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Arabian Horses Are Widely Popular For Good Reason

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:56:59 +0000

Once horses used in the dessert conditions of the Arabian Peninsula by warriors who utilized their endurance for long journeys and their energy to carry them into enemy territory, Arabian horses have quickly taken their place as one of the most popular breeds in North America. The endurance and lung capacity of the Arabian horses make them a popular option for those who enjoy spending a day out on a long ride.
However, it isn’t just distance riders who feel a rush of excitement when they see one of these horses for sale. Horse lovers who know the breed understand that, with an Arabian, they’ll have a loyal companion. This too is rooted in history; on early battlefields with harsh conditions, Arabians and their riders often shared food and drink, as well as shelter. In many circles, it’s been guessed that Arabian horses grew to know that they relied on their owner for care – a hypothesis that asserts not only the connection between horse and owner, but also the intellect of the breed.
The high intelligence possessed by Arabian horses – coupled with their ability to bond with their owners – contributes to the breed’s ability to be trained for performance within the dressage ring, during a jump course and during a number of cutting and reigning activities. Similarly, the breed is often trained for racing, particularly for endurance events.
From trail to track, from professional riders to families with children, from the Middle East to Europe and North America, it seems as though there is a common fondness for Arabian horses that is easy to understand. The desire to care for the breed has roots that go back to the early days of Islam, when the prophet Mohammed instructed his followers to be kind to the breed – particularly to the mares that pass down the genetics of the breed – with promises of a great reward to follow.
Obviously, Arabian stallions also contribute to the lineage of the breed, and often stud services are advertised along with horses for sale. In both cases, those who are looking for Arabian horses are often able to search based on the discipline of the animal – whether it’s been well suited to dressage, jumping, endurance, racing or the horse has spent a great deal of time on the trail. Also, because the lineage of the Arabians is important, in many cases, those looking to purchase an Arabian are able to learn more about the horse’s sire or dam as well as about its general bloodlines.
Most Arabian horses fall into one of fifteen bloodlines. The bloodlines include Davenport, Russian, Egyptian, Spanish and – within the United States – domestic. To some buyers, the bloodlines and the discipline are more important than to others. An experienced Arabian owner is likely to know what he or she is looking for. An owner who intends to race his Arabian horses will be looking for more specifics than a family who understand that the breed is rarely timid or skittish, and, based on it’s bonding with human companions, a great match for their kids who want to have a horse of their own.
These days, when it comes to horses for sale, the Arabian is priced at a level that is comparable to other breeds – including those breeds developed, in part, on a foundation of the Arabian. British Thoroughbreds, French Percheron and even the American Morgan all carry on a bit of the Arabian bloodline. Despite the fact that so many breeds have been developed based on Arabian stock that are available within the United States, Arabian horses remain numerous – outnumbering all of those in other countries combined.
There are many great reasons why Arabian horses are so popular with those who are looking to buy. For the most part, Arabians have attributes that leave them suited for a wide variety of purposes. Whether you are looking for a horse that will be the envy of the stable, a winner on the track, or the horse that teaches your child an appreciation for riding or dressage, you’re likely to discover that the Arabian is a breed that you should pay close attention to; it’s likely to be just what you are looking for.

