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Spanish Andalusian
Horse Articles > Buying and Selling Andalusian Horses
A Few Thoughts about Imprinting
When you show up to evaluate the young horse offered for sale,
there are many things in the environment that will help you
tell something about the mentality of the horse just as you would with an older
horse. For example, when shopping for a grown horse you should evaluate the
stall or paddock he is kept in. Are there signs of weaving? Wind-sucking? Wood
chewing? Does the horse appear aggressive towards other horses or does he have
bite scars all over his body from being picked on?
For the foal, you can evaluate many of his social
attributes by looking at the parents.
The way the dam behaves in relation to her pasture-mates will
tell you what her social status is. If she’s high up on the list, its likely her
foal will be also. If she’s “low man on the totem pole” her foal is likely to be
submissive.
A young horse shouldn’t have developed any behaviors of weaving
or wind sucking if he’s kept outdoors with plenty of company. However, if he’s
been raised in a stall there is a possibility his physical and mental state has
alerady been affected. At the same time, a foal left out with his mother and not
offered any human contact may be too "wild" for your tastes.
So, buy from a breeder who offers their horses plenty of
time outside all year round every day. And who also checks on and works
with their foals on a regular basis.
Fact: Buying an imprinted foal will save you time and
money in the long-term!
If you’re looking for a family horse or a lifelong
companion, it should be important to you that the foal was
properly imprinted. This early handling teaches the foal not to be
afraid of humans and to accept them into his herd. Imprinting allows the foal to
learn to accept new experiences when he is most receptive to learning. Later
lessons in life will come much easier – you’ll have to spend less time
training and you’ll have more time to enjoy your young horse.
Your Buying Choice Will Be Easier if You Look at Imprinted
Foals.
An imprinted foal will allow you the chance to get to
know him. You’ll be able to closely inspect the foal, pet and brush
him, halter on him, and lead him around. This is the only way you’ll get
a feel for the personality of the horse and maybe make that special
connection that tells you “this is the one for me.”
So, before you go out to see the prospective foal, ask the
seller if the foal has been imprinted or handled properly.
Note: Many of our articles are now available in "blog"
format. The blog allows you to leave comments and share articles. To visit our
blog (a work in progress), go to
Skyhorse Ranch
Blog - Your Source for the Spanish Horse.
Looking for Andalusian horses for sale?
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