Tips for people thinking of buying their first paso.

[Pasogirlz]

I am collecting ideas for the home page. I want to put tips for "first time paso buyers" so they make wise decisions. Please share from your experiences what you should and should not do when looking at horses.

First, I want to address that many non-horsey people think that when buying a horse for their kids, they should buy a baby, so they can "grow up together". I feel this is very dangerous. As most of us know, raising, breaking and training are for experienced folks only. I want to advise them that maybe a nice broke to ride mare that they could breed in the futher is the best idea. Then the child gets confidence on something that is less like to hurt them, and they are gaining the knowledge they will need to handle the baby.

Also, you should research and learn the proper gaits of these horses. Going to more than one farm is a good idea. Try out the different styles and decide which one you like.

What other ideas and suggestions do you have?

[Pasomom]

Here is one that I think might play a pretty important part....

The parent needs to do some research on what breed they would like to buy first, and then they should go and visit some farms that have these types of horses available...in our case.....paso finos.....the important thing I think, is that the parents should do these visits on the sly (before they tell their kids they are shopping) because the kid is going to want the very first horse they see.....(trust me, I've been there!)

The parents should select several "prospects" keeping in mind, the wants of the child, (i.e. color, stockings, etc.) and the abilities of the horse, and THEN take the child to each one.....(if it were me, I would take them to the horse that I felt was the best suited for them first...that is probably where you will end up. )

:mrgreen:

[pasolovr]

I think that when you try out a horse, it should be ridden away from the place where it's kept. And though it might not be the easiest thing to do, finding someone that will let you return the horse if it does not work out would be VERY IMPORTANT to me. I think going to some Paso shows and just watching and asking questions helps too. And finally, if at all possible, getting some lessons from someone who is knowledgeable about how a Paso should be ridden. :wink:

[PASOFAN]

alwasy make the owner ride first, if they cant handel the horse, you prabably cant either...

Pick up all the feet, rub your hands every where to make sure the horse isnt goosey and can handel a new person doing that and doesnt mind...

these are pretty obviouse things to us horse people but for people who dont know horses it may help.....

[sporthorse]

:D :lol: 8) :wink: my main tip is do shop ride and then ride some more even if it is easy to fall in love with the first ever riden paso fino. I give rides on Obi all the time and have recieved offers for him too. But what would I buy even if I got a huge sum of money/He is a special friend and is irreplacable :roll: I am a romantic I know.so the moral is ride enjoy shop some more They are like potatoe chips.Try to have an idea what it is you want to do on/with them and shop /show, trail companion,speed events, cows, or pasture oranment or all the above there is a special one just for you!

[Heidi]

I would have to recommend Jennie Williams' book, "The Paso Fino Handbook" that I purchased through her Paradise Paso Finos website.

The table of contents include 37 chapters in four sections:
Buying a Paso Fino
...want to own a horse
...PF horse for all seasons
...evaluating yourself as a rider
...determine your specific needs in a horse
...price tag and what to expect
...deal is made and prepurchase exam
...final list of what to expect to pay
Your Paso is Coming Home
...11 chapters
Keeping a Healthy Horse
...8 chapters
Back in the Saddle
...10 chapters

and a final section of:
About the Author

I have owned horses for more than 30 years, but felt I learned a lot and most especially learned a lot about the specific breed of Paso Finos.
Heidi

[Wendy]

I think new horse owners need to understand that the purchase price of a horse is the cheapest part of horse ownership. The proper care of a horse is quite expensive and time consuming. Also, a good childs or beginner's horse can be as expensive as a show horse due to the extensive training that it has recieved. Many times new horse owners want to buy the cheapest horse available. However, often times an inexpensive horse may have behavorial or health problems that might make more appropiate for an experienced horse owner.

[Pasogirlz]

You are SO right Wendy! That is a great point.

Keep'em coming you guys!

I must be doing something wrong when trying to post. I am logged in at one place. When I try and add user name it says that name is taken. When I log in again it throws me back to the main page. I will post anyway without the user name shown. My user name is trail rider.

