by Caroline O’Jay
As a professional in the horse industry, I put my integrity on the line every time I’m asked to help a client find the perfect horse.
First of all I need to identify my client’s goals, which sets the stage for beginning this process. Do you want to pleasure ride, compete in the show ring, or become an Olympic rider?
Another consideration is to know how much knowledge and experience the rider has in regards to understanding the true nature of horses. Talent, dedication, riding experience, and physical condition play an important role in my decision-making.
I would also like to mention something that is often overlooked: a client’s personality. Are they timid, confident, assertive, or bold? Choosing a horse that best suits their personality will go a long way in forming an ideal partnership.
Another important part of matchmaking is knowing what my client’s budget is. As a trainer it is my responsibility to be sure that the money they spend equals the value of the horse.
After discussing my client’s goals, evaluating their experience, understanding their personality, and knowing their budget, it is now time to find the best possible match for my client, which brings us to the horse.
The three most important things I look for are the mind, the movement, and the conformation. You could write a book on any one of these three topics, so allow me to be brief.
It is the mind that determines who the horse is and will ultimately determine if he is right for my client. For example, a high-strung, sensitive, spooky horse for a timid personality that lacks confidence would not be a good mix.
It’s important to note that if a horse is submissive of mind, he will be submissive of body. Give me a trainable mind and I’ll give you a trainable horse, a horse that is a real pleasure to be around.
By watching a horse move it will give me a better idea of his athletic ability and alert me to any potential soundness issues. Furthermore, it will allow me to see if the horse has the desired movement for my client’s particular discipline.
Simply put, the athletic qualities of a prospective horse should be judged on both his natural ability for balance and freedom of movement.
Conformation is the horse’s structure and it is a deciding factor to his future soundness. Many soundness problems arise from conformation faults.
Also, a horse that does not have the ideal conformation for your equine discipline has a greater chance of breaking down.
Here are some other things that I watch for when viewing a potential horse:
• What is he like around the barn?
• Does he have good manners?
• Does he tense up under saddle?
• Does he have any tacking-up issues?
• Does he have any vices?
• Does the horse’s body size match that of my client’s?
Getting the owner to show the horse both in-hand and under saddle allows me to see if he is safe or if there are any other problems or concerns.
By doing so I can get a better “read” on whether or not the horse’s level of training is compatible with my client’s riding ability and experience. This will also give me an opportunity to look at movement, attitude and the total physical appearance or presence of the horse under saddle.
If I like what I see, and I sense the horse is well-suited to my client, I’ll get on and ride. This way I get a first hand “feel” of exactly how trainable and responsive the horse really is. If this goes well, I will get my client to ride, giving me yet another opportunity to evaluate how well they get along and work together.
Matching your client with the perfect horse does not come without its challenges and there are never any guarantees.
However, staying focused on your client’s goals, talent, riding experience, and personality will insure that you have put their best interests at heart. This will be extremely beneficial and increase your odds for success in your matchmaking efforts.
Last but not least, always get your veterinarian to do a pre-purchase exam.
Caroline O’Jay is a CEF Certified Level II Hunter Jumper Coach. Her students range from the Pony divisions to the Junior Jumpers, and clients come to her from as far away as Banff, Golden, and Yellowknife. Caroline is expanding her Stoddart Creek Stables to Alberta this April. If you would like more information on Caroline O’Jay, her training methods, or her new stable in Calgary, please call her at (250) 347-6473. You can also visit her website at www.stoddart creekstables.com
