TRAINING EVALUATION

For the first time buyer, training might seem easier to evaluate than something as the hoof and pastern axis. However, the words "gentle but spirited" can cover a dangerous fault not apparent to the untrained eye.

The rule to follow, is "SHOW ME " Even then, it is hard to understand how the six year-old daughter of the seller can successfully climb all over a horse that later proves to be a handful for a grown man. For this reason, the riding entries should be checked over twice — both with the seller, and the buyer, up.

If you are not an experienced horseman, do not feel embarrassed to say so. Isn't there an old saying, "Pride comes before the fall?" The wise buyer never brags lets the seller do all the talking. In fact, simply stating a lack of qualification puts the burden of proof that the horse can pass the examination without fault,onto the seller. He should make a reasonable effort to do so when you ask

I debated with myself for days which category of evaluation should come first. I concluded that training was the most important. It would be a waste of time to check over the soundness of a horse if he didn't work well under saddle. However there are certain symptoms of lameness that disappear after the horse has been ''warmed up," and a few other tests that fit in well here.