How to Choose an Event Horse

Choosing the right event horse means the difference between sticking to the basic level of eventing, or rising to the upper levels of the sport. You can make a sound choice if you know what questions to ask and which characteristics to look for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Find out what you can about the horse's history: the events the horse has entered and how it placed. Ask about the horse's medical history. If the horse ever has been lame, pass it by.
2. Look at the horse's confirmation before you choose. An event horse needs endurance, sturdy legs and good wind. Weak legs and poor stamina would keep a horse from performing well in stadium and cross country events.
3. Ask the owner to ride the horse so you can see how the animal moves. You want a horse with smooth gaits and agility, that moves without stiffness. Stiffness and lack of smoothness can negatively affect the horse's performance in dressage.
4. Ask the owner to jump the horse. An event horse should be able to change directions quickly (especially important in stadium) and jump cleanly. The horse's forelegs should be tucked tightly to its chest, while the hind legs should lift cleanly and should be held high so they don't dislodge any rails while jumping.
5. Ride the horse yourself. Feel the different gaits, and note how the horse clears a jump. If the horse feels as though it moves well beneath you and is responsive to your aids, then you may have found a good event horse.