The Heart of the Thoroughbred Horse Can Only Be Found in Competition

admin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:50:31 +0000

If you have ever watched the Kentucky Derby or other events in racing’s Triple Crown, you have had the opportunity to see Thoroughbred horses. If you’re not a racing fan, but watch the news on a regular basis – particularly after the 2006 running of the Kentucky Derby and on through the rest of the year, you’re likely familiar with the story of Barbaro, the 2006 Derby winner that was put down after shattering a hind leg during the 2006 Preakness Stakes: the beautiful, calm Thoroughbred Horse was beloved by many.
Many of the reasons why Barbaro was much beloved share similarities with the reason why many people express love and adoration for Thoroughbred horses. The breed is known for a noble beauty, a dignified appearance, a determination, coupled with speed and drive.
Of course, it’s the speed and wildness of the Thoroughbred horse – known widely for its racing abilities – that make Thoroughbreds a less than ideal choice for those who are looking for a horse for their family, as well as for inexperienced riders. Many find that Thoroughbreds are too fast, too unpredictable and dangerous for those who aren’t experienced with horses.
Just how fast can Thoroughbred horses be? On average, Thoroughbreds like those that are used in racing run nearly forty miles per hour, but remain agile, able to turn quickly and change pace without much notice, when necessary. The hindquarters of Thoroughbred horses often are the seat of their power; long, well-developed muscles in the hip and thigh are things that you should pay attention, whether you are picking a horse out of the
line-up in race five or if you are looking to buy a Thoroughbred horse for your own use.
In addition, when you look at a Thoroughbred horse, you will want to also look for other characteristics that define the breed. Thoroughbreds stand between 15 and 17 hands. Colors range from dark bay to black or gray. White Thoroughbreds can occur but are extremely rare, however, that doesn’t mean that there cannot be white hairs or patches of white on a Thoroughbred horse.
As many Thoroughbred horses are bred specifically for racing – and, as a result, it’s not surprising that many Thoroughbred horses for sale have been born in Kentucky. Other states where Thoroughbred horse breeding is extremely common are Florida and California.
Still, not all Thoroughbred horses are bred for racing – and, of course, very few that are make it to the Triple Crown races. Based on the athleticism of the breed, the drive that most Thoroughbreds have to succeed and excel at a task, many are also trained for other equestrian sports. Though the Thoroughbred is uncommon in dressage, it is not unheard of; the same is true for show jumping. Likewise, because Thoroughbred horses move with a smooth gait, some have been used for classical jumping and as show hunters.
The best of the breed are taken one step further and trained for event performance. In event competition, dressage, cross-country and show-jumping is all combined into a single equestrian event. Because of their success in event performance, many Thoroughbred horses make it to World Championship and Olympic competition levels.
This athleticism of the horse and its competitive potential is something that, when one is looking at horses for sale, often puts young Thoroughbred horses out of the price range of many families. When making an investment with two or more partners into buying a Thoroughbred horse for racing, buyers can expect to pay up to $5,000. To own your own Thoroughbred, you’ll need to invest at least $10,000, and understand that you are buying one of the least expensive Thoroughbreds. At this price level, many horse owners are only partial owners of the horse that they have invested their money. Prices only climb from there.
However, those who do own Thoroughbred horses – either on their own or as a part of a partnership – tend to find that there are many rewards. There’s camaraderie among Thoroughbred owners, an excitement that comes from getting together at the track (even if your horse is not the one that ultimately wins the race).
If you are committed to owning a Thoroughbred horse and do not have the financial backing to buy one outright, you may want to consider contacting the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Charity service to learn more about adopting retired racehorses.

Preparing to Send a Horse to a Trainer

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:02:29 +0000

Sending a horse away for training can be pretty stressful, especially if you don’t know what to send with him. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to be all that bad. With some planning ahead, and smart packing, your horse will soon be off to school, and you can relax and know that he’s all packed.
Feed
If your horse is on a special feed, you may want to keep him on it while away. Ask the trainer what they usually feed, and ask if you can send your own. Some trainers will give a discount on their board if you supply your own feed, so be sure to ask up front.
Pack your feed in a large plastic garbage bin with a lid that seals. The ones with wheels work the best as they are easy to move around, even when full. You can use a permanent marker on the lid to write your horse’s name and how much feed he gets. Include a scoop so that the measurements will be accurate. Make sure your horse’s name is on the scoop too, so it won’t go missing.
Finally, if your horse requires any supplements or medications, you should include them with the feed. Once again, write the dosage and your horse’s name on the container.
Equipment
Usually a trainer will use her own saddles and bridles. If your horse needs custom tack, you will probably want to send it along with him. You can get your name installed on the cantle of your saddle at your local tack shop so that it can’t be mistaken for someone else’s saddle. If you have a special bit or bridle you can send it along too, but always ask the trainer before sending any tack. Bridles can be labeled with a name plate over the crown.
Your horse will of course need a halter. The halter should be correctly fitted to your horse and should have his name clearly marked on it. It should be in good repair. Some trainers will insist on a leather halter, but most will leave it to the owner’s preference. Find out if the barn leaves halters on for turn-out or in the stall. If they do, consider a break-away crown piece made from leather or a leather halter.
While a leadrope might be necessary at some trainers’ facilities, most barns have their own leads. Yours will likely grow legs and walk, so it is better to leave it at home. Fly masks are a good addition in the summer, but once again should be clearly labeled with permanent marker. If your horse requires boots or bandages for turn-out or when working, include them, but make sure your horse’s name is on them.
Should your horse require blanketing, send along any blankets he wears. Make sure that they are in good repair and are labeled. The fewer blankets you send, the better. Many barns do not like complicated blanketing plans, so do your best to keep things simple.
Paperwork
Something many people may not think of is including paperwork with their horse. Make up a binder to hold this information and clearly mark it with both your name and your horse’s name. One page should include information about your horse: his barn name, his registered name, his age, his breed, his height, his color, any markings, any special needs he might have. Another page should have all of your information: your name, address, phone number, an emergency contact. This page should also include the contact information for your vet and farrier. While the trainer may prefer to use her own vet and farrier, she may need to contact yours in an emergency. A third page should include all your horse’s usual care routines. Discuss his turn-out routine, current training schedule, feed schedule, and any quirks he may have.
Sometimes a horse that goes to a trainer is for sale. If so, include in the binder information about your horse that would be suitable to give to a potential buyer. Make at least 10 copies of the sales sheet so the trainer does not have to worry about giving out the only copy. Include a photocopy of your horse’s papers if he is registered.
Another thing to consider is that your trainer may ask for a commission if she finds a buyer for your horse. Make sure that you have a clear contract for the sale ready and have your trainer sign it. You will also want to include a copy of the boarding/training agreement in the binder and some kind of a liability waiver that keeps the trainer or her staff from suing you should they be injured by your horse.
Extras
Generally, the less you send with your horse the better. Anything you send has the potential to get lost, so try not to send anything too valuable. Consumables like fly spray will likely be used on the other horses, so don’t expect it to be kept exclusively for your horse’s use. Label everything clearly with permanent marker to reduce the chance of losing it and to minimize illegitimate use. Find out how much space will be available to your horse for his equipment, and send along a safe container in which to store his things. An alternate idea is to get a cloth bag which could be hung from his halter hook, or from the blanket rack.

