horses
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the complete horse
Checking out different breeds
Finding the best horse for you
Discovering the realities of horse ownership
Riding safety and sanely
It's hard to find a person alive and breathing who doesn't have a strong reaction to horses. Most people love their power and grace; some find them soulful and irresistible; others find them scary and intimidating. Regardless of whether their response to horses is positive or negative, most people can't help but have an opinion about these dramatic creatures.
What is it about horses that elicits such intense reactions in people? The more thoughtful among equiphiles have pondered this for ages. Perhaps their combination of power and grace is what intrigues people. Or their sheer mass and speed may attract others. Some - such as Audrey Pavia, your humble, nonvet coauthor - believe the close connection between the human and equine races is an expression of genetic memory. After all, without the horse, many of our human ancestors would not have survived.
Although people no longer need horses to transport them from place to place, plow their fields, and carry them into war, they still need to understand them. Those of us who have chosen to live with these beautiful animals have an obligation to care for them properly and enjoy them for all they are worth. In this chapter, we introduce you to the wonderful world of horses.
Looking at a Horse's Build and Mind
You need to understand a horse's body and brain to appreciate what he is all about. In horses, the same as with other creatures, the two are closely linked. Horse people are obsessed with their horses' bodies because a horse's physical structure determines not only his appearance but also his ability to function with a rider.
Horse people have a lingo all their own when describing horses, and knowing this terminology is important for communicating effectively on the topic of horses. Each part of the horse's body has a name to describe it. Knowing the parts of the horse helps you understand and be understood by your horse's veterinarian, farrier (horseshoer), and horsy friends. People in the equine world also use specific language to describe a horse's measurements, colors, markings, and movements.
Chapter 2 has a diagram showing the parts of the horse. Before you embark on your new hobby, take a look at this diagram and memorize it. You'll be glad you did.
The horse's mind is just as important as his body because the brain controls everything the body does. When you're riding a horse, this reality becomes evident very quickly. Primitive ancestors of today's horses were seen as potential meals by a great many predators, and today's domestic horse has retained that information in his DNA. The consequence is that horses can be flighty, especially when they find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings or faced with an object or situation that makes them uncertain. The motto of just about every horse out there is "Run first, ask questions later." Knowing that motto is extremely important if you choose to sit on the back of one of these half-ton animals.
Training and experience can override much of the horse's instincts to flee perceived danger, which is why it's so important to ride a horse that has had both - especially when you're a newcomer to horses. It's also imperative that you learn how to ride before you embark on any horseback sojourns, regardless of whether it's on a local trail or through the mountains of Mongolia. Knowing how to handle a horse can mean the difference between a wonderful, relaxing experience and one you'll spend your lifetime trying to forget.
To find out more about how the horse thinks, see Chapter 2.
Checking Out Various Horse Breeds
Horses, like dogs, come in a wide variety of breeds - more than 300 the world over, in fact. Some breeds have existed for centuries, while others were developed only during the last 20 years or so. Each breed has its own characteristics that make it unique, leaving horse people with a healthy selection of breeds to admire. Knowing a thing or two about the various breeds of horses helps you choose the right horse when the time comes for you to join the ranks of horse owners.
Although most horse breeds were developed in Europe and other parts of the world, a number of breeds are uniquely American. Among these is the world's most populous breed, the American Quarter Horse. In the nearly 70 years since this versatile breed officially was established in the U.S., it has spread to a number of other nations. The second most popular breed in the U.S. is the Paint Horse. A spinoff of the Quarter Horse, the colorful Paint's popularity has shot up to high numbers in the past 15 years.
Other breeds in the top 10 include the Appaloosa, Arabian, Miniature Horse, Morgan, Saddlebred, Standardbred, Tennessee Walking Horse, and Thoroughbred. Each breed has a distinct history and appearance and appeals to a vast number of horse lovers.
For more details on the top 10 breeds, see Chapter 3. That same chapter also provides information on some lesser-kept breeds such as the Peruvian Paso, the Friesian, the warmblood, and draft-horse and pony breeds.
Making a Match with the Perfect Horse
The choice you make in a horse to ride can make a huge difference in whether you come to love this hobby or dislike it. Choosing a horse is much like choosing a mate: If you pick the wrong one, you won't be happy.
Asking a few questions before you buy
Before you embark on the tremendous responsibility of horse ownership, make certain owning a horse is really what you want. Ask yourself some questions before you take the plunge:
- Why do I want a horse?
- Do I have the time and money for a horse?
- How do I want to ride (English, Western, shows, on trail), and how do I want to learn the riding style of my choice?
- Who will take care of the horse on a daily basis?
- Might leasing be a better option than buying?
For more guidance on what to ask yourself and on other issues to consider before buying a horse, see Chapter 4.
Locating the right horse for you
The single most crucial aspect to finding the right horse is getting the help of someone with experience. Without expert help, as a novice horse person, you're likely to make the wrong decisions about which horse is best suited for you.
Ideally, the person who helps you with your decision will be a horse trainer, someone who makes a living riding, training, and evaluating horses. If you can't find a horse trainer to help you, a riding instructor, an equine veterinarian, a farrier, or someone with years of horse experience under his or her belt is your best bet.
You'll find available horses in any number of outlets, including:
- Classified ads from individuals in equine publications
- On the Internet
- Through trainers and breeders
- At horse shows
- Via horse adoption groups
For more details about shopping for a horse, see Chapter 5.
Purchasing horse supplies
After you purchase your own horse, you'll need all the accoutrements to go with him. There is no shortage of stuff out there that you can buy for your horse. For starters, you'll need these basics:
- Saddle and pad
- Bridle (the headgear used on a horse during riding)
- Halter and lead rope (which provide control when you're working with your horse on the ground)
- Grooming supplies
You'll also need some stuff for yourself:
- Riding boots or shoes
- Riding pants and shirt
- A helmet (if you're smart and want to continue to be that way)
All these items can be purchased in your local tack and feed store, through mail-order catalogs or over the Internet, among other options. For more details on these and other items for you and your horse, see Chapter 6.
Housing your horse
Where to keep your horse is a primary concern. If you're like thousands of horse owners around the country who live in an urban or suburban community, a boarding stable is your only option. Choosing the right boarding stable for your horse is important because the place where he's kept will determine his health, his safety, and how much you enjoy of him.
When considering a boarding stable, look for the following:
- Safe, sturdy accommodations
- Clean, safe surroundings
- Security
- Water and quality feed
- Good care
- Health requirements
- Riding facilities
- Tack storage
- Professional demeanor
But if you live on property zoned for horses and have or plan to build horse facilities, the answer is easy: You can keep your horse at home. You have the choice of housing your horse outdoors or indoors. In either case, you need to provide him with a safe enclosure and shelter from the elements. You're also responsible for feeding him every day and cleaning up after him.
If you don't have room on your property for a riding arena, you need...
