Selection of Horses Chapter 31

Objectives Describe the characteristics of the horse industry Describe the common breeds of horses Describe the selection of a horse

Horses in the United States In the U.S., 75 percent of horses are used for personal pleasure Another 25 percent are used for ranching, racing, breeding, and commercial riding The three main types of horse enterprises are breeding, training, and boarding stables

Horses in the United States (cont.) The most popular breeds of horses Quarter Horse Thoroughbred Paint Appaloosa Arabian

Horses in the United States (cont.) The leading states in horse numbers Texas California Florida Oklahoma Kentucky

Horses in the United States (cont.) The horse industry brings in $39 billion in economic activity each year Horses contribute to economic growth Horses allow people to get exercise with riding Horses help in releasing tension and help people gain a sense of responsibility

Selection of Horses Definition of Terms Foal – either sex, up to 1 year old Filly – female, less than 3 years old Colts – male, less than 3 years old Mare – mature female, 4 years and up Stallion – mature male, 4 years and up Gelding – castrated male

Selection of Horses (cont.) Use of the Horse Pleasure Breeding Working stock Show Sport

Selection of Horses (cont.) Sources of Horses Breeders Private owners Auctions Dealers

Selection of Horses (cont.) Age of Horse to Buy Horses aged 5 to 12 years are in the prime of their lives Horses in this range or older are good choices for inexperienced riders Inexperienced riders may find riding young horses a challenge

Selection of Horses (cont.) Sex of Horse to Buy Stallions often hard to manage, control Geldings or mares are better choices for pleasure riding Geldings more steady, dependable, while mares more excitable

Selection of Horses (cont.) Breed Selection Some breeds more adapted to particular uses than others Intended use of horse should narrow breed selection Pleasure riding Showing Breeding

Selection of Horses (cont.) Conformation Feet, legs are the most important part of horse The four basic colors of horses are Bay Black Brown Chestnut

Selection of Horses (cont.) Face and Leg Markings

Selection of Horses (cont.) Face and Leg Markings (cont.)

Selection of Horses (cont.) Age of Horses Approximate age can be determined by looking at the front teeth Gait Movement of the horse’s feet and legs Pedigree Greatest importance when selecting race and show horses

Selection of Horses (cont.) Records Breed association forms available for keeping records of registered horses Price Prices range from small amount to thousands of dollars Prices vary with season

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies American Paint

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) American Saddlebred Horse

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Andalusian

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Appaloosa

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Arabian

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Buckskin

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Cleveland Bay

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Connemara Pony

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Galiceno

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Missouri Fox Trotting Horse

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Morgan

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Palomino

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Pinto

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Pony of the Americas

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Quarter Horse

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Shetland Pony

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Standardbred

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Tennessee Walking Horse

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Thoroughbred

Breeds of Light Horses and Ponies (cont.) Walking Pony

Breeds of Draft Horses Clydesdale

Breeds of Draft Horses Donkeys and Mules

Unsoundness and Blemishes Defect that affects the usefulness of a horse Most serious affects feet and legs Blemish Imperfection that does not affect the usefulness of a horse

Vices After idleness and poor handling, horses can develop bad habits known as vices Most common Cribbing Wind sucking Halter pulling Kicking