Now back to the subject I am trying to respond to "Horses for first time owners".

I think an older horse is best. They have seen it all and are less likely to be spooked. I think a gelding is better than a mare for the new rider, they are more consistant in their behavior.

I do not think that a paso fino is the best horse for the beginner. As much as I like them I do not think they should be a first horse. Most pasos are very responsive and quick. The ones I am familiar with take a light hand and cues. It takes time to develop the touch for these horses. I know there are some exceptions but I am talking about generalities.

I have a very well behaved 5 yr old that would not hurt anyone. But it takes very little for him to show his brio. He is so quick that when you give a cue you had best be ready for the response. That is a good thing, but for the beginner it is too much of a good thing.

I would suggest that a beginner find an inexpensive older gelding, gaited if that is what they want. Learn to ride, learn to have a feel in your hands, learn leg cues and balance. Then search for that paso fino to then learn to really enjoy the ride and riding.

Larry

[Pasogirlz]

Larry - Here's the deal with the log in. The home pg and the forum are separate. You can be logged into one without the other. You are only logged into the forum if you see your username next to the logout. Hope this helps.

Lori,

When I log in on the forum page is shows me logged in. When I go to a category I am still logged in. When I click on the topic in a category it shows me as not logged in. When I log in again it throws me back out to the forum page.

I am doing something wrong but do not know what. It did let me post one time under my user name but I do not remember what I did differently.

Larry

[Pasogirlz]

That has happend to me twice, but it was from different computers than I usually use. :?
At that point I exited out of the site and came back, then it worked ok. Not sure why that happens sometimes.

[Pasogirlz]

I think this is an important topic and I would like to hear more suggestions.

What kind of advice would you give a new person about bloodlines and what to look for? I know when we were looking, the internet was great, and told us the more popluar stallions names like Capuchino, El Classico, & Coral LaCE...but I didn't know what those lines represented in reference to what kind of ride and characteristics I would be getting.

[finolover]

don't go shopping at a ranch that specializes in SHOW paso's, if your looking for a trail horse, unless you can take the horse for a complete
test on trail conditions !
i've got a hunch that when they break one out if it's not top show quality they sell them for trail stock. and all they have ever seen is an indoor, outdoor & round pen..
trail horse training is not in their daily training routine.

[Tami Pinell]

I suggest that you ride lots of horses and then lease a horse first.... then ride, ride, ride....
the more time you spend with the horse, the more you will know if the both of you will be a lasting pair.
- There is a paso out there for everyone! -

[Jasfino]

When shopping for that first paso, it would be a good idea to take someone familiar with the breed along with you if at all possible. I know that since this is not possible in most situations.. the advice I would give would be to buy a horse from someone you feel you can TRUST. The seller should be genuinely interested in matching the horse to your level of riding experience. Be very clear as to what your background is as this will be important to finding the right match. The seller should be eager to answer any and all of your questions about the horse and be willing for you to come and ride it as many times as it takes for you to be comfortable with your choice. The seller should take the time to show you the proper cues that the horse responds to and the tack that it is used to. Ask for the medical records and get a health check. Be wary of sellers that dont have the time for you or your questions or seems to avoid taking a personal interest you and the horse. A good seller should want you and the horse to be happy and do the best they can to make sure that you are compatible with each other. Horses are like people with different attitudes and levels of energy. Some are easy going, and laid back, some are nervous and hyper. Be honest as to what you can handle and what you want out of your horse.

