This webinar is geared for youth, adults and families looking to obtain their first horse. We will discuss selection criteria, where to look, how to try out a horse, and steps to obtaining a horse. Additional resources will be shared for those considering a horse and those new to horse ownership.

Rescues have increased in both number and importance to the US horse industry, even as we come out of the economic recession. Horses enter rescues for a variety of reasons. Some are there because they have not met expectations at the track or show ring. Others enter due to financial issues and some may have experienced neglect or abuse.

Many people still believe that the old rule of "buyer beware" holds true for every transaction, including horse sales. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, buyers can have several potential legal rights with respect to horse sales, and sellers need to be aware of them. The horse industry nationwide has seen lawsuits involving horse sales.

This presentation covers the plight of the unwanted horse in the U.S. It focuses on the types of horse that becomes unwanted, the reasons they become unwanted, and possible solutions to the problem. Euthanasia, carcass disposal, rescue and retirement options, as well as the efforts of the Unwanted Horse Coalition will be included in the discussion.

Selecting a new horse can be an exciting, and stressful endeavor. A horseman with a trained eye for conformation recognizes traits in a horse that can influence how the horse may be able to perform for various events. The phrase “form to function” commonly demonstrates how a horse’s basic conformation can dictate its athletic ability.

Selecting the right youth horse for your child is one of the most important purchase decisions you will make in your horse endeavors. A good youth horse is a special equine friend, instilling confidence and good life skills to its young owner. However, the wrong youth-horse combination can result in frustration and high expenses at the very least, and in serious injury at the very worst.