When looking for horses for sale, there are a few points which are worth considering in order to make the buying process easier, and to ensure you end up with your dream horse.
- No horse is perfect – just be sure that your chosen one has niggles that you can live with and that won’t lessen your enjoyment.
- Bring an experienced rider along, someone who is aware of your capabilities and strengths. Ideally take someone who is capable of spotting whether the horse is lame or any illnesses. Or perhaps your trainer who can tell if the selected horse is appropriate for the way you ride – your level of skill and confidence.
- Check the horse’s documets and passport. Remember the horse passport is not legal proof that the horse is actually owned by the seller so ask if there is a receipt as proof of purchase. Remember it is against the law to buy or sell horses that don’t have a passport.
- Ask if all innoculations are current. A new course of vaccinations can be expensive and take many months to come into effect before you can compete. It will not go down well moving a horse to another horse if it carries illness along as well.
- Once you have decided the horse is for you, ask a qualified vet to perform out the most thorough inspection that you can afford. Don’t make a rush decision or be pressured into buying if you believe you need the horse checked out by your vet.
- Where possible watch the horse or pony performing the tasks you would like it to do. Retraining a horse adds considerably to the total cost if you cannot do this on your own.
- If possible negotiate a trial loan during which the horse can be sent back if it is not suitable.
- Be realistic when looking to buy a youngster, ask yourself if you have the necessary knowledge to bring it on. Looking at it differently, an older horse may just have the character and maturity to give you confidence and teach you the ropes.
- Don’t feel pressured to purchase the first one you visit and don’t be pursuaded by the multitudes of other people just waiting to buy the horse if you don’t – more than likely this is just a ruse to rush you to make an impulse purchase. Take your time when buying a horse.
- Once the sale is completed take out insurance on the horse before you consider transporting it. Most injuries occur during transit or whilst introducing a horse into a new yard with new companions.
- Trust your judgement – if you think the vendor is concealing something from you then the likelyhood is they are.
- Be mindful that your horse is a huge investment of both time and money – be sure you have considered a budget for all the expenses that you will incur.
Finally, enjoy your new horse and look forward to many hours horse riding together! Click here to find horses for sale online!
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