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Horse classified ads can be riddled with mind-boggling equi-speak, especially for the novice rider/buyer. Often, the ads can be confusing and (sometimes) misleading. When you get to the farm to see your "dream horse", it turns out to be a real nightmare (or gelding). So, in the interests of those of you who are having trouble deciphering the ads, I'm going to try to explain some sample ads to you.
"FOR SALE, ONE REGISTERED QUARTERHORSE/PAINT CROSS, DOUBLE REGISTERRED, BREEDING STOCK GELDING, COMING 4 THIS SPRING. GREENBROKE, HAS BEEN HANDLED LOTS. LEADS, LOADS, TRAILERS WELL, REG. FARRIER AND DEWORMING. FLASHY, LOTS OF CHROME, EXCEPTIONAL TEMPERAMENT. $3500.00 FIRM."
At first view of this ad, it looks like not a bad horse. However, a "DOUBLE REGISTERED", QH/Paint cross, means that the horse is probably solid colored, because, the AQHA has rather strict rules as to how much white a horse can have on its' body and still qualify as a Registered Quarterhorse. The term "BREEDING STOCK", also refers to the fact that the horse is not really colored like a paint. USAGE OF THE TERM: "BREEDING STOCK" coupled with "GELDING" is an oxymoron. For those Readers unfamiliar with the term "gelding", geldings are neutered males, incapable of reproducing. (Heard enough yet? - by this time, I'd be laughing my face off, and crossing this one off MY list of horses to see).
"COMING 4 THIS SPRING" is self-explanatory, the horse is currently 3 years old, and will be 4 in the spring. "GREEN-BROKE", (one of my favorite terms), has a multitude of meanings. Usually , when I read "Green-broke" in an ad, I think: "been ridden once, someone stayed on and (hopefully), rode the buck out of it." NOTE: In an ad, from a reputable ranch or Breeder, Greenbroke means, doesn't neck rein, has had a few miles put on him, should have experienced rider to continue with his training. "HAS BEEN HANDLED LOTS" could mean a very spoilt horse that will be pushy, because everyone has been hand feeding and petting him. AGAIN: with a reputable breeder/trainer, it could also mean that a lot of ground work has been done, and the horse has respect for humans and their space.
"LEADS, LOADS, AND TRAILERS WELL", another beauty, could mean that this is the seventeenth home this horse has had in his brief life of 4 years, OR: that he has been properly trained to halter, stand tied, leads obediently, and doesn't put up a big fuss over getting on to a trailer. "REGULAR FARRIER, AND DEWORMING" - pretty much self-explanatory, unless the vendor is doing his own horses' feet, badly. "EXCEPTIONAL TEMPERAMENT", this should give one pause. Does this mean that the horse takes exception to everything?? Or does it mean that the horse is obedient, forgiving and good-natured.
"FLASHY, LOTS OF CHROME", he doesn't get along with the other horses or people and we're really trying to make him look good, so some sucker will come along and buy him for: $3,500.00 FIRM". OR: he's dumb as a sackful of hammers and we need to unload him and get the damage to the barn that he caused, fixed. $3500.00 FIRM, also means, "we won't take a penny less, unless we are sure you won't be bringing him back to us once you get to know him."
The relatively high price also means that he's not going to be foxed at 50 cents a pound, since they've paid so much for him in the first place, and they need to get the money to repair the damage he's done.
Other Terminology: 1. "HAS BEEN RIDDEN BY 12 YEAR OLD GIRL":( Kids bounce when they fall off, they rarely get hurt). OR: the horse has back problems and needs a small rider. 2."RIDDEN BY SMALL KIDS"- Spoilt horse, will probably take advantage of your every miscue and probably spend more time stopping to eat on the trail than you'd like. 3."HALTER-BROKE": has had a halter on, once, (Wasn't able to rub it off, so original halter still on). Doesn't necessarily stand tied or lead. 4."REGULAR FARRIER", can be self-explanatory as above, but it also can mean: "we just had him trimmed so he'd be ouchy and behave himself for your test ride." OR: "he has chronic lameness problems". 5. "WELL-BROKE": Somebody stayed on him for more than 2 rides. 6. REASON FOR SELLING: "going to school" (okay, maybe this one's legit). But "Too many horses, not enough time" - horse needs A LOT of work, or we just don't get along.
There are many terms associated with horse ads, but those are the basics. This was a light-hearted look at interpreting horse classifieds, but remember, when you do go to buy a horse, "CAVEAT EMPTOR", buyer beware. Always take someone with you who's familiar with what level of training you are at so that you can find the horse suitable for you.
If I was to sell Justin, the ad would read: for sale: QH/SB cross gelding. Bay, most wonderful, beautiful, agreeable horse in the world. 15.5 HH. Lots of chrome, very flashy, beautiful mover. Loves trains, and other large motor vehicles - bombproof. 11 yrs this May. Well-broke. Big dog, hard feet. Asking: the world, obo. Reason for selling, he's just too good for me.
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