TellTale Signs You’re About To Buy Too Much Horse

It’s easy to be dazzled by a really talented horse – one with impressive jumping ability or one that’s a drop dead gorgeous mover. In the back of our minds, we all dream of being able to own and ride one that turns heads at the horse show all day long.

But there is a difference between our dreams and reality.

It’s easy for an amateur – someone who owns and rides horses as a hobby – to be over-faced with a mount that has upper-level potential. That’s not meant to be a slight against any ammy rider – some horses are just, at the end of the day, “too much horse.”

Maybe they have too much blood, or are generally too hot of a ride. Some require an experienced, professional guide to train them when they’re young, tense and nervous. Or maybe they’re just bored and become grumpy packing around the lower levels when they’re capable of so much more.

Here’s how to tell if you’re getting in over your head.

They Jump You Out Of The Tack Every Time

You know what I mean – from a 2-foot vertical to a 3’6″ oxer, this horse cracks its back and jumps a 10 every dang time. They might be beautiful to watch and you never want to impede your horse’s natural ability, but it’s awful to be jostled out of the saddle every frickin’ time.

Brakes Are Non-Existent

You’ve got a tremendous jumper who loves his job. But once you get going over fences, this horse loses all ability to slow down. It’s one thing to put in a fast jump-off. It’s a whole other deal when you zip around the ring five full laps before you can break him down to a trot.

They’ve Developed Dangerous Bad Habits

I once had a youngster who, when he figured out how to rear, it became his favorite thing to do. He’d rear when he was brought in from the pasture. He’d rear on the lunge line. And yes, he’d rear under tack. He’d learned this maneuver scared the hell out of his handlers. It became a very difficult – and dangerous – habit to break.

They’re Difficult To Control Even On The Ground

When considering a horse for sale, be mindful of how they act when handled on the ground. What’s their behavior like around feeding time? Or when it’s time to come in from turnout? Do they take advantage of their handlers while on the lead line? How do they hand walk at a show?

You’re Too Scared To Enjoy The Ride

Even when trying a horse for the first time, riders can get a good sense about the horse’s personality. Is he tense or sensitive right off the bat? You shouldn’t feel like you’re “walking on eggshells” just trying to get your 10-plus mover to relax while warming up on the flat. If your horse makes you nervous – or worse, questions your desire to want to ride at all… perhaps he’s too much horse for you.