Questions Frequently Asked by First-Time Horse Owners

What is the most important thing a first-time horse buyer should do?
What type of horse is suitable for a first horse?
How much does a horse cost?
What is the smallest stall that my horse would be comfortable in?
What is a dandy brush? How is it used?
What is a shedding blade? How is it used?
What is a body brush? How is it used?

Answers
What is the most important thing a first-time horse buyer should do?
Be patient! It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a horse. Many people make an impulse purchase that they later regret. The horse turns out to be either unsuitable, not trained for the intended job, or in the worst case even dangerous for the new owner. If you take your time when you go horse shopping you will find a horse that is suitable and a horse with which you can have fun.

What type of horse is suitable for a first horse?
Most importantly, the ideal first horse is safe and fun. He needs to have a pleasant attitude and he needs to be forgiving if his owner makes little mistakes. A first horse should be trained for his intended job and be comfortable with this job. Young horses and stallions are not suitable for first-time owners. A horse of at least 6 years of age that is well trained and has a pleasant disposition is most suitable for a first-time owner.

How much does a horse cost?
The price of any horse depends on several variables. Expect to pay from $0-$5,000 for a trail horse. If you are interested in competing, expect to pay more for a horse that is experienced in your chosen discipline. The following represents some of the factors that control horse prices.

1. Training. A horse that is trained for a specific discipline will cost more.
2. Competitive Record. A proven winner commands a higher price.
3. Breeding. A well bred horse may cost more.
4. Defects. A horse with minor health problems will cost less and may well be suitable as a family or trail horse.
5. The Seller's reason for selling. Frequently horses are sold because the owner is going to college, having a baby, or is getting married or divorced. In this case it is often possible to find a nice, well-trained horse for a reasonable price. The owner is in a hurry to sell and wants a good home for his horse.

What is the smallest stall that my horse would be comfortable in?
The table below is the absolute minimum stall size. Ideally larger stalls would be more suitable. The sizes suggested here are for our less than ideal world.

Size of Horse	Minimum Stall Size
Ponies up to 12 hands	8' x 8'
12 to 14 hands	8' x 10'
14 to 16 hands	10' x 10'
16 to 17 hands	12' x 10'
17+ hands	12' x 12'

What is a dandy brush? How is it used?
A dandy brush is a stiff bristled brush. Usually used for thick coated horses and ponies. These brushes are great for removing heavy dirt or cleaning a long coat. Care should be taken when using this type of brush on sensitive horses as the bristles may tickle of irritate them. A good brush to use damp to lay the mane down.

What is a shedding blade? How is it used?
Shedding blades or combs come in a variety of styles. Basically, they consist of a strip of metal with blunt teeth and handles on each end. Holding an end in each hand the blade is pulled through the coat. This helps to remove the dead hair. Particularly useful in spring when horses shed their heavy winter coats.

What is a body brush? How is it used?
A body brush is a soft bristled brush with a handle. A soft bristled brush without a handle can be used if prefered. Used all over the horse and especially useful on the head and other boney areas. Traditionally, body brushes are used in partnership with metal curry combs. After a stroke of the horse's coat the body brush is cleaned across the teeth of the metal curry comb. Periodically the curry comb is tapped on the floor to remove the dirt and grease.

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