If you are searching for hunter jumper horses for sale, it is important to give some thought to the qualities you need in your new mount. Horses of this type are not cheap. If you choose one that doesn't suit you, it may be difficult to get your money back if you decide to resell.
You may wish to exhibit your hunter jumper in the show-ring. Some classes are judged on the flat and the horse is not shown over hurdles. If your new mount isn't required to jump, it will be sufficient if he has good paces and manners, and is strong and well-conformed. If you plan to enter classes requiring jumping, you will need to ensure that he jumps well. He still needs to be well-conformed and eye-catching.
Good conformation is essential. Without it, he will not be considered in the show-ring. The horse should stand squarely. An attractive head will catch the judge's eye. The forehead should be broad and the profile preferably concave or straight. The eyes should be large and friendly.
A nicely arched neck will fit well into a sloping shoulder. The withers should be well-defined. A straight shoulder will make the gaits short and choppy, giving an uncomfortable ride. In order to jump well, the hindquarters should be strong and muscular. The back should not be too long. Avoid a horse with a narrow chest as this means less room for the heart and lungs. The ribs must be well-sprung.
The legs are an important part of any horse but particularly so if it is to perform in the show-ring. They must be straight. The pasterns should not be upright as these need to absorb the shock when a horse lands after jumping. The bone must be hard and flinty. Watch out for imperfections such as splints or spavins. It is important that the legs point straight ahead. Both pairs of hooves must be of a similar size. The front hooves are often more oval in shape than the back ones.
When inspecting a possible purchase, have the horse stand quietly while you inspect him from every angle. Watch the horse walk and trot both towards you and away from you. The legs must travel in a straight line. When watching the horse from the side, check that each stride is the same length. The hind hooves should leave imprints in front of those of the forelegs.
It is always best to ask the owner to ride the horse before you try it. Before saddling, check that the feet can be picked up easily and safely. The horse should remain calm and still when being saddled and bridled. It should stand to be mounted. If you wish to ride in classes requiring jumping, ensure that it will indeed jump and that it remains under control.
After seeing the horse ridden, you can ask to try it yourself. Be content to walk it around for a while first. It should feel as though it is stepping in a regular rhythm. It must be obedient to your commands. And don't forget, when viewing
hunter jumper horses for sale, the colour of the horse is the least important factor.