[Sharon Leboffe]

Hi, my daughter, Colette, suggested a Paso Fino when I was 52 (am now 60) and we bought a 9 year old black gelding (Canseco) from a video! We liked his kind eyes and trusted Dorothy Kelly of Corto Ridge Paso Fino Farm. We love him and wish he could be cloned. Colette (who had been an Arab owner) went through 3 Pasos before she found a 222 son named Delagado who was extremely head shy but with patience and love he has become the bravest and most dependable trail horse we could wish for. Did I mention, he was also from a video?! Our horses are smooth (Canseco has a to die for largo and Delgado can corto for hours) brave, beautiful and take good care of us in incredible situations. We trail ride in NJ Wharton State Park and run into deer, turkeys, coyotes, ATVs, you name it. Yes, we were lucky and I'm not saying that it is the best idea to buy from a video. It took a lot of time in the saddle. My advice would be to match the horse with your interest. If trail riding, don't buy a show horse. Make sure that you buy from a known seller who knows the horse and will back up what they promise. Then its up to you to bring the best from you and your horse. I can't stress the "time in the saddle" enough. It is a huge commitment but in the end, well worth it!! Hope I was helpful. Sharon :D

[Pasogirlz]

Hey, we bought our pasos from Dorothy Kelly! :D Small world.

[Pascale]

If possible, ask for references from past buyers. Was the seller pleasant to deal with, was she trustworthy, was she honest?

I was so fortunate that when I bought my first Paso Fino, I also ended up becoming part of the breeders family - but even in the beginning, when I had questions or trouble, she was THERE for me and was always willing to answer questions.

I can imagine it being quite frustrating to buy a great horse, but have a horrible experience with the person you buy it from.

[motorgypsy]

Our feeling about buying a horse for a child is that the child needs to have a horse that he/she can catch, tack up, get on and off, without adult help. This doesn't say without adult supervision but without adult help. Unless the child is older this would not be a paso fino. The larger minis are great for kids but you want one that is large enough for a light weight adult to ride - like at least 10 hands and sturdy - so that the mini will be properly trained. And no they don't bite unless they are allowed to bite. A friend has about 40 minis and not one hers bites because they know better.

Now back to the paso fino. There are plenty of paso finos that are fine first horses but many many are not. We also asked around and went to many many many farms and rode paso finos before we ever bought one. I'd lease first and preferable buy locally so I could keep the horse at the home barn for at least a couple of months, take lessons, ride there with other people, before the horse is brought home. Kids really do enjoy riding with other kids so boarding barns can be great fun. I'd also get a buyback agreement in writing for at least 30 days because a horse can seem fine and turn out to be a total nutcase. Don't pay for the horse unless you have the signed papers in your hands and the horse loaded on your trailer or you really know the people you are buying from. Too many people have gotten burned this way.

Get a helmet and a vest and wear them - adult or child - ride in very secure tack - stirrup straights can save you a serious fall. Full seat breeches are expensive but well worth the money because they do keep you in that saddle. And have a second person with a leadline on that horse when you first ride in a new place. Horses are so very social and they take a lot of time to adapt to a new place. Be patient with them and just don't rush things.

[CarolU]

When shopping for that first paso, it would be a good idea to take someone familiar with the breed along with you if at all possible.

This is SO true (actually for new owners of any kind of horse), and then be honest with them about what you are shopping for, what your abiities are, how much effort you're willing to put into learning 'horsemanship.' Make sure it is someone you can trust...NOT someone who is selling a horse.

I have heard sellers say just about anything to sell a horse...like our continual discussion about Pleasure horses. Yes, hot horses can be a pleasure for experienced horsepeople to own and ride. They are NOT a pleasure for new owners, older people, people with little time, families needing kids horses, or people who just want a comfortable trail ride. There IS a difference.

Likewise, selling someone a "show" horse that has little/no potential, just to hook them into a big training contract.

The word "horse trader" is ugly for a reason.

[moonrize]

Pasos are great first horses! Of course, this is given the fact that you buy a suitably trained horse for the beginning rider. I say this because I have trained many children and adults on both my Pasos and QHs. Pasos are infinetely easier to gain balance on than any trotting horse.

I know many people here think that other breeds don't respond as quickly as Pasos do, but I hate to tell you that trained correctly, every horse should respond quickly and easily to the rider's cues. My QHs do. One press of the heel and my QH will go from a dead stand into a nice canter on the first stride. There are pasos with too much brio for beginners just as much as there are other breeds with too much energy for beginners.

