kaneranch":s2jjj24a said:
What kind of disposition should I be looking for. He is unbroke since he is a yearling, but they said that he had a very quiet disposition, and a good temperment. Any comments would be helpful. Thanks Kaneranch
Sounds like you have not been along side this animal.
No insult intended here - do not know your experience level - take someone you trust with you.
Before you go decide you will spend the money if you like what you see - otherwise you are wasting your time and theirs.
Time for a drive if you are a serious purchaser - you may kiss a few toads before you find the right prince / princess.
Turn him loose in a small pen and walk up to him - if he watches you with his ears up and forward - good. If he turns his back to you with his ears down - bad.
Turn him out in a small field and see if you can catch him.
Have a good look at mom, and dad as well if he is on the farm.
Have a good look at THEIR disposition. Handle them a bit.
Watch how the present owner handles him - is he "straight up and straight at the horse"? We are with ours - not aggressive, just that we can literally walk up to them and they do not shy away.
He may not be broke, but is he curious about things or is he shy?
Does he tend to spook when you the stranger walk into the corral and talk in a normal tone - or is he a curious and friendly animal.
Can he be handled? Pick up his feet and so on. You go on and touch him. All over - how does he react?
Lots of this stuff is easy to do if he is tied - but is he happy to let you wander around him and touch him if he is not tied?
You cannot ride him if not broke - but does he have a pleasant expression or does he look at you like he might want a piece of you under the right circumstance? The eye is the window to the soul.
Go with your gut on some of these - most times you will be right on the mark.
Do not spend 30 minutes with him - spend an afternoon around him.
Check him out with some noise - if there are kids on the place do they handle him? Prove it to me please. Kids and horses go hand in hand - if he is good on the ground with them you stand a better than fighting chance of getting something that has a good temperment. It is certainly like that at this place.
If you have even the slightest doubt - leave.
Get a guarantee in writing.
Get a vet check with 100% "good to go". No 99% please.
I have missed some stuff, but others will fill you in more.
Good luck,
Bez!