Just as every person has a unique personality, or temperament, so does every horse. A horse's temperament is the way he interacts with you, other horses, or the wind, blowing on a crisp spring morning. The term, "flighty" refers to a horse that is easily spooked. Some horses are more social than others. Some horses seem like old grumps, but they are steady and faithful.
Certain breeds carry a predisposition to a specific temperament. Thoroughbred and Arabian horses are considered to be "hot blooded," meaning they are more spirited than other breeds such as the Quarter Horse or Morgan. TheDraft Horse breeds have a reputation of being very gentle. Donkeys are legendary for their stubbornness.
Most temperaments can be tolerated, but many behaviors can not. For example, two horses may have flighty temperaments, but the behavior of one is to plant all four feet on the ground and refuse to move, while the behavior of the other is to rear up on his hind legs. Both of these horses could be advertised as, "needs experienced rider."
The first horse will teach you to ride slightly behind the motion and develop a very strong seat -- after he stops quickly a couple times and you don't. A suitable buy for the experienced rider.
The second horse is extremely dangerous! While television cowboys look great on their rearing horses, the danger of a horse coming over backward is every rider's worst nightmare. This horse is a bad buy at any price.
You may see an ad that says, "No vices." Vices are bad habits. Some bad habits are worse than others, but you should always ask if a horse has any. Bucking, kicking, or rearing are unacceptable vices-move on to the next horse.
Cribbing (when a horse bites on wood and sucks in air) is a vice that may be tolerated. A cribbing strap will have to be worn around his neck to help stop all that air from going into his stomach and causing colic (a potentially fatal stomachache). Even with a cribbing strap on, these horses are much more prone to colic. And if you have a cribber or a horse that chews on wood, your barn will soon look like beavers have attacked it! Be prepared to spend extra time and money applying various chew stop products and homemade concoctions with Cayenne Pepper that may or may not work.
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