So to me, the first thing is to be realistic about your wants and abilities. Gentle horses are an excellent investment in your child's health and welfare (read that to say a good horse is not necessarily the cheapest horse, and money is better spent up front for a fully trained horse). If you/your child don't have knowledge of how to judge this, then working with a professional is important. Take lessons and learn to ride. Ride as many different horses as possible. Young horses and young riders generally do not make a good pair.

Having an instructor that you have been taking lessons from and you know and trust is a good place to start to find an appropriate horse. This person needs to be an advocate for you, not the seller. Vet checks are mandatory in my book - you don't want to find any hidden surprises when you get the horse home. I'm a gelding advocate for beginners too.

Safety first - a suitable horse, boots, a helmet, riding instruction, and especially being taught an emergency dismount.

[Monty]

I lucked out with both Pasos I had/have - one was 17 and the other 18 when I got them - mare was a trail horse (she was safe enough for anyone to ride - ) - Monty did do shows but loves trails ( I have a feeling he would test people he isn't sure of and isn't too happy about men riding him - he had a bad experience with one owner who was the male that owned him ) .
Both were semi-rescues - they found me - I didn't GO shopping!
My suggestion would be for anyone serious about Pasos to try to audit a clinic for Pasos - sure made a difference to me! :smile:
I agree if not direct vet checks - have the owner call vet and give permission for you to talk to them about the horse's health - I did that with Monty knew his health history and what shots he had.

[Pasogirlz]

I thought I would bump this post for the Paso newbies considering buying...since there is so much good info on this thread. I might just have to turn it into an article when I have the time. ;-)

[halfmoonfino]

Buy a Paso who is older (than 4 probably) and set in their gaits. Make sure they are already trained by a knowledgeable person to understand and respond to your movements. A first timer trying to get a horse to gait under saddle could well turn out messy.

Look for the personality, not just the gaits. Pasos have incredible spirits! What you should fall in love with is their hearts, not their breed or heritage. Look at the whole horse and choose a partner for life (not hard to do with a Paso)!

I am this thread’s Poster Child.

Currently I am, along with my entire family embroiled in a Paso Fino purchase disaster. My mistakes are many, but the foremost ones are that I trusted the seller and did not have an experienced person to help me.

All of your recommendations are so meaningful and would have helped me out tremendously.

The horse that I was sold is dangerous. He has terrified everyone in the family that has tried to handle or ride him, and that was in the first week we had him!

By Wednesday of the second week my husband phoned her and told her what was happening. She said she would come here and pick him up.

The beginning of the third week she would not return any of my calls. Now here at six weeks my husband managed to get her to pick up the phone and she proceeded to blame all of the horses problems on me. Then when she wasn't able to manipulate him she threw down the phone and walked off. Not too promising sounding is it?

I have been offered half of my money back. I do not believe this is fair.

So here I am, I have a horse that I cannot ride and confidence shot. My daughter will not handle this horse anymore because he is in her terms ‘a freak’.

Thanks for this thread, I hope it stops someone from ending up where I am today.

Jennifer Dressel
Cameron, South Carolina

[Pasogirlz]

Jennifer - I am sure you can get some help on this forum.
BTW-http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/17.gif

Why don't you tell us more about this horse. How old is he? Any previous training? What are the bloodlines? What do you want for a horse? *what qualities are you looking for.

Was the seller a paso breeder or just a horse trader? or what?

How much did you spend on it?

I started out w/a maniac paso gelding *but I knew what I was getting into when I bought him. But now he is the sweetest thing, it just takes time and patience sometimes.

[RR]

I have to add my two cents for what it is worth. I have made many, many mistakes when I have bought horses. I would always go for the flashy and spunky horse before the safe and quiet horse. There are only two horses I have ever bought that were the kind of horses I need. A mustang from the BLM and a 12 month old rescue paso. What did I do, I sold the mustang but to a really wonderful woman for a lessons horse so that I could get this really pretty paso fino that I couldn't even ride. See mistake 1
And sold that paso recently due to a mutual mistrust between him and me. He went to the best home with someone that loves him and can ride him everyday.

