Owning a horse can be both rewarding and fun. Horses are hard working animals that can provide years of companionship and enjoyment for you and your family. It is important to know what qualities to look for when purchasing a horse. It is also important to ensure you are buying a good quality, healthy horse. A horse that is not right for you can become a burden. Following a few simple steps before purchasing a horse can help ensure you find the horse that is right for you.
Consult a Professional
As you begin looking for a horse, consult a professional for advice. Your trainer knows your ability and style and can give you good advice on the type of personality your horse should have. Before approaching your trainer research various breeds of horses and find the breed that will best meet your needs. You do not need a race horse if you will be climbing mountains! Make arrangements with your trainer to visit potential horses. If he is unable to visit a potential horse, ask if you can video tape the horse and have him review the tape. Be honest with your trainer about your expectations of a horse and be open to any suggestions he makes. You should be prepared to pay a commission or “finders fee” to your trainer if he locates a horse for you to purchase. This fee is typically 10 – 20% of the horse’s purchase price.
Do a Broad Search for the Perfect Horse
After talking with your trainer and researching various horse breeds, you can begin your actual search. Follow up with any leads your trainer gives you. Look in newspapers, local trading magazines, horse shows and horse magazines for local horses. Expand your search by using the internet and visiting popular sites like www.petnax.com and www.dreamhorse.com for a listing of current horses for sale. Sometimes the best deals can be found by word of mouth, so let others know that you are interested in purchasing a horse.
Do not settle for the first horse you look at. Take time to ride the horse, observe it in the barn and pasture and talk to the owner. Visit and evaluate several horses that are for sale for comparision. Have your trainer examine and ride any horse you seriously consider purchasing.
Make a Trial Agreement
Once you narrow your choice down to one horse, ask for a trial period. Take the horse home to your barn for a few weeks to see how it reacts in your environment. Ride the horse and interact with him daily during this time. If the horse will be ridden by a child make sure to expose him to children during this time. Have anyone that will work with the horse come and observe and evaluate the horse while he is on trial. Set a clear time for the trial to end and make a decision before this date. This is also a good time to see how the horse fits in with other horses if you own more. Taking a horse home for a trial can help expose potential problems and issues before you commit to purchase the horse.
Get a Vet Check
Many people fail to get a vet check because they do not want to spend extra money. This is definitely one area that you do not want to skip. Your vet can give you valuable information that can actually save you money in the future. Nobody wants to purchase a sick animal.
Negotiate for the Best Price
Once you finally decide to purchase a specific horse, do not be afraid to negotiate for the best price. Determine ahead of time what you are willing to pay for the horse and what the horse is worth to you individually. Be fair, but get the best deal you can.
More Tips:
Don’t buy the perfect horse; buy the horse that is perfect for you. You do not need a horse that you cannot properly exercise, feed or love. A beautiful, spirited gelding may not be the best choice for a calm, leisurely ride. Temperament and personality is much more important than how a horse looks. You should, however, be aware of the qualities your horse should possess. Know what to look for to ensure you are purchasing a horse that has desirable qualities. If you are purchasing a horse for show be sure you understand the breed requirements.
Be fair and honest with the person you are buying the horse from. Do not drag out the process and waste both the sellers and your time. Know what you are looking for before you contact a potential seller.
Offer to place a deposit on a horse you want to take home to try. Understand that you will loose your deposit if you do not follow through with the purchase. Ask what terms the seller requires. Many sellers want payment to be by cashiers check or bank draft. Ask for a written contract when you purchase the horse.
Ask for a health guarantee when you purchase a horse. Do this even though you get a vet check. Ask to see the horse’s health records and get permission to speak to the vet currently treating the horse. Ask for records of the horse’s parents if available. In depth exams including x-rays can be performed to determine a horse’s health status before it is purchased.
A young, untrained horse can be trained the way you want him to be. Be sure you have the ability and resources to train a young horse if you go this route.
Be sure you have the proper space and facilities to keep a horse in before you purchase a horse. If you do not have the proper space and facilities consider leasing land or boarding your horse locally. Ask what kind of feed the horse you purchase is eating and purchase the same kind before bringing your horse home.
Set a budget. Don't get carried away in the search and spend more than you can afford. Budget money for transport, vet bills and feed when setting a budget. Stick with your budget. Do not let an over zealous seller talk you into something you cannot afford.
Be patient. When you purchase a horse you are taking it away from its home. It will take a period of time for the horse to adjust to its new environment and new owner. Let your horse know what you expect of it, be consistent and show it love and you and your horse will develop a bond.
Things to Avoid
Do not be lured by a cheap horse. Horses are expensive. If a horse is cheap or free there is a reason. Don't get stuck with someone else's problem. Horses that are cheap often have serious behavioral or health problems that will cost you a lot of time, money and effort in the future. Spend more when purchasing to avoid spending more after you own the horse.
Don't have unrealistic expectations. Do not expect more of a horse than it is capable of. Do not expect to get a show quality horse for the price of a pet.
Avoid purchasing a horse out of emotions. Horses live a long time and require years of care.
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