What is a Sport Horse?

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:33:04 +0000

When looking at horses available for sale in the current market, you will likely see many advertised as Sport Horses. But, what exactly is a Sport Horse? By looking at the ads, you will likely see a huge variety of horses with this title, and the number of breeds represented is dizzying.
A Sport Horse is a horse that is suited to performance in the English disciplines. These include the three Olympic disciplines of jumper, dressage and eventing, and the popular hunter division.
Many Sport Horses are bred for the purpose. They may be Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, or crossbreds bred purely for the purpose of the English performance disciplines. The breeders carefully select the horses in their program, often with a specific discipline in mind as they develop their program.
Other times people will advertise a horse as a Sport Horse, even if it was not bred for the purpose. Usually this just means that the horse is suited to being ridden in the English disciplines.
There are also some breed registries that are planned specifically for producing Sport Horses. Most of the Warmblood registries have the goal of producing Sport Horses, although few actually call the horses that. There are also registries such as the Canadian Sport Horse Association that specifically aim to produce horses who are competitive in the English disciplines.
In order to produce horses that are suited to showing as hunters, jumpers, dressage horses or eventers, the breed registries have evaluation systems that approve appropriate breeding stock and cull those that are not suited to the purpose. Most registries aiming to produce Sport Horses will have inspections for their youngstock, their mares and their stallions. At these inspections the horses are assessed for their conformation and their movement. Many such registries also have a performance standard that breeding stock must achieve before the horse gains its permanent breeding status.
Through these Sport Horse breeding programs breeders seek to improve the quality of their stock, making us more competitive not only in the lower levels of the sport, but also at the World level. Over time the quality of horses has significantly improved, bringing up the level of competition at the international level.
If a horse is advertised as a Sport Horse, it is important to find out why the seller has given it that status. Most Sport Horses are not suited to pleasure riding, being bred specifically to be competition horses. While most are quite trainable, they do not always have the kind of temperament that would suit the average rider. Some are better suited to professionals who know how to train and manage the top level athletes that they become.
However, if you are looking to be competitive in the upper levels, a Sport Horse is the best choice. With generations of select breeding for the purpose, Sport Horses have the conformation and movement to suit their discipline, and have the athletic ability to take them to the top.

Why Do You Need a Big Horse?