Mistake #1, I was new to the breed, went to a show by myself. wanted a paso and had money in my pocket (they saw me coming a 100 miles away) he ended up to be a real head case, he had to go.

Mistake #2 trusted a friend that had a performance paso for sale, (I am looking for a trail horse) but HAD to have him because he was sooooo breathtaking. Got him home and couldn't even ride him, just too much horse. Had to go.

Mistake #3 Decided I wanted a baby so that I could star all over. Lets just say that didn't work out. So now I am looking again but with more wisdom then I had before and people that can help me along the way.

[DMD]

I think an important and obvious one would be to ride one and then talk to someone extremely experienced with the breed and possibly take some general riding lessons.

[Nito]

INSPECT THE HORSE! if you are positively sure you want this horse you are about to buy and all make sure you bring a VET to check out the horse to see if it is in ok shape have thier teeth checked most importantly

Check out the horse frequently make sure it doesnt have any bad habits such as sucking air.

Ride the horse several times before you get it.

make sure you have all the things necesary before it taken to your place ex: food , water, cleaning supplies, first aid, and TIME!

[motorgypsy]

Checking on the progess of Oats and Barley on resolving the problem????

[reuben T]

Glad yer checking, that's the kind of horse i want to get and play with sometime just to see how easy/hard it is to get them handelable and ridable safely, i'm sure every one'll be different, but that's normal.
I'm sure they can't be worse than some of my mustangs are.

[Minouri]

The number one thing I would suggest when you go horse shopping is not to go alone. Bring a friend who knows what you want and will remind you of that when you fall in love with a beautiful, flashy horse that your friend knows will toss you as soon as you get it on the road.

I've leased several horses and bought two (my other horse is an Appy...sounds like a bumpersticker...lol). Knock on wood, both have been perfect choices for my family. After a vet check, I choose personality first, smoothness of gait second, breed third (I guess you could leave this one out if you're doing just a Paso page), and looks last. You can't ride good looks or a pedigree.

Also, I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I wouldn't recommend a first time horse owner to buy a Paso mare with the intention of breeding it in the future. Just my humble opinion, but the people who would be reading your page for advice on purchasing a horse probably won't know enough to breed intelligently or have enough horse expertise to understand how much training a baby requires. I'm not saying that people shouldn't breed their Paso mares, just that I've seen people breed their horses and end up selling the babies because they had no idea how dangerous the little ones can be if you don't know what your'e doing.

[Minouri]

On the idea of keeping in mind the reason for your horse, I would test the horse outside of it's comfort zone.

I did not do this with my Paso because he was going to be MY horse, but
when I got my Appy I rode it with the intention of pissing it off. I kicked when there was no reason, pulled an ear, gave it all messed up leg cues. I was a little rough with the bit...nothing cruel, but enough to see what he would do when he was irritated.

The owner of the horse was upset with me. She said...I thought you said you could ride.

I said, I CAN, but this horse is going to be for the kids and my fiance and they are still learning. I knew that the Appy would not be my primary ride and that I wouldn't have as much time in saddle with him training him. I needed to know what he would be like with novice riders.

He passed all of my little tests with nothing more than a pinned ear and he has proven to be an incredibly patient horse.

If a new buyer doesn't feel secure enough to test the limits of a new horse, have a trainer come with you. I don't think this is necessary when an adult is buying for themselves, but I want an honest/forgiving horse where children are concerned.

[Got Brio?]

