Buyer's Guide

SO YOU WANT TO BUY A PERUVIAN!

BY MARY DONALD
 

Since you are inquiring about the fabulous Peruvian, you might just end up owning one very soon, especially if you take a test ride. But, how do you go about that? Maybe the following suggestions will help.

Buying a Peruvian is a "Major Decision". So, don't jump in quickly. Do Not treat this as a battle of wits or the possibility of financial gain. Take a little time to decide what you really want and shop around. Determine your needs, and plan to shop accordingly.

Part of your decision should be your level of experience and ability with horses. Be Realistic about this. If you have a limited background with horses, your best bet is a mature, well-trained Peruvian that can help you gain confidence and ability in your horsemanship skills.

Ask yourself why you want a Peruvian and what you are going to do with it. This is extremely improtant. After all, we want you to be very happy with the Peruvian horse but if you are going to rope a cow with it...it might Not make you happy. The Peruvian is the best pleasure horse around. It is great in going from one place to another Quickly and Comfortably...but is Not a polo horse, a roping horse or a race horse.

Use good common sense when purchasing a horse. Don't let your heart take over. Don't purchase a horse because of price, color, eyes or all that mane and tail. All of those things are important but are just one piece of the whole process when purchasing the love of your life, a Peruvian horse.

First: Don't buy the first horse you see or ride. All Peruvians ride differently. Although they are similar, they are all different. The only way for you to find this out is to ride as many as you can. There are various types of smoothness, brio, termino and different types of training. Plus, some horses have very strong likes and dislikes to some people.

Second: Decide what you really want. A pleasure horse, a show horse, or a breeding horse in the form of a gelding, mare or stallion. This is important as it changes what and how you look for your horse.

A pleasure horse must have a good disposition, be well trained, past vet check for soundness and please you. It should NOT be a stallion.

A breeding horse (stallion or mare) has everything the other two have along With outstanding conformation with no heredity faults that would cause problems in the offspring's. You need to check the bloodlines for any problems that might show up in the next generation.

Buying a breeding horse takes some research. The parents need to be checked out as well as any offspring. Looking for a uniform type of conformation, gait and dispostion.

There will be different prices for different types of horses. The price will vary depending upon their age, level of training, previous accomplishments, pedigree and whether it is a pleasure, show or breeding horse. You might want to start with a moderately priced horse and increase your investment as you gain knowledge and experience.

Now that you have established the criteria for your perfect first Peruvian, You're ready to start looking at horses.

Third: Now, where to find that very special Peruvian. There are many Peruvian Clubs all over the country that are associated with the NAPHA. These clubs put on shows, hold trail rides and sponsor clinics. Join your local club if there is one close. Get their membership list and visit those farms that have horses for sale. Go to the closest Peruvian show. Meet as many owners as possible. Watch the horses and you will find that you are attracted to type or style.

Fourth: When you go to a farm to see a Peruvian for sale, it is a good idea to arrange for an appointment. This makes it easier for the owner to devote his or her full time and attention to you.

You should also ask a knowledgeable friend or professional horseman whose opinion you trust to accompany you to the farm, especially if you are buying your first horse this person will help you evaluate the horse objectively, and may notice some improtant things that you might miss because of your excitement and anticipation. Another good thing to do is to video tape the horse. Watch the tape later at your own home without anyone around. Be honest with yourself. The video tape will pick up things that you might have missed with your eye.

During your visit, you want to observe many things about the horse. First, check carefully for signs of general good health and vitality. Are his eyes bright and clear? Is his coat slick and shiny with no signs of hair loss or scaly skin?

Are his legs clean-boned and free of swelling? Are his hooves nicely shaped, with no cracks or chips? You should also observe his mental attitude. Is he alert to his surrounding? Does he seem friendly in the stall and during handling, or does he pin his ears or attempt to bite or kick? Watch is manners while working around him. Does he seem quiet, with good common sense, or does he spook at every little noise? Although most Perivians are calm, as with people you will find a wide range of personalities, and some will naturally appeal to you more than others.

Always feel free to question the owner on everything you want to know. Ask about the horse's health history, level of training, previous uses, and why the owner is selling the horse. You will want to see the horse perform either under saddle or in hand--depending upon the age. Watch the horse carefully to see if he obeys commands quickly and quietly and moves smoothly with no signs of lameness. Make sure that the pastern Does Not drop below the level when walking, standing, or being rode. Does the horse seem to work willingly and pay attention to the task at hand, or does he seem sour and disinterested?

Now, ride the horse if it is under saddle. Does he follow your commands promptly? Is he comfortable and smooth to ride? Most importantly, do you feel comfortable riding him? Is he the right size for you, and does he have enough training for you to handle him easily?

THE LAST STEP you should take before actually buying your Peruvian is a pre-purchase veterinary examination. To accomplish this, contact an equine practitioner in your area or the area where the horse is located, explain your needs, and arrange for him to examine the horse at a convenient time for you, him and the horse's owner. The veterinarian will examine the horse for over all good health and soundness, and recommend if the horse is suited for your desired use. Do Not use the same Vet the owner uses as a farm vet.

Now that the horse has passed the veterinary examination, you are now ready to complete the purchase. You need to obtain a bill of sale, a copy of the official certificate of registration. The owner will have you sign the original and mail it to the Registry office with the proper transfer fees. It is the owner's responsibility to transfer the horse to you unless you agree otherwise. IF you are purchasing the horse on terms over a period of time, you should have a written purchase agreement. You will also want to obtain a copy of your horse's health record for current shots, worming and trimming.

This process may seem lengthy and time comsuming, remember that buying a horse is a long term investment. It is worth the effort involved to make sure you have the right Peruvian for you. Peruvians have a tendency to become part of your family for years to come.