INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE of KIGER BREEDERS
BUYER'S GUIDE FOR KIGERS
If you want a pleasure horse, the horse should be sound and of a temperament that is a good match for you.
If you want a horse for showing, the horse should be of high quality to succeed in the show ring. The horse must be willing and able to handle training that can be quite extensive. Again, temperament is critical. The horse should be well suited to you and your abilities and able to advance in the performance division.
If you want a horse for a more specialized discipline, (reining, roping, dressage, etc) make sure that the horse has the qualities needed to perform the desired discipline.
Evaluate your own abilities and try to purchase a horse that will not intimidate you and matches your level of experience.
If the horse you are considering is not registered MAKE SURE that it is eligible for registration. Get copies of registration certificates of the sire and the dam, and if the horse you are looking at buying is registered get a copy of the registration certificate.
Find out if the horse has been DNA tested. It is also important to find out if the sire and dam have been DNA tested. Check with the registry if the seller does not know. Be sure that the seller will give you a copy of the DNA test results at the time of sale.
If the horse came from the wild, a copy of the BLM paperwork is vital as well, showing the HMA that the horse originated from. Make sure that the horse can be traced back to one of the approved Herd Management Areas – Kiger or Riddle Mountain Herd Management Areas.
Contact the Registry to find out what you will need for the horse to be registered and/or transferred into your name.
If you purchase a mare and she has been bred, request a breeder’s certificate and for copies of any DNA test results for the sire and dam.
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Take your time. Don't rush out and buy the first horse you see. What do you want to do with your horse?
If breeding is your primary concern, buying the highest quality is vital to a successful breeding operation. Become familiar with the Kiger Breed Standard. The horse should have the Spanish horse conformation with strong dun factoring, and should have an excellent temperament, be willing and have a kind attitude. Make sure the pedigree of the horse can be traced back to the wild herd management areas of Kiger and Riddle Mountain.
Prices vary considerably on these horses. Quality, breeding, age, training, sex, color, and locality all play a role in the price.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Watch the horse being handled, does he have good manners? Does he spook easily? If he has been trained, watch him being saddled and under saddle. Be sure to ride the horse long enough so that he gets a good workout to be sure that he does not become ill-mannered. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the horse on the ground and in the saddle. Make sure the horse is in good health. Consider having a vet exam the horse.
We have complied a list of some sample questions that prospective buyers should ask a breeder. There may be additional, more specific, questions that you want to add but this list should get you started and guide you to a solid and reputable Kiger breeder.
Unfortunately, not all sales people are totally honest, and this can be found in the horse industry as well. Choosing a reputable Kiger Mustang breeder ensures a purchase that will be the right one. There are certain things that you should always be wary of and we’ve put together this list to remind you of breeding practices and procedures you want to avoid when looking for your own Kiger.