Nice! :D

[Monty]

All good comments - but I can give a few suggestions from experience!
First - do your homework on what it takes to KEEP a horse - any horse ! Can you get the proper feed and hay locally and can you afford it ? There is a lot to learn about nutrition!
Have enough room? And the money for "proper" fencing ?A place to dispose of the manure? And at least a run-in shed?
Have enough time?
Can you afford board if not kept at home? And time to go to that barn?
Can you afford the shots/wormers and vet bills when needed ?
Ok - now, what experience do you have with horses?
Leasing is nice and works - but lessons before you look may be a better ;-) idea . And ask questions about everything -
Go to Horse events - like expos - we go to Midwest Horse Fair - they have all kinds of demos and lectures - you can learn a ton !
If you can, go to clinics ( actually make a point of it ) - you can audit ( a lot cheaper)and watch and take tons of notes and ask questions -
I went to Paso clinic to learn how to ride properly and it has paid off - I had always ridden western /neck reining - wasn't tuned in on direct rein or dressage style - I did it for my horse.
Follow all the advice in other threads to look for and buy a horse -
Depending on the age of your kids - if buying for them - Most 4H groups have "horseless horse: projects - they can learn what it takes to have a horse - ;-)
Both my Pasos are/were semi rescues - they found me, I was lucky they were both sweet keepers - but I sure know what I want if I ever do go looking to buy one ! :roll:
Ok - I have rambled on long enough - hope it helps someone - oh - most important thing you need - patience - it is free!

[LynnG]

Here's a link for 2 articles I wrote at The Smoothest Ride website:
Purchasing Tips -- So You Want A Paso Fino!
http://www.geocities.com/lynngallup/smoothestride/pagepurchase.html

Top Ten Pitfalls Horse Buyers Make --
The Responsible Relationship Between Buyer and Seller
By Lynn Gallup

1. Falling In Love At First Sight -- The Emotional Buyer.
Remember: Reality sets in after the honeymoon. While your prospective buyer "oooohs and aaahs over this equine beauty (beauty is in the eye of the beholder), telling the seller "this is the horse for them". The seller needs to take it several steps farther ... does this horse fit their previously announced needs? Are their undisclosed soundness or disposition defects that would make this horse unsuitable for the buyer who may have special needs? Will this horse fit the future needs of the buyer, or will the buyer end up selling it and getting another?

2. Looking At Horses The Buyer Can't Afford.
Remember: A seller should not show the buyer a horse and get them all excited about it, knowing they can't afford it. Does the buyer have a tight spending budget or can they allocate more for the right horse? Does the buyer intend to board or care for it themselves? The buyer needs to take into consideration the upkeep costs of normal horse care if they are on a budget and/or financing a horse purchase to know what they can afford to spend. The new horse deserves and requires proper care and feed, as well as routine farrier and veterinary services.

3. Buying In The Wrong "Neighborhood".
Remember: Analyze your search criteria and look in the regions and farms that promote that type of horse. If you want a pleasure horse, would you go to a farm promoting fino horses and get a mediocre fino horse that did not meet that farm's criteria. Go to a farm that proudly promotes pleasure horses and recognizes the criteria that it takes to make a good pleasure horse.

4. Not Asking For A Pre-Inspection Exam By A Professional Prior to The Sale.
Remember: The seller should suggest to the buyer to consider a pre-purchase exam by a veterinarian to cover any possible concerns. This way the buyer will know prior to obtaining the horse any pre-existing soundness problems. A responsible breeder and seller should have complete health and veterinary records for any horse for sale.

5. Choosing The Wrong Horse.
Remember: Choosing and purchasing the wrong horse can cost the buyer thousands of dollars over the years. There are many horses for sale on the market. How is an inexperienced buyer going to choose? With the help of a good professional or knowledgeable experienced owner for guidance, the buyer should be able to sort through the numbers. Ask for advice throughout the process the search and purchase process. It may cost the inexperienced buyer for professional guidance, but it will be financially advantageous than after purchasing finding out that the horse is not the horse you wanted or that it will not meet your needs.

6. Not Insuring Your New Equine Investment.
Remember: Consider whether you need to protect your equine investment prior to closing the sale. Can you afford to lose the money invested if the horse does not perform up to the purpose desired or dies? There are many equine insurance options to consider: mortality, medical, fertility, live foal, etc. An insurance exam is different than a pre-purchase exam; both are performed by a licensed veterinarian.

