CALMAR - "Dude" almost fell asleep while Sylvia Beahr put the halter on the 10-year-old Arabian stallion. The horse was like a statue - his still eyelids partially closed, and ears straight up and unwavering.

For first-time horse buyers, these are traits to look for. Equine experts say body language will tell more about the animal's demeanor than breeding papers ever will.

Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar held a class last week offering practical guidelines when purchasing a horse. The class, part of an on-going equine education series, is open to students and the public.

Iowa's equine industry is thriving, state officials say. Horse numbers aren't tracked like for hogs and cattle, but agriculture officials estimate more than 100,000 live in the state. More and more people are buying horses for recreation purposes, and many are first-time buyers.

Chris Harvey, an NICC instructor and veterinarian, said there are many honest horse brokers out there and just as many dishonest ones. That's why, he said, it's good for rookie buyers to know what breeds, age and temperament will suit them best before plunking down hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an animal.

Harvey said purchasing decisions hinge on what the true purpose of the animal will be. If people simply want a gentle pet to ride, then disposition is the key factor. If they want a show animal, then confirmation (how the animal looks) is more important.

"I've always said you can't ride the papers, but it does influence the cost," Harvey said, inferring horses with better genetics will cost more.

Local horse breeders and Harvey agree first-time buyers should always take someone they trust with equine experience when buying a horse. The body language of the animal a layman might not pick up speaks volumes, Harvey said.

If a horse flares their nostrils or pins their ears back when approached, those are signs of a skittish or disgruntled animal. Some horses may consider strangers a threat and try to retreat when approached. Horses are a flight animal

"Normally that means buyer beware," said Beahr, co-owner of Beahr Ridge Legendary Stables south of Cedar Falls.

In the horse business for 40 years, Beahr specializes in Arabians, though she sells other breeds, along with offering horse boarding, training services and riding lessons. More and more of her customers are newcomers to the equine world.

When Beahr slid open the door to Warrior's stall, the three-year-old Arabian gelding's ears went back and he slightly backed away when she entered his comfort zone. But after a few seconds, his ears perked up indicating an inquisitive, friendly nature.

His personality proves all horses are different, Beahr said, and each should be judged individually. She has horses like Dude that have what industry experts call a soft eye - calm around strangers, which is evident by not being wide-eyed and nervous - which is rare for an Arabian stallion. Arabians are considered hot blooded and more temperamental than other breeds. Stallions are also considered more wild than geldings (castrated male horses).

Then there's Sharaz, a yearling colt. He whipped his head back when Beahr tried to touch him, indicating a distrust of people. With training, that will subside, Beahr said.

"This horse is not for beginners," she said. "If you don't know how to handle him, he will try to be the leader of you instead of the other way around."

When buying a horse for a child, Harvey said a good rule of thumb is to make sure the child and horses' age equal 20. Older horses are usually more calm and easier to ride after years of training. Putting a inexperienced rider on a young horse can be dangerous.

Potential buyers should scrutinize health and breeding papers and check out horses, if possible, in the same bloodline since disposition is often genetic.

"Some people want to put a young child and horse together so they can grow up together. It doesn't work that way," Harvey said.

Linda Ferguson and her brother, Lyle Pries, raise Percheron draft horses near Sumner. She isn't involved in the purchasing end of the business, so she attended the class to change that.

Part of the class dealt with equine anatomy. This way, when inexperienced buyers look at a horse they'll have a little knowledge of what a good horse should look like.

"I can look at the breeding and papers, but I want to know the fine details," Ferguson said. "The say a horse has to have good (hooves). I want to know what I'm looking for, the fine points."

People interested in NICC equine courses can call Mary Steen at (800) 728-2256, ext. 341.

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.