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:16:39 +0000

Horses come in all shapes and sizes, as do people. But why is it that so many riders seem to want big horses? It seems that anything under 16hh, but over pony sized has little to no market at all.
Many riders are not all that big in stature. Since most riders are women, averaging 5′6″ in height, it seems strange that most people searching for horses are looking for animals 16.2hh or bigger. So what makes a rider want a big horse?
Some believe that a horse needs to have size to be able to make the distances in the show ring. A hunter needs to have a 12′ stride, so a 16hh+ horse is more likely to be able to manage that distance without effort. But, many big horses in fact have longer strides than 12′. They need to be collected in order to make the distances. Others have no stride at all, despite their size. Small horses sometimes do need to struggle to get the distances, but many small horses with good movement can easily manage a 12′ stride. The problem is that they look as though they are going much faster than a big horse, making their rounds look rushed.
Others feel that a big horse is more capable of jumping the heights required. While a big horse would not need to put in as much effort to jump a large jump, this does not stop small horses from being excellent jumpers. In fact, a former Olympic horse, Jappaloup, was very small, and yet she out jumped many top horses. In Europe, ponies are expected to jump over 4′+ fences without any fear that they can’t make it. So, why expect that a 15hh horse is not capable of jumping more than 3′?
Dressage riders like big horses because they have large strides. Small horses can also be excellent movers, and many have stride lengths that would shame many larger horses. Just take the time to watch the movement of a top quality Welsh Pony and you will see just what movement can be like for a small horse. There is nothing about a small horse that makes dressage more difficult. In fact, because they are often more compact in build, small horses can be easier to collect.
Some riders feel that they would be too big or too heavy for a smaller horse. Yet, in ancient times, knights in heavy armor would ride horses that many of us would consider small. Large horses such as those we see now are a modern development. The oldest breeds of horses were used for under saddle work by men of all shapes and sizes, and most of those horses were well under 15hh.
It is best to choose a horse than matches your build and size. You are far less likely to be overhorsed if your animal fits you. A small horse can be just as successful as a larger one. You just need to give him the chance.

Horse Riding – Free Jumping

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:47:14 +0000

What it is and Why Teach your Horse
If you have a young horse that is destined to a life of jumping, or if you are looking to sell a young, unstarted horse, free jumping is an excellent way not only to evaluate your horse’s potential over fences, but also to give him a head start into the world of jumping.
Free jumping is the process in which you ask your horse to jump over one or more jumps when working free in the arena. While this can be done with nothing more than a single jump along the side of the arena, it is better to set up a jumping chute to prevent refusals.
A free jumping chute can be as long or short as you want, but ideally it should cover the length of the long side of your arena. The chute should be as wide as your jump poles, generally 10-12′ in width. The entrance of the chute should be open so that you can either lead your horse into the chute, or allow the horse to enter the chute freely. The exit can either be open, so that your horse may exit freely to continue jumping, or it can be closed (usually against the end wall of your arena) so that you can catch your horse and lead him back to the entrance of the chute.
Within the chute, a horse can be asked to jump a single jump, or a series of jumps designed to improve his form or test his jumping ability. Usually you would start out with something simple such as a pole on the ground, and then you would progress to more complicated combinations of jumps.
There are many benefits to free jumping your horse. For young horses, it is a great way to build their confidence over fences before you even try to jump under saddle. By gradually building the fences, you can teach him that he is capable of jumping bigger jumps and more difficult combinations that he would normally have tried. With the side of the chute preventing him from running out, he is forced to face the jumps ahead of him. The trainer insists that the horse goes forward, so that refusal is not an option; in this way he becomes an honest jumper even before you get on his back.
You can also use free jumping to evaluate your horse’s natural talent over fences. Because there is no rider to mess up his concentration or adjust his jump, your horse has the chance to jump naturally. While at first, he may not show a lot of ability, with practice many horses greatly improve their jump and become quite efficient in the chute.
Once you progress to jumping under saddle, your horse already had the confidence to jump small fences. In fact, since you will be starting with smaller fences under saddle than you used in the chute, you rarely have problems with refusals or other confidence issues that green horses generally show when jumping under saddle for the first time.
There are some drawbacks though. If you horse tends to race through the chute, or has a bad experience, it can cause difficulties once jumping under saddle. He may also fall into bad habits, jumping from bad distances or compensating in ways that are difficult to correct. If you see signs of this, it is important to either correct the problem in the chute, or stop free jumping until you can make corrections under saddle.
A horse can start free jumping as young as a year old. As long as the sessions are short and you don’t push the height of the fences, your young horse should be able to manage without difficulty. It is also important to avoid too many sessions through the season. A yearling should only free jump once or twice a month, if that. As you horse gets older, you can add a bit more height and train more often. By three, your horse should be able to manage heights up to 4′ and train 3-4 times a week.
As with any training, be careful to watch your horse’s progress. Avoid pushing him too far, too fast. Don’t repeat the same exercise too often, or you could burn him out. Free jumping can be an excellent training exercise, but should be treated with care.

