Got a horse question? I've got 90% of your answers.?

Some questions just get asked over and over, so here, in one convenient guide, are 90% of the answers you are looking for! I've included some super helpful and interesting websites. Warning: a few of these answers are slightly snarky.

1. Q. How much does a horse cost?

A. A grade, trail broke horse = less than $1,000, often $500. A registered WB A-circuit jumper? Tens of thousands. You get what you pay for.

Care for that horse = thousands per year. Yes, really. No, really, we mean it.

2. Q. If I breed my ___ colored horse to a ___ colored stallion, what will I get?

A. Breeding for color alone? You’ll probably get a horse with a terrible body (poor conformation). Good luck with future lameness issues and a rough ride! Maybe try a rescue horse instead? However, try this color breeding calculator: http://www.animalgenetics.us/CCalculator1.asp

3. Q. How can I convince my parent to buy me a horse/pony?

A. Buy showing how committed and responsible you are BEFORE you get the horse. Job, saving money, chores, no whining, volunteering, lessons, monthly budget, good grades—for MONTHS.

4. Q. What colors would look good on my horse?

A. Opposites look good. Dark colors on light horses and vice-versa. Neon colors & animal prints = tacky. Try these horse color matching sites:

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/tackpicker/index....

http://www.hobbyhorseinc.com/09_dress_for_success/...

5. Q. I have ______ years/type of experience but have never trained. Should I train this green/unbroken horse?

A. If you have to ask, the answer is probably “no.”

6. Q. I have a personal problem with _____ at my barn. What do I do?

A. Talk to them maturely about the problem, and how to fix it. Don’t blame, communicate clearly, discuss expectations. Not solved? Talk to barn owner. Not solved? Leave.

7. Q. What color is my horse?

A. Check out this website for all the REAL colors and horse coat color genetics: http://www.whitehorseproductions.com/equinecolor.h...

8. Q. What’s wrong with my horse? His/her symptoms are _______.

A. Call a vet. We cannot see your horse, nor are we trained to diagnose it. If you can’t afford a vet, you really can’t afford a horse. Not serious enough to call a vet? Fine—but it’s better not to take chances.

9. Q. Can I find the registration/parentage of my horse with a DNA test?

A. No. You need the parents’ DNA samples/registration papers.

10. Q. My horse has this training problem:_____.

A. Are you working at least 3-4 times a week? No? Start. Small steps, no misbehavior allowed, build over time. Get library books. Watch David Lee Archer on Youtube. Other problems: call a trainer. Your safety and your horse’s future are worth it.

11. Q. How’s my riding?

A. You need an instructor. We can (somewhat) judge you based off of your video, but we can’t sit in the ring with you and remind you to keep your heels down, your hands right, etc. Just looking for flattery? Bugger off.

12. Q. What bit should I use?

A. A snaffle or a curb bit. Period. (Unless you’re doing a pretty fancy sport.) If your horse pulls too much or “doesn’t listen,” your problem is that your horse need more training. Using a “stronger” bit just means inflicting more pain on your horse to force him to behave—at least for now. Not cool.

13. Q. Why are people here so MEAN?

A. We’ve answered ALL of these questions, over and over and over and over and over again, until we are sick to our stomachs of people who want to take shortcuts in the training and care of their horses.

Just do it right, people.