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Matchmaker Knows Bridles and Grooming

<i> From Associated Press</i>

Carole Hagal’s job is to find the right stall for horses.

In the past five years, Hagal has matched nearly 300 horses with people throughout Ventura and Los Angeles counties, as well as with movie companies and police departments.

“It’s like a dating service,” Hagal said of Horsefinders, her matchmaking operation.

“There are so many different types of horses and so many different kinds of people. It started out as a hobby, but now it’s a full-blown business.”

Hagal has 40 horses listed for sale, ranging in price from $1,500 to $5,000. Some, such as show horses, can go for as much as $100,000, she said.

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“There’s a horse out there for everyone, and if anyone can find it, Carole can,” said Jeanne Seymour, who relied on Hagal to pick the perfect horse for her daughter.

Feeding and housing the horses is costly, Hagel said.

“I’m not in this for the money,” she said. “I just love horses and making people happy.”

Two years ago, the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara police departments began using Hagal’s service to find horses for their mounted patrols.

She said they usually request dark-colored American quarter horses because of their strength, speed and calm manner.

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Before buying a horse, police officials usually test the animal by lighting fires in front of it or firing their guns, she said.

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