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What should i look for in a rescue horse2007-11-24 21:22:34

i am definately going to get my horse from one of my local horse rescue, but i am not sure if there are any things that i should be wary of. Are there certain behaviors for me to avoid, or any type of animal history that i should look for when getting my horse?

This will not be my first horse, though it will be the only one that I will be owning as the others are no longer with me :(

Answers:

When rescuing a horse there are kind of two classifications. One being neglected, meaning not cared for and not fed well. And the other being physically abused, meaning beaten or harmed by a previous owner.

With neglected horses the biggest thing to look out for is health problems since they weren't properly taken care of. I lease a horse and ride a different horse in lessons that were both neglected at one point but both are wonderful and level headed horses. But both were quite skinny and one was getting over mange and the other had to have surgery for a massive kidney stone.

With physically abused horses the biggest thing to look for is behavioral issues. These are the shy or scared horses that have a hard time trusting people. These horses might hide in the corner of their stall (As that is their safe place) and may look at back at the barn often when being ridden. They may also be a little high spirited as they are frightened.

Best wishes!

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I think you want to avoid any horse that has behavior issues that could cause you (or someone else) to get hurt. A history of rearing, extreme aggression, or bolting out of control would qualify. Yes, it's sad when a horse has to be given up on, but some behaviors are so dangerous that it's not worth putting yourself at risk.