When searching for horses for sale, there are a few factors which are worth considering in order to make the buying process run smoothly, and to make sure you end up with your dream horse.
- All horses have issues – just make sure that your chosen one has issues that you can put up with and that won’t affect your enjoyment.
- Bring an experienced rider along, someone who is aware of your capabilities and weaknesses. Ideally take someone who is capable of spotting lameness or any illnesses. Or perhaps your trainer who will be able to tell if the chosen horse is appropriate for your style of riding – your level of skill and confidence.
- Always check the horse’s papers and passport. Remember the horse passport is not legal proof that your chosen horse is actually owned by the seller so ask if there is a receipt as proof of purchase. It is unlwful to buy or sell a horse that don’t have a passport.
- Find out if all vaccinations are up to date. A course of innoculations can cost a lot of money and take months to come into effect if you wish to compete. You will not be popular moving a horse to another horse if it brings illness with it.
- Once you’ve chosen you new horse, employ a qualified vet to perform out the most thorough check that you can buy. Don’t make a rush decision or be forced into purchasing if you believe you need the horse looked at by your vet.
- Where possible view the horse or pony demonstrating the trials you would like it to do. Reschooling a horse adds considerably to the cost if you cannot do this on your own.
- If possible negotiate a test loan during which the horse can be sent back if it is not suitable.
- Make sure you are realistic when purchasing a young horse, do you have the required experience to bring it on. Another thought is that, a more mature horse may just have the stability and maturity to give you confidence and teach you the basics.
- Don’t feel pressured to purchase the first one you view and don’t be pressurised by the multitudes of other people just waiting to buy the horse if you don’t – more than likely this is just a ploy to push you into an impulse purchase. Take your time when buying a horse.
- Once the sale is agreed make sure you insure the horse before you moved it to its new home. Most injuries happen in transit or settling a horse into a new yard with other horses.
- Trust your instinct – if you believe the seller is concealing something from you then they most probably are.
- Remember that your horse is a major investment of both time and money – be sure you have considered a budget for every future expense that you are likely to encounter.
Finally, have fun with your new horse and enjoy many hours horse riding together! Click here to find horses for sale online!
Tags: buying a horse, horse buying tips, horses, horses for sale
