But there are horse shows to attend, to give the horses experience and get them in the public eye. We need a speedy solution… and an economical one! My husband the Web Whisperer sets his fingers to trotting through Google, even as I’m tacking up for a horse training session.

Bingo! The Tire Rack has what we need. Better yet, even after shipping they are significantly cheaper than even Walmart. Mark outfitted his Subaru through the Tire Rack before and we were delighted with their customer service.

We’ll be back on the road in no time!

Despite his sharp edges, Miley’s teeth are otherwise in good shape. The upper and lower arcades match up: no parrot mouth or monkey mouth here. The milk teeth in his corner incisor position confirm that he is indeed 4. No sign of cribbing on his front incisors.

The equine dentist will be out here day after tomorrow. ‘Til then, no bit. No sense in causing Mikey unnecessary pain or opening up a behavioral can of worms.

… As for the saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” it was first recorded in 1546 by one John Heywood, a court musician and playwrite. Definitely not a horseman!

The whirlwind that brought Mikey to our farm happened in the blink of an eye, but our decision was actually formed over time. Experience and education helped me create a blueprint for the type of horse I am looking for. Mikey comes pretty darn close to being a perfect fit.

My strongest experience has been in the sport horse arena. My network and the horse industry in my area both support the sport horse niche. I know my best chance to succeed in developing a green horse’s potential and reselling him as a made eventer, hunter-jumper, or dressage horse relies on certain criteria. Age, size, gender, experience (or lack thereof), purchase price and soundness all play a role.

What is your criteria? Think about it now, before you are gazing deep into the eyes of a beautiful horse you are looking to buy. What are your goals for your riding? For your partnership with your horse? How does this fit into the bigger picture of your family life?

Finding a horse that fits your criteria can seem impossible. Where are you willing to compromise? At the prepurchase stage of the game, bear in mind YOU DON’T NEED TO COMPROMISE! There is no sense in taking on someone else’s problems and amplifying your own!

I know what I’m looking for in a horse. I know my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to developing horses. My husband and I are clear on what’s important to us both short and long term. The decision to add Mikey to our family had been thoughtfully formed over time. It wasn’t ’til today that Mikey showed up to fulfill it.

Another horse-human partnership takes root. Another journey begins!

Like many horse people, I somehow end up with horses nobody else wants, or can do anything with. If I kept them all, I would need to fence in the state of Montana to keep them! After their rehabilitation and retraining, the time always comes when I need to find them a new home. Even though I know its necessary, it never gets any easier! Most of the horses came out of hardship situations and I have invested all of myself into bringing out the best in the them. Letting go is a gut-wrenching act of faith.

A few years ago a realization hit and I pass it on to you. You don’t need to be the happily-ever-after for all horses. Sometimes we don’t realize the value of “the Open Door:” being a gateway for whoever will be your sale horse’s lifetime home.

Did you step in to break a downward spiral of physical or behavioral problems that could eventually result in a “one way trip to France” for the horse? Are you placing the horse into a situation that he would not have been qualified for without his time you? Is his new owner thrilled and delighted with her new “dream horse?”

Congratulations, my friend. You are that horse’s Open Door!

Here’s a tip to save precious time grooming during mud season. Brush your horse’s tail well, being generous with whatever detangling product you prefer. We love Showsheen spray and gel, and Cowboy Magic. If weather permits, wash and condition the tail. Even if you can just wash the skirt of the tail (the parts hanging below the tailbone) you’ll be ahead of the game.

When your sale horse’s tail is dry, braid the skirt. Secure the braid with a human hair tie. Bag the braid in an inexpensive lycra or nylon tail bag. You can pick up several CHEAP off of Ebay. If you are crafty, you can make your own.

Not only will bagging your sale horse’s (clean) tail save you time and protect his tail from the drying, splitting effects of the mud, but he will look that much cleaner and sharper at a moment’s notice for prospective horse buyers.

Another tip: Even if you don’t need to blanket your sale horse in winter, consider using a sturdy, well-fitting, high denier turnout sheet during springtime mud season. Again, you can often find a good deal on a great sheet on Ebay. Your grooming time will be shortened SIGNIFICANTLY, and your horse’s coat will appear shiny and smooth.

To your Horse Selling Success!

But here’s the secret: if you plan on selling your horse to a great home at the best price, now is the time to start the process. Do your legwork NOW and you’ll be miles ahead of other sellers in your market come spring. By then, even my pony hunter will be sleek and svelte!

Stay tuned for a simple, step-by-step plan for horse selling success, regardless of your horse’s breed or sport. And please, feel free to ask us any questions that come up. We love hearing from you!