Top 10: Checklist for Purchasing a Horse

User Rating: / 7
PoorBest 

You've made the leap and are ready to purchase your first… or tenth horse. Whether you've “been there, done that” or you've bought and sold more horses than you're really willing to disclose, there are a few things you should always remember for each transaction. Here's our Top 10 – Checklist for Purchasing a Horse.

1. Be on time – not early for a showing. The seller will be preparing the horse for showing and it's rude to interrupt that process. In the same regard, if you're going to be more than five or ten minutes late, call.
2. If you have a trainer, don't look at a horse without him or her. Your trainer is a key part of the transaction and should be able to help you honestly evaluate if the horse is a good match for your skill and goal level. If you don't have a trainer, bring along someone you trust that is knowledgeable, but make sure the seller knows exactly who you will have with you at the showing.
3. Don't brag – don't waste time talking about your accomplishments. Your riding ability will show when you ride the prospect. Be modest and honest about your skills as a rider.
4. Ask detailed questions and make sure you know the horse's history and accomplishments. You are trying to ascertain if the horse is priced appropriately, but you're also making sure the horse doesn't have issues the seller may not think of, or be obligated to disclose unless you ask the question.
5. Be diplomatic, but also clear about what you intend to do after the showing. Even if this particular horse isn't just right for you, another horse may come along from the same facility and you want the owner, barn manager, or trainer you're dealing with to be left with a positive impression.
6. If you're not certain this is the right horse for you, ask if the seller would consider a lease agreement for a specific period of time. This can be a great option for people just getting into horses, but make sure you have a clean, clear agreement.
7. Should you decide to purchase, make sure it's contingent on a satisfactory pre-purchase vet exam by your vet, or one that is independent of the seller.  If a seller balks at the idea of a pre-purchase exam, walk away.
8. If possible, try to talk to the horse's existing vet so you can get a history of any issues the prospect has that will need ongoing maintenance. It's also great if you can talk to previous owners of the horse.  These people will usually give an unbiased opinion of the animal because they don't stand to gain anything from the pending sale.
9. If the existing owner states the horse is “registered,” make sure you see a copy of the documents prior to purchase. This way you can make sure the horse's documents are in order prior to purchase which will make transfer of ownership easier.
10. Have an excellent contract. The best sales transactions are memorialized in writing which is a benefit to both buyer and seller. Typically contracts are supplied by the seller, but be ready to provide your own if the seller doesn't usually use an agreement.
    

Did we miss anything? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences by posting a comment below or to the Top 10 forum connected to this piece. Discuss ->

Comments  

Posted On

Nov 23, 2008

Posted By

country_girl

"Be on time – not early for a showing."

While I concur with the reasoning behind this statement, in regards to its being a simple courtesy to the seller, I also want add an additional tip. Granted, the cases will hopefully be few and far in between where this is applicable, but it is still worth considering.

What I am referring to is the amount of time you give the buyer as a "heads-up" that you will be there to see the horse. Unfortunately, there are horse sellers out there that take that "heads-up" and use it to their advantage (your disadvantage) to pre-work the horse, or worse yet, drug the vices out of it.

As a rule of thumb, I have always been told that you should find out what day the seller is available, but never commit to a specific time of the day when you will show up. You may want to ask them what part of the day best works for them (morning, afternoon, or evening), but that's it. Then, let them know that you will call before you are too close. If they bulk at this, and request at least an hour of notice, then you should really begin to get slightly suspicious. Remember, in order to accurately guage your prospective horse, you really need to see it "as is," not just as they WANT you to see it.

Now, I understand that this will sound discourtious to many people reading it. However, while there is a place for manners, and I agree they belong here, as well, you must also remember that you are dealing with someone desiring, or needing, to SELL something. While we would all like to believe everyone in the horse community is honest and sincere, the truth is slightly depressing.

So, if you still want to set up a specific time (or if you have no choice in the matter), I highly suggest requesting that the horse be caught only once you have arrived. There should be no signs of the owner previously working with the horse. Furthermore, as you do one-over feel of the horse, be sure to be on the look-out for any tell-tale signs (usually slight bumps) that the horse has been given drugs to temporarily ease out their vices.

Anyway, you can take or leave this advice. However, having been given this advice many times by others, I thought it unconsciousalbe not to share it with other horse prospectors.

The End. Hehe

Posted On

Dec 16, 2008

Posted By

Chase

The phrase, "Desperation is a trail best traveled lightly." comes to mind, when I read Country_Gal's posting. And for the most part I agree with her.

Dropping in out of the blue would be tacky at best, but a few minutes heads up, "Hey I'm in the area, would it be okay to come by..." is not exactly out of the blue.

I disagree with showing up early. You can always offer to help out around the barn, while you wait, or just stay out of the way and take in the 'scenery' If that makes the seller angry or surly, then find another seller.

Posted On

Dec 16, 2008

Posted By

Chase

oops... Forgot to clarify that dropping in early is not the same as out of the blue. You can say that you finished your chores early and was in the area, but still calling ahead would be a good thing.

Posted On

Jan 14, 2009

Posted By

Hosler

I would also recommend visiting the horse at least twice, not necessarly on the same day. That way you can see how they are on different days. I always ask the seller to not touch/catch the horse until I get there. If the horse is caught, I will ask them to to turn it loose and re catch it. Don't be pressured into a sale with the seller saying things like oh I see you really like him/her, if I were you ... I would buy him/her now, some one is coming to look at him/her later on they were quite interested in him/her. Call or stop back in a day or two, chances are, they are probably still there.

Posted On

Jan 24, 2009

Posted By

Mary

I to agree, with a somewhat of a surprise visit will let you see the horse as is so to speak. I have had 2 friends that bought horses and after having them home for around 24 hrs,they became totally different animals. One was the best bronco,she was thrown and was hurt and the other would run you into the trees,buck and etc. ,anything to get you off. Her 15 yr daughter almost was hurt really bad. So to the feelings of the owner to bad if I get there earlier or just drop in,I want to know what I'm really getting and if they are honest it shouldn't matter. If I was selling a horse I wouldn't care if you just stopped by. So lets see, maybe hurt the owner feeling s or have yourself or someone else you love get hurt,duh....Sorry I have to pick the latter of the two! Thanks

Posted On

Apr 09, 2009

Posted By

cherylcarlson

Be careful and horse sales also you can really pick up a bad apple

Posted On

Jun 13, 2009

Posted By

haley34

Yes I have to agree about horse sales, because I was taken for a ride there on three occasions. You would think I would learnn, but the last time I hit the jackpot. She was a great mare from British Columbia. She has given be a great little stud colt in the purchase due to the fact no one knew she was in foal.

Posted On

Jun 16, 2009

Posted By

maryanneb

I have a slight problem. I do not know anyone here where I live, so getting someone to go with me to look at horses is like slim to none. Any suggestions?

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post.

JComments