Working Ranch April/May 2025

goes beyond your budget, you’ll have backup options ready. Auctions move quickly, and having multiple choices prevents you from feeling pressured into bidding on a horse that may not be the best fit. Kelly Ann Terry from Weaver Quarter Horses explains that she has observed situations where someone buys a horse that wasn’t their top choice, only to later realize that this choice turned out to be a better decision than they initially expected. Once you’ve identified potential horses, do your homework. Call the owner, study the pedigree, and watch any available videos of the horse. If possible, try the horse before the sale. Some sellers allow potential buyers to test ride ahead of time, providing invaluable insight into the horse’s tem perament and suitability for your needs. ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Whether you’re looking at a saddle horse or a breeding horse, asking the right questions can save you from future headaches: For Saddle Horses: How long have you had this horse? If you are not the first owner, what is the horse’s his tory? Do you have the numbers of previous owners that I can call? This is especially important for a horse that would be purchased for a child or inexperienced rider. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Does it have any soundness issues or vices? What’s its veterinary and farrier history? If the horse is young, who started it? Is it registered, and if not, is there proof of age? For Breeding Horses: When buy ers inquire about a horse, Kelly Ann Terry of Weaver Quarter Horses often begins with the question, “What will you be using the horse for?” While their horses are bred for versatility, she helps match buyers with the right foal from the right mare. A knowl edgeable breeder should understand which mares consistently produce foals best suited for specific disci plines. Another thing to be aware of is whether the breeder can ver ify testing for genetic conditions or

Weaver Quarter Horses

sell them. My kids have been riding since they could hold onto a saddle horn, whereas someone else’s child may just be starting out. The child’s experience must align with the dispo sition and level of the horse. “They must be able to put up with all that comes with an inexperienced rider. For example, be able to ride off by itself and be forgiving in tight situations. If the child will be riding the horse on the

breed-specific issues. For Kids Horses: these are proba bly one of the most difficult things to shop for. Tanner Anderson, rancher, father, and experienced horse shop per, gives his advice on the topic. “I never buy a “kids horse” with some one else’s guarantee. I will buy them as a prospect and make that determi nation myself once I’ve had them on the ranch. The same goes for when I

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