Horse Breeders and Trainers Basics

Learn the ins and outs of horse breeders and trainers basics

When purchasing the right horse to fit your business' needs, it's helpful to be familiar with some horse breeders and trainers basics. The horse's role determines the breed of horse and type of training it requires. For racing horses, specialty race horse trainers are necessary, while a horse that must only provide horseback rides at a bed and breakfast will do well with a general trainer.

Kentucky horse breeders are world renowned for producing exceptional lineages of horses, although you can also find quality local breeders and trainers with a little bit of research. When learning the basics of horse breeding and training, consider the following:

1. Research the physical and temperamental characteristics of different breeds.

2. Learn basic training commands, even if you won't be handling the horse.

3. Know the horsemanship philosophies of potential horse breeders and trainers.

Know what horse breeders offer

Typically, a horse breeding company specializes in one or two specific breeds. If you're searching for horse breeders in Kentucky, for example, you'll have better luck if you know the specific breed of horse you'd like to purchase. If you're an equestrian novice, take some time to read profiles and look at photographs of different breeds of horses before contacting a breeder.
Oklahoma State University board of regents' website. For horse breed profiles and buying tips, visit the HorseChannel.com. Read more about nearly every breed of horse at Horse Show Central. The website also offers sections on breeds of ponies, draft horses and horse sports. All of the sites feature photographs of most of the breeds.

Learn some horse trainer basics

Even if you don't think you'll ever have to handle the horse, whether because you hire a trainer or your employees will be responsible for the animal, horse owners should have some basic handler training. Ideally, a horse trainer should be with you as you learn to control the horse, but reading training tips will let you know what to expect and add some additional confidence.

Review registration details when buying from a horse breeder

Whenever you purchase a horse, you need to register the horse to prove you are now the legal owner. Registering your horse protects both you and the horse from theft. You can register your horse in both a breed registry and an international database.

Look for a horse breeders and trainers' code of ethics

Before purchasing a horse from a breeder or utilizing a horse training business, ask if the company follows a code of ethics. The company's philosophy on horsemanship is in a code of ethics. This reduces the risk of purchasing an abused horse and it helps protect your horse from harsh training practices.

When searching for horse trainers, ask for references from other customers before hiring one.