7. Not Doing Your Homework When Buying A New Horse.
Remember: Even a new horse with a seller's warranty is not a guarantee for the buyer. The buyer should be prepared to know the breeder's/seller's reputation and how long he/she has been in business in that area. Is the business moved every few years possibly due to poor client relationships starting new someplace else. Are there client references available? Check them out. Don't be timid --talk to other buyers of their horses and ask how available the seller was after the sale to answer questions and resolve any problems regarding any guarantees. Does the seller offer any extras after the sale? We assume the seller will meet certain standards, but what if anything do they offer above the call of duty? A good salesman will be proud to tell you any extras they offer as part of the sale. Is the paperwork in proper order for the buyer, such as registration papers and breeder's certificates with owner's signatures in place, stallion report filed, bill of sale with any terms spelled out, and health records available. Another reason to check your seller's reputation has to do with what happens to he buyer's deposit or payment, before the horse is delivered and new ownership is officially transferred with the breed association office. The breed association office is usually available to confirm official ownership and that all paperwork on that horse is in order.

8. Not Being Decisive.
Remember: You may never find the "perfect" horse. However, once you have found your best option, be prepared to make an offer or close the deal. If a buyer continually loses out on several opportunities because of indecisiveness, he needs help to decide. Is this the fifth time the buyer is looking at a horse and still not made an offer to the now irritated seller? To help, the buyer needs to write down their requirements on paper. If the buyer can't decide among their choices, they can write pros and cons of each horse to see if one horse outweighs the others. An expert's appraisal or veterinarian exam may relieve some of the buyer's anxiety even though it will incur additional costs.

9. Buying A Horse That Will Be Difficult To Resell.
Remember: You can change some things about the horse as with environment and training, but a horse with poor conformation can not have its form. Form to function applies. Buyers need to take into consideration how this horse will appear to their potential buyers in the future. Poor conformation affects how the horse moves and performs, now and in the future, which can lead to unsoundness. Too often it seems, people buy a horse because they desire a certain size and color without looking at the individual horse's conformation. Additionally, if a buyer is purchasing a "fixer-upper", a "distress sale", "needs more training"; they may be buying more than they bargained for. After investing much time and money in the horse, when the buyer tries to resell, they may be stuck and forced to sell at a loss. Evaluate thoroughly the potential horse and your reasoning for purchase.

10. Choosing The Wrong Buyer's Agent.
Remember: A good agent can "make the deal", but a bad agent can "break" the deal. A good buyer's (or even seller's) agent takes on the role of protector, inspector, and informer; therefore helping the buyer to avoid making many of these "pitfall" mistakes. This agent will keep the emotional buyer in check while they investigate further. A good agent will call in a veterinarian or expert when needed. A good agent will listen to his buyer about what he feels comfortable in spending instead of assuming he wants to spend the entire 30% of his monthly gross income! A good agent will stay with the buyer throughout the purchase process: making an offer to closing the deal to the delivery of the horse to a satisfied new owner. As with any horse purchase, resell should always be a consideration. The buyer's agent should make sure the investment is sound without any obstacles that would limit the buyer's ability to sell in a timely and profitable manner if desired.

[ambulance_Driver]

I know that I wish I had someone expirienced with pasos to go with me to look at one on Friday lol. How many times should I ride it? I plan on making payments if I like the horse, and by that I don't just mean his looks lol. I read all the posts on this topic and it's been great. Are there any paso rescues around the midwest?

Thanks
Sandra

[Minouri]

Hi Sandra,

I'm not sure it's a matter of how many times you ride but maybe how and when you ride.....and the reputation of who you are getting the horse from. What do you want to do with the horse? Trail? Show? And how reputable is the person you're buying from? Will they let you drop in and ask for a ride? What you want to avoid is buying a horse that was put on bute that morning for your ride ......and that's why a good vet check is so important.

Tell us about the horse you're looking at. And better yet.....do you have pictures? People on here might even already know the horse......

