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One aspect of our business that we find very rewarding is that of placing the right horse with the right owner. Buying a horse is a very big step in one's life as a horseperson and finding the right horse is often quite daunting to the new rider. The euphemism of "horse-trader" is not unwarranted. Purchasing a healthy, sound horse of good temperament is a tricky business. Our process is simple. We buy good horses, take horses on consignment, or buy the occasional "problem horse" who is really just misunderstood and mishandled. The horses are either put directly into our lesson string, or if they require a tune-up, are put in training until they become good horse-citizens. By having the "for sale" horses in the lesson string, they get exposure to lots of different riders and likewise, our students also get exposure to them. This gives our students the chance to build a relationship with the horse, and get to know him or her before they make the final step of buying the horse. We also advertise our horses in papers most appropriate for that particular horse. This gives the horse good exposure to the kind of people who are likely to make good owners. And that is an important part of the equation of horse and rider. The rider/owner must be able to provide good care of the horse. We are, after all, stewards of these animals. It is our responsibility to care for them, since they don't have the option of picking their own owners, or living arrangements. Occasionally, a special horse comes to us, one who has had such a hard life that trusting humans comes very slowly, and the horse needs special handling. Nate was one such horse. His life was so tough that he still behaves unpredictably. Nate was saved from the slaughterhouse and he remained with us for several years. Eventually Nate was adopted by two of our students who own a farm. Nate now lives happily with his new friends, a miniature horse, a pony, a few goats and two cows. Someday, Nate may come around. In the mean-time, he has a safe place to live. Fortunately, Nate is a rare case and most of the horses that come to the Bright Ranch find very happy homes in a short amount of time.
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Contact Dennis
Bright or the Bright Ranch
Webmaster |
