What is a Bombproof Horse?

Friday, February 20th, 2009 | local info

When looking at a horse for sale you will find that you come across several different types of terminology when a seller has horses for sale. One of the terms that we often look for in purchasing a horse for children is that they are “bombproof.”

This trait is typically defined as a horse that turns a deaf ear to and a blind eye towards any type of “spooky” situation. These horses are typically considered excellent mounts for children and beginning riders because they tend to be very dependable and reliable. How do we know if they are bombproof?

Some may say that the only bombproof horse is a dead horse. In other words, expect even a bombproof horse to have a spook here and there. The only way to test if a horse is what someone would considered bombproof is to put the horse in a situation where you would expect a horse to spook. When looking to buy a horse that would be considered “bombproof” the best thing you can do is to ride the horse as much as possible and hope that when your child is riding he will not spook. There are some breeds that are more placid and tolerant than others and that should be considered as well.

A bombproof horse, typically, has a lot of confidence and has had a lot of exposure to life around him. Perhaps he has been shown, ridden in parades and taken to rodeos. These horses are more apt to be more tolerant of their surroundings and are horses that you can trust…most of the time.

A key to making sure that the horses for sale you are looking at fall into this category is to “test” the horse. If the horse is truly bombproof then the seller should have no objections to letting you wave a bag, or even make a few loud sounds that are common place where you ride.

Remember any horse for sale is first and foremost a business transaction and you work hard for your money, so “kick the tires” and make sure you go for a test drive a couple times before you buy your first horse. Just to make sure you don’t get a lemon!

Owning a horse has great reward and trials as well so make sure you put the advantage in your barn.

Good luck and happy trails!

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