[baileyholc]

Might be best if you have the owner catch and saddle the horse up first. Also have the owner lift the feet. Also, have the owner ride the horse first. Take a few pictures, Then if you feel you can get on and see what the horse does with you. If you are still interested in the horse don't talk to the owner about prices untill you have had a chance to check out a few more. Like I said in the other post each ride is different. If you can, take a trip to Trudy's and try a few of hers. If it is possable and she has time she might go with you to look at the horse you are interested in. Then again you might like Trudys herd better. Do post back on the horse you are going to look at. Their are a lot of Paso trainers here that can give you some info on the horse. And like Minouri said, someone here might now the horse or the people. Good luck. And keep us posted.

[boo]

People should be aware that a Paso can be challenging, especially if you are a novice...or new to Pasos...if you are wanting a quarter horse , dont get a Paso...someone told me once....

[Pasogirlz]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/1.gifFirst Welcome to both ambulance driver and boo.

I just have to say, that after riding Barb's horse Amante at the parade this weekend, that there ARE pasos out there exactly like you would like. You just have to look and be willing to spend the extra money to buy something safe, and under saddle. Amante was steady as a rock. Maybe steadier than any QH could have been at the parade. He got up close and personal w/the crowd who was screaming, blowing wistles, beating cowbells, and waving flags in his face. Something I couldn't have done on some other pasos. He certainly was an ambassador the breed. I could not have felt safer.

I also agree, Trudy is the perfect place to start, and she raises some of the calmest, friendliest ppl person bloodlines out there. ;-)

[Carol Nelson]

Excellent, excellent advice!! All of it, but I'd have to say the last few posts, namely by Minouri, Monty and Lynn...we all ought to copy, highlight, print and frame them!
How many times have I had people come to the farm or email over the Internet INSISTING that my half QH Ms. T is the ONE for them. Of course, she is...(in their minds). 1) she is cheap 2) she is beautiful 3) she is cheap, 4) they think that because she is half QH, she is low key, and 5) she is cheap....at least in terms of buying a well-bred gaited horse.
I actually had to argue with a gentleman here looking for a horse for his 12 year old son...and for the above reasons, I'm sure...he was so positive that Ms. T was for them...and I was so positive she was not. She is for an experienced, competitive rider who knows what they are doing and can stay in the saddle...I have to remind folks that she is from the Doc Bar lines who were cutting horses...they are quick, they are smart, and they are fast. Not for the faint of heart.
Early on in my horse buying career...ha...I made the mistake of believing a breeder/trainer from a big ranch when they told me a gelding was safe for me and my children to ride...we should have never bought that horse, our girls ended up scared of him. But I had him for quite a few years cause he was sweet on the ground and we "loved" him, but couldn't ride him.
It's tough...it's tough selling horses because I feel I HAVE to be honest with people for the sake of my reputation. And I don't want a horse that I have sold going out there and hurting someone...if they know about the horse, that's one thing, but if I hide something, then the blame is on me...
Right now, I'm trying to breed Paso Finos for the average guy...but none of them are old enough to go under saddle yet...but in another year...!
Then I will really see if these babies have turned out to be the horses I set out to breed them to be.

[Barbwire]

Thanks, Lori! :D

[Serendipity]

Bloodlines are another good starting point,I've learn this one the hard way.ask advise from a reputible trainer or from a some of the good folks that new Paso bloodlines.Then be honest will your self and what you want do you only want a trail horse or only a show animal or both and which of those is more important.

You don't want to by a horse as a trail buddy and the horse you are looking at is full of fino bloodlines yes true it could be a nice horse but as a first horse go on the side of caution.As as if you want to show you have to ask your self at what level do you want to show at bloodlines speak volums here.

Nice part about a board like this is if you ask what bloodlines would be best to fit this,this and this for what I want to do,You'll get help..

( I know this does not always work but I am very pleased with most of what I have in my barn and I followed bloodlines,I've been unhappy with ones that did not flow with the tryied and true)

[motorgypsy]

Bailey - that is a GREAT point about having the owner/broker ride and handle the horse first. We always insist on it. It tells you not only about the horse but about the person who is selling it.