Revised:  06/24/2008

	How -To Tips FAQs

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How-To subjects included in these FAQs:

• FS 167 - Tips on Buying Your First Horse
• FS 348 - Saddling and Bridling Horses Safely
• FS 349 - Mounting, Dismounting and Riding Horses Safely
• FS 607 - Horse Trailer Maintenance and Trailering Safety
• FS 716 - Stress Management for Equine Athletes

Tips on Buying Your First Horse fs 167

• How do I know if I’m ready to own a horse?
• When buying a horse, what are some factors that determine the cost of the horse?
• Approximately how much does it cost to keep a horse?
• What should I look for when trying to find a stable to board my horse?
• Where can I purchase a horse?
• What are some things I should look for when considering a horse for purchase?
• How do I know if the horse I hope to purchase is right for me?
• Should I have a vet examine the horse before I purchase it?

Saddling and Bridling Horses Safely fs 348

• What is the proper way to saddle a horse?
• How do I get my horse to exhale so I can adjust the girth when saddling?
• What is the proper way to bridle a horse?
• When bridling, how will I know if my bit is adjusted properly?
• How do I untack my horse?

Mounting, Dismounting and Riding Horses Safely fs 349

• Is it safe to mount a horse in its barn or stall?
• What should I do if the horse is moving when I mount it?
• How do I mount a horse?
• What is a “leg up?”
• Is it better to always use a leg up or mounting block?
• How do I dismount?
• Is it safe to ride a very excited or energetic horse?
• What should I do if my mount becomes frightened?
• Is it safe to ride in a pasture with loose horses?
• How should I ride over hills?
• Is it okay to let the horse eat while I’m riding it?
• Is it safe to ride a horse bareback with no bridle?
• How do I pass another rider on horseback?
• How do I ride in a group?
• Why does that horse have a red ribbon tied in its tail?
• What are some good guidelines for riding on public/paved roads?
• What are some good guidelines for night riding?
• How can I best care for my tack?

Horse Trailer Maintenance and Trailering Safety fs 607

• When purchasing a horse trailer, what are some important considerations?
• Can I tow a trailer with an SUV?
• What are some regular maintenance checks that need to be performed on a truck and trailer each time it is used?
• What are some yearly maintenance checks that need to be performed on a truck and trailer?
• What type of halter is safe for trailering?
• How do I wrap my horse’s legs for shipping?
• Are nylon leads safe to use when loading a horse?
• On which side of the trailer should a single horse be hauled?
• What are routine safety measures to take when trailering?
• What is the proper way to unload a horse from a trailer?
• Should I tie a horse to an unhitched trailer?

Stress Management for Equine Athletes fs 716

• What types of stress might my horse encounter?
• How does stress affect a horse?
• Is exercise stressful to my horse?
• How is the impact of stress on the immune system measured?
• Is weaning stressful to foals?  Does this have an effect on their immune system?
• Is showing stressful to my horse?