What Types of Horse Trailers Are Out There?

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:46:58 +0000

If you are considering buying a horse trailer, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the wide selection available on the market. From front facing to slant load to stock trailers, everyone claims that their trailer is the best and will be perfect for your needs.
Before buying a trailer, you need to consider what you need it for. Will you be showing a lot? Are you traveling long distances? Do you need a space to keep your tack? Then you need to consider what types of horses you will be shipping. Are they large? Small? Will you be shipping many horses, or only one or two? Are the horses good buddies, or are they likely to be strangers? All of these things and more will make a difference as you select your trailer.
Horse trailers come in many loading styles. The traditional two-horse trailer is a rear-loading trailer where both horses stand facing forward with a partition of some sort between them. These trailers are practical for many horse owners, and are easy to find.
Another common style is the head to head trailer. This usually has a side loading ramp, and the horses are set up so that half are facing forward while the other half face backward. Sometimes there is room to fit a small horse or pony in the middle. Generally these are two to six-horse trailers.
Slant loads tend to need more length for less horses, but offer a position that makes traveling easier on the horses. The partitions can be rather snug, giving the horses less wiggle room. Generally the waste space at the front of the trailer is made into storage rooms, suitable for keeping your tack on the trip. The average slant load trailer for three horses is about the same size as a straight load trailer for four horses.
Stock trailers do not have any dividers between the horses, but are often split into two large box stalls. They allow the horses room to choose their own position as they travel. One disadvantage is that there is no protection keeping horses from hurting one another while in transit.
A more recent innovation is the two + one style of trailer. This type of trailer combines a two-horse straight load with a one horse box stall in front. This box stall is small, and can be used for tack and equipment if you do not want to load a horse in it.
Each style of trailer can be found in step up or ramp load. Steps ups can be useful for difficult loaders as there is not hollow-sounding ramp to travel on. Ramps are generally safer though, although steep ramps need to have side panels to keep horses from stepping off the side by accident.
Some trailers come with built in tack rooms, and even changing rooms. While they add length, these can be very useful if you show a lot, or don’t have extra room in your towing vehicle.
Finally, there are two primary types of hitch to consider. Bumper pull hitches are the most common, and can be used with a wide range of vehicles. They are great for smaller trailers, but not as secure for the bigger ones. Horse trailers should never be actually hooked onto a bumper – the hitch must be properly installed onto the frame of the towing vehicle.
Gooseneck hitches are more secure and are perfect for larger trailers. They also offer storage space in the neck, which can be useful if your trailer does not have a tack room. The problem with goosenecks is that you need a pick-up truck to pull them, and the hitch must be installed in the bed of your truck.
While you can find fifth-wheel hitches on horse trailers, they are uncommon.

Horse Color Genetics – And All of the Other Colors (Part 3)

