I like to refer to our young horses in their first year as “summer yearlings” as it is a time of fast growth both physically and mentally.

You can actually get your first glimpses of the type of horse you will have as all of the growthy parts start coming together. Don’t be alarmed if your yearling still seems very out of balance conformationally as it may be an indication of a lot more growing in store for the particular individual.

The main thing at this time is to be aware of the proper development that can be influenced by providing regular farrier care, nutrition, worming and veterinary care.  Many physical problems can be improved and even avoided if attended to at this time due to the growth that is taking place.  Once the growing period is over, little can be done to correct problems that can affect your horses future performance capabilities.

Continue with your ground training.  A horse that leads properly translates to a horse that in the future will ride properly.  Does your yearling lead easily and willingly without leaning and intruding on your space?  Can you turn right while leading on the left without having to push your yearling away from you?  Try little tests to determine the lessons you need to work on to improve leading.

Remember in a perfect world we should be able to lead our horse equally as well on the left or right side.  Simply take one step at a time and ask your yearling to move its shoulder away from you.  This one lesson can make a big difference.  You are in essence getting control of the feet.  After you accomplish this lesson begin working with moving the hind quarters with the stepping under and laterally.

Remember to simplify your requests. Ask for one movement at time and be patient and build on understanding with good praise for completing a task successfully.

Jackie Brittain
Merriewold Morgans Trainer

As of January of the new year you should begin considering your foal as a coming yearling. It is a real opportunity to evaluate your foals growth and potential.

Of the up most importance is your yearlings’ disposition and general personality. Watch how they interact with other yearlings in the pasture.

Another indication of a yearlings’ disposition are manners. Is your yearling obedient and willing to respond to your requests?

Conformation. Is your yearling developing the characteristics to excel in the discipline of your choice?

And while considering all of the above it may be time to consider castration for yearling colts. As a breeder you must be very objective and responsible to the breed standards in making this decision. There are also risks in keeping a stallion depending on the type of facility and experience.

All these things considered it is time to move forward in your handling. Make sure your yearling is confident in your routine. Then add new tasks such as turning in a circle to the right and left on a long lead rope. This will teach your yearling to move forward on request.

Next you may introduce the trailer and with the lesson in moving forward, loading should be easier. Remember to do these exercises with great patience and plenty of time and you will be successful in developing a calm and confident horse.

Jackie Brittain
Merriewold Morgans Trainer

Purchasing a horse can be a very exciting experience as well as a significant one that requires good research and objectivity.

First of all it is important to explore your needs as a rider.  Your level of experience and ability will serve as a guideline for making the proper choice.  Be honest and realistic in setting those guidelines to ensure that a horse will be suitable for you as a rider and ultimately your horse partner.

If you have settled upon a certain riding discipline and are sure you wish to pursue it completely, then it is time to investigate breeds that excel and are bred specifically for the discipline.  This will help narrow down the field.

Examine your goals for you and your horse.  Also, consider the amount of time you can devote to achieve your goals.  Time is one of the biggest factors to consider as ones lifestyle demands affect the general outcome of the whole project.

Many factors come into play when considering the individual horse.  Your choice of the horses age and gender have a direct bearing on your ability to handle that horse.  For example, a young inexperienced horse verses a proven experienced horse.  A gelding verses  mare or stallion.  A calm disposition verses a spirited disposition.  All of these factors must be considered honestly and objectively in making your decision to purchase.

The purchase price can be a good tool as a guideline for selecting your horse.  You can find a quality horse in your price range if you look carefully.  First of all consider horses with registration papers as this will insure age, ownership and breed.  If you are considering a horse without papers it is best to have a veterinarian check its teeth to confirm its age.  Purchasing a horse without papers has its risks.  Deal with reputable people only.

If you find a horse you are serious about purchasing, have a veterinarian perform a pre purchase examination.  Your vet will need to know the extent of the exam you wish as they can be very costly.  Rely on your price range to gauge the extent of the exam.  Basically you need a healthy individual with normal eye sight, teeth, serviceable legs and no vices  ( I.e. cribbing)  all of which a veterinary examination can tell you.  In some instances x rays may be necessary to insure a sound leg  for a serviceable future.

Another area to consider that directly relates to your purchase price is the amount of care, feeding, boarding and training.  Buying a horse is only the beginning of maintaining a horse.  Are you able to provide your own facility and your own care for your horse?  What type of training and lessons will be needed to keep both horse and rider in tune?

Equipment is another factor.  A proper fitting saddle and bridle for you and your individual horse.  And just like the horse your tack needs to be clean and kept in top repair.   A rider needs proper boots and helmet.  If you will be showing your horse you will need certain styles of clothes for the type of discipline.  Safety is first and good equipment that is properly used and cared for will insure good rides.

In the horse sales business a Bill Of Sale and Sales Contract may be advisable.  This is particularly important during the period of time the ownership is transferred on the registration papers.  Make sure your business is in order, especially if you take possession and transport the horse.

Transportation is another area to consider.  The cost and availability of safe, reliable trucking plays a factor in overall costs and future costs.

Ultimately, purchasing a horse can be a wonderful quest.  Remember to take your time and research all possibilities and ask questions.  Trust your judgment in the final decision and look forward to all of the experiences that lay ahead.

Jackie Brittain
Merriewold Morgans Trainer