Exclusive Interview: How Sami Milo of Cavallo Stables, LLC Picks her Next Top Horse?

Lulavani in USHJA International Derby Finals in KY pc: Shawn McMillen

PE -  What characteristics must the horse have in order for you to consider purchasing?

SM - This is tough because every purchase is different depending on who I’m buying for.  When purchasing a horse for my self, the horse must be on the smaller size since I’m only 5’4, it must be comfortable to sit on because I want to enjoy every minute in the saddle, it must have a big stride and it must have an incredible jump.  When purchasing for a client, I take all of those into consideration, but the number one quality is that the horse and rider must be compatible. Each rider requires a different horse, my littlest riders need something very safe and simple, my ladies need comfortable rides with a flat jump, my competitive juniors need top quality whether it’s hunters, jumpers or equitation.  If it’s an investment horse, it must have either a stunning to look, a spectacular jump or fantastic movement, it has to have something that makes you say, wow.

Bastille in Young Hunters at Sonoma Horse Park pc: GrandPix

PE - Do you have a specific type of horse that you prefer or that you've found to have the most success with? Perhaps they don't move as well but have an incredible jump or vice versa.

SM - I would say that “my type” all have a brilliant jump.  I’m always drawn to the jump.

PE -  Do you try to stay within a specific age range when trying horses?

SM - I really love young horses.  I love to start from the beginning, I find there are much less, if any, issues to deal with.  I have purchased plenty of older horses who have been wonderful, but my passion is bringing along good minded young ones.

ICSS Sunplay in 1.40 Jumpers at Sonoma Horse Park pc: GrandPix

PE - Do you think the horses physical capability or mental attitude are more important?

SM - A positive mental attitude is the most important thing to have.  You can have all the talent in the world, but if their heart and mind aren’t willing, you will not be successful.  On the flip side, you can have a very mediocre talented horse that gives you everything they have and be very successful.  I have experienced both of these horses, the talented one with no heart is a real deal breaker.

Devout in Performance Hunters at Sonoma Horse Park pc: GrandPix

PE -  What are some of the questions that you ask the horses previous owners or whoever you are purchasing the horse from?

SM - I always ask if the horse has already been out that day and what kind of prep they require.  I always look up the show record. I call other professionals if they have had the horse before. I always ask about the medical history and ask for access.  I ask about vices or issues or if there’s anything we might not like about the horse.

PE - Do you prefer to bring along a green horse yourself or a horse that already has experience and training?

SM- I like both and I’ve been happy with both, but sometimes older horses have hidden issues and that can become a problem, so I’m always drawn to younger horses.