Eventing is commonly deemed to be the last word take a look at of horse and rider, however with a lot to ask, what do high riders prioritise after they’re seeking to purchase an occasion horse and navigating purchase an eventer?
Shopping for an eventer: conformation
Skilled occasion horses don’t at all times have excellent conformation. However it’s best to talk about any points along with your vet earlier than deciding to purchase, to make it possible for any imperfections aren’t going to influence on soundness or efficiency.
“Conformation is sort of far down my listing,” says Sam Watson. “However I‘d be cautious of serious flaws that would jeopardise soundness.”
Alternatively, Lauren Blades actually emphasises the significance of conformation. “Horses can look completely different to 1 one other, or have their very own weaknesses, but it surely’s essential that they’re in proportion,” she says.
Equally Georgie Goss says: “Ft and limbs are particularly essential. My vet and farrier at all times say to me ‘no foot, no horse’.
“However then I’ve a number of thoroughbreds, and so they have a tendency to not have one of the best toes on this planet,” she provides.
Shopping for an eventer: temperament
A trainable temperament and a willingness to study are excessive on the agenda for many eventers. The horse have to be obedient for dressage, daring throughout cross-country and cautious within the showjumping.
“I like a horse to have a real, quiet temperament, however to be a bit sharper when they’re ridden,” says Georgie.
Lauren likes a “type eye” and Sam seems to be for one thing trusting.
Shopping for an eventer: motion
When seeking to purchase an eventer there may need to be a component of compromise by way of motion or leaping means.
high quality, balanced canter is every part for Sam. And the trot and soar must be “ok to work with”.
“Bettering a stroll is tough,” he says. “So having a superb one is a bonus.”
Georgie would prioritise a superb jumper over a flashy mover.
“If I couldn’t discover a horse that moved and jumped properly, I’d most likely go for one with a greater soar,” she tells H&H. “With my showjumping background I’ve at all times most popular a superb jumper.”
Lauren additionally emphasises the necessity for a pure soar. “You may educate a horse dressage by its coaching, however you possibly can’t educate an uncareful horse to watch out!” she says.
How you can purchase an eventer
As Lauren says, “you by no means know what you will discover and the place” – it may very well be by phrase of mouth, a vendor or a non-public vendor. However the labeled pages of Horse & Hound journal and the web horses on the market on the H&H web site are nice locations to start out.
Sam depends on trusted producers and breeders at residence and in Eire. “I don’t play the numbers recreation or take probabilities on a horse that ‘may very well be something’,” he says. “I do know the place to search out future four-star horses – I simply want I might afford to purchase all of them!”
Making the ultimate choice
With so many elements to contemplate, the prospect of shopping for an eventer could seem overwhelming. However Sam advises that it’s “all about clicking”.
“In the event you and the horse are having fun with yourselves and really feel at residence in these first few moments collectively then little else issues.
“If a horse ticks each conceivable field, however your intuition says one thing isn’t fairly proper, then belief it and stroll away.”
You may additionally be all for…
Credit score: Alamy Inventory Photograph
Credit score: Future
Keep in contact with all of the information within the run-up to and all through the Paris Olympics, Royal Worldwide, Burghley and extra with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe at present for all you have to know forward of those main occasions, plus on-line stories on the motion because it occurs from our professional group of reporters and in-depth evaluation in our particular commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Arrange your limitless web site entry now