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:46:27 +0000

As we have previously discussed, horses have two basic color genes, black (B) and red (b). Bay horses happen because a special modifier gene called the agouti gene makes the black coat color fade into brown, leaving the points black. But this only covers the more basic colors. What about the others?
Each color is created by some form of modifying gene. These genes can be layered on top of each other, so that you can wind up with a buckskin horse that has pinto markings that fade to gray. To keep things simple we will look at several of the most common color modifiers one at a time.
A color modifier that is especially popular is the cream gene. This is the gene that causes horses to be buckskins or palominos. The cream gene is a dominant gene. Not only is it dominant, but it also expresses itself differently according to how many copies there are of the gene in a horse.
Let’s start with a chestnut horse. Genetically the horse is (bb), which give it the characteristic red color. Now let’s add a single copy of the cream gene. Now the horse is (bb Cc) which means that it is a diluted red color which is palomino. If you add a second copy of the cream gene (bb CC) the dilution is stronger and the horse is a cremello with pink skin and blue eyes.
When you add the cream gene to a bay horse you wind up with a buckskin. With a second copy of the cream gene the horse is a double dilute called a perlino. Blacks are affected a bit differently. A single copy of the cream gene makes a smoky black which visually shows very little difference to a regular black. However, when the cream gene is homozygous it expresses itself full strength and produces a creamy black.
Color breeders particularly covet the cremello or perlino horse for their breeding programs. This is because no matter what color of horse you breed to, the foal is guaranteed to express some form of the cream gene. This is why you will often see cremello stallions advertised with a 100% color guarantee.
Other genes that dilute the color of the coat include the champagne gene, the dun gene and the silver gene. A horse with the champagne gene can be “gold” (on chestnut), “amber” (on bay) or “classic” (on black). The dun gene causes the black stripe you sometimes see on horses’ backs. Silver horses have light colored manes and tails caused by a dilution of the expression of the black color, but not of the red/brown shades.
Another color modifier that is frequently seen is the roan gene. Like the cream gene, the roan gene is dominant. If a horse is not roan it cannot have a roan foal. A true roan will have fine white hairs throughout their coat with the exclusion of their face and legs. While they are often mistaken for grays, especially in the case of blue roans (roan on black) they do not fade the way a gray will over time.
An interesting fact about roans is that there is no such thing as a homozygous roan. This was first discovered when the conception rates of breedings where two roan horses were crossed together were decidedly lower than that of other horses. In fact there were 25% fewer live foals from these breedings. From this they were able to deduce that when an embryo carries two copies of the roan gene the combination is lethal and the embryo dies. If you take a look at the following chart, where (R) signifies the roan gene and (r) signifies no roan gene, you will see why the ratio of lethal foals was 25%.
(R) (r)
(R) (RR)
No foal (Rr)
roan
(r) (rR)
roan (rr)
plain
Now that we have been able to isolate the roan gene this has been proven in DNA studies.
Possibly the base of color breeders is the gray gene. This highly dominant gene will wash out any effects seen from other color modifiers. A horse with the gray gene is often born without any sign of graying. As it ages the gray begins to show. Some horses will grey following a “fleabitten” pattern while others have a “dapple” pattern. The two genes are different, but both have the same overall result. Eventually a gray horse will loose all color from their coats and will be white in color. Because they are born with dark skin these horses are not true whites, instead they are called grays.
There are many other color modifying genes. Some have been mapped out in DNA studies. Others are still a mystery. By studying the traits of each color gene you can have a reasonable way to guess what your foal may turn out like once it has arrived. Certainly there are still many aspects that will be unknown, but at least you can have a reasonably good idea of what color your baby could be.

Horse Transportation – Why Use a Stock Trailer?

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:46:26 +0000

It is not uncommon for someone used to horse shows and fancy facilities to wonder why so many horse people still use old-fashioned stock trailers for their animals. With so many options available for slant load, rear facing, and other combinations of trailers, why would anyone want something as simple as an open-concept stock trailer?
Depending on your purpose, stock trailers have many advantages over stalled trailers.
Large Farms
Sometimes a large farm needs to ship large numbers of horses at a time. Most stalled trailers have a limited number of spaces for horses, usually 2-4 animals. Stock trailers have the advantage that you can ship large numbers of horses in the space that stalled trailers waste with their rigid set-ups. If you leave the center divider open, a 20′ stock trailer can comfortably manage 5-6 full sized horses, loaded on a slant. The same sized slant load trailer would likely only manage 4 horses.
Breeders
Young horses should not be tied when they are shipped. Likewise, when shipping a broodmare with a foal, the mare is best left loose with the foal so that she is better able to avoid stepping on it. With a stock trailer, there is room for two large box stalls, in which one or more horses can be shipped loose. This is also the safest way to ship a horse who is injured or ill.
Farmers
Stock trailers not only suit horses, but can also be used for many other kinds of animals. If a farmer has another type of animal that might need to be shipped, it is to his advantage to have a trailer that can be used for more than one species. If cleaned out, a stock trailer can also be used to ship equipment.
Large Horses
Some large horses tend to be claustrophobic when presented with a tight trailer. With large stalls, and loads of room, stock trailers are ideal for drafts. While you can’t squeeze as many in at once, you can often ship 4 big horses comfortably in a 20′ stock trailer, while most stalled trailers would need to be custom fitted to manage drafts.
Ponies
It is easy enough to ship ponies in any type of trailer, but stock trailers do have some advantages. You can fit quite a few ponies comfortably into a single stall of a stock trailer. With two-horse stock trailers on the market, a pony breeder could easily get away with a smaller trailer that could still ship several ponies. Larger stock trailers leave plenty of room to ship carts, harnesses and other equipment.
Show Horses
If you have a show horse and ship out to big shows on a regular basis, there are some wonderful advantages to a stock trailer. As long as you don’t have too many horses on board, it is easy to convert one section of your trailer into a box stall. This gives your horse a place to relax in when he is not expected to be out in the ring. You can even let him hang around without a halter on, if he is prone to breaking them. The stall also makes the perfect place for grooming and tacking up your horse. No more fears of having an escapee as you remove the halter in order to bridle you horse. He can be all dressed and ready to go before you even open the trailer door. This is particularly useful if you are showing a stallion.
As you can see, stock trailers offer some unique advantages to the horse owner. While they may not be the fanciest trailers on the road, they are safe, they allow the horse the freedom to choose the best position for balance on the trip, and they offer a range of alternative uses. So the next time you see a big stock trailer pull into the show ground, consider that the owner might not just be some hillbilly cowpoke, but might in fact have one of the nicest rides in town.

Understanding What a Paint Horse Is, And How to Identify One

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:43:37 +0000

Paint horses did not get their name because their riders and owners tend to be creative types who stabled them in their private studio. Paints did not get their name because they possess some unique creative gift of their own.
Instead, paint horses got their name for a far more obvious reason: in every case, whether their pattern falls into the Overo, Tobiano or Tovero category, the horse is marked by some percentage of white hair over un-pigmented skin in addition to another color: brown, tan, black or gray. The Paints’ markings don’t have any set location or size, they can appear anywhere on the horse’s body.
So, if you have been looking at horses for sale and see Paint horses along with terms like Overo, Tobiano and Tovero, chances are good that you’re going to have some curiosity about what they describe.
The Overo pattern describes Paint horses on which the white markings do not happen between the horse’s withers and tail. Another characteristic of this pattern is that at least one, if not all, of the horse’s legs will be brown, tan, black or gray in color. While the markings on the horse’s face occur in standard patterns, the majority of its markings are irregular with the white often scattered.
On a Paint horse with a Tobiano pattern, on the other hand, the white spots are regular. The “painted spots” are often oval or round and found on the neck and chest. All four of the horse’s legs are white – at least from the hocks and knees down – and at least one of the horse’s flanks is dark. The tail will also be two colors – both dark and white.
Unlike the Overo and Tobiano patterns, Paint horses with the Tovero pattern have one or both blue eyes. Tovero Paint horses tend to be defined more by the location of their dark marking than where they have splashes of white. These Paints have dark pigmentation around their ears and around the mouth, on their flanks. Chest spots may also show on the horse’s neck, and there may be dark spots at the base of the horse’s tail as well.
When you’re looking at horses for sale and see Paints, in addition to the terms that describe their marking pattern, you’re also likely to see many of the following adjectives: hard working, dependable, athletic, intelligent, and friendly.
Paints earned their reputation as a hard working breed in the American West, ridden by Native Americans, cowboys, and the ordinary folks who needed transportation from the farm. For those who were looking for a horse that responded quickly, could maneuver easily, could run with great speeds to keep order on a ranch, Paint horses were a great solution. They kept a distinct, interesting look that made them stand out, and, like a Quarter Horse, they tend to have strong and muscular back legs, a low center of gravity and a good weight distribution, but not tall.
These same characteristics make Paint horses great for those who are looking for a horse that will get them around the ranch and from one area to another, for those who enjoy riding on a trail, as well as those who just like going out and taking a leisurely ride and enjoy a great afternoon on horseback. Similarly, those who are looking for a friendly, intelligent horse that can be well loved by the entire family – kids included – will find these attractive characteristics in a Paint.
As popular as Paint horses are with those who have owned and ridden them, there was not a registry for the breed until the 1960s. Previously, Paint horses – regardless of the pattern that they displayed – were widely unregistered as the American Quarter Horse Association, which included horses with the same body structure did not accept horses with the Paint markings.
Now, however, there are a number of requirements that are used to register and track the lineage of Paint horses. Either the sire or the dam must be registered with the American Paint Horse Association, and, if the other is not registered with the American Paint Horse Association, he or she must be registered with either the American Quarter Horse Association or the Jockey Club. Despite those standards, new registrations each year show that Paint horses are among the fastest growing and most popular horse breeds in the United States.