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Frequently people’s horse goals may be rather divergent; i.e., they may want a LOT from their horse. I know that Joe Lovelace, an auctioneer, would frequently state that some horses would “ . . . Ride, drive, and do it all.” Is it realistic that a single horse will be able to “do it all?” Not always.

Priorities must be set by the purchaser BEFORE the shopping begins.

It’s easy to be persuaded that you need something that you really don’t,

or to purchase something that you can’t handle.

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What is supply of horses that you want?

How strong is demand for horses that you want?

Where are the horses located that interest you?

**Note that now, there are many horses whose owners are LOOKING

FOR HOMES. So it’s not always essential to BUY a horse.

How does the location of the horses that interest you affect the TRUE

COST of acquiring that horse? If the horse is located a long distance

away, MUST include shipping, hauling, etc. in your budget.

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Your functional market is where you can realistically expect to be able to

purchase a horse.

Local vs. state-wide vs. nation-wide vs. international purchases. MANY

considerations for each!!

Example: if your budget is $2000, don’t expect to be able to import a

horse.

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How it’s possible to purchase (local vs. distance shipping), or can

you get there from here?

Located where it’s possible to properly assess, and determine

the strength of the market, what is available, and the

supply/demand of the kind of horse you want.

Where you can consider, from a budgetary standpoint.

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These questions must be asked BEFORE you determine how much you’ll spend on training or lessons. These are fundamental questions to ask prior to the search. *Remember: if you purchase a youngster, you’ll need to invest $ (either in the form of your time or a professional trainer) to get the horse to where they can work for you.

You MUST accurately and honestly survey your situation, especially

your KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS. For example, know when to push

the horse, and know when to back off in training.

Other examples: It is inappropriate to work a horse hard in hot weather

and not cool them down.

Knowledge: Recognize normal vs. abnormal and know how to handle

situations.

If your horse eats a whole bale of hay, do NOT keep the horse from

drinking water. This is INAPPROPRIATE—sets stage for potential colic!

It is important that you NOT believe that everything on the web is

accurate, true, or indicative of the “true fit” of a horse for you. Keep an

open mind and SEE for yourself.

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Some events do not allow stallions (kid-oriented, especially).

Facilities for stallions tend to need to be more secure (mares in heat,

etc.) and some boarding businesses do NOT board stallions.

Horse should be of sufficient height to “take up the rider’s leg” for

maximal rider stability/match of partners.

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Match the ability of the horse with ability of rider, in REVERSE. A VERY

advanced/trained horse will do well with a green rider and vice versa.

Don’t just take the word of seller that animal is a good “prospect” for

jumping . . . SEE WHY they are a good prospect.

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Keep your horse goals in mind when selecting a horse to buy. If a

horse is high-strung, to expect to immediately take it to a parade safely

is not realistic.

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*Some ads will state no minors should inquire. Others insist on “serious

inquiries only.” Don’t waste people’s time!

If price not listed, you may assume it’s not an inexpensive animal,

depending on the wording of the ad. “If you have to ask, you can’t

afford it” mentality may be at work.

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What do these words REALLY mean?

Do they mean the same thing to everyone?

ASK what the seller means by the descriptors they use.

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University of Maryland Extension Fact Sheet 819 is a resource to guide

you through the horse purchase process.

Make SURE to keep notes on all animals you consider, since it is easy

to get details mixed up. It also enables you to see if the seller provides

the same answer for any specific questions repeatedly, over time.

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If you are breeding, color may or may NOT be of primary consideration.

Minor conformation issues may not be important unless there are

lameness issues or you are purchasing breeding animals.

Drugs can mask lameness or attitude issues.

Carefully OBSERVE the details of animals. If you are not allowed to

handle an animal, be suspicious of WHY you are not.

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Does the farm make you feel as if it’s a prideful operation with proper

care of animals? Is the farm kept clean, free of any harmful or

potentially harmful areas/items?

Is the horse difficult to halter & lead? Does it run away or exhibit fear

when approached? If animals have been abused, they may be

dangerous to handle, since they react to the way they were treated in

the past sometimes.

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Make sure that you see the horse ridden before you mount up.

*Weird handling techniques, odd equipment, strange reactions of horse

may indicate a sore back or other problems. Or there may be other odd

behaviors of the horse and/or the handler . . . . Look over the entire

situation carefully.

BEWARE the comment that somebody is coming to look at the horse

later today . . . RESIST high-pressure sales techniques!!

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If you do a pre-purchase exam, employ an IMPARTIAL Vet, who has no

interest in the horse. They represent the buyer, and should look out for

your best interests.

The 5D’s (American Association of Equine Practitioners, 12/09—Soule)

give guidelines of what a PPE should survey, even though there is no

standard for tests to do for a PPE in America. Britain does adhere to

that list.

PPE results may lower price (e.g., arthritis) or may call for consideration

of a lease, rather than buy situation.

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Doing the proper paperwork at the time of sale will assist in prevention

of misunderstandings or being at “the point of no return” on your

purchase.

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Fear of a new horse is normal. Once you mount up, however, you

should be able to feel whether you and the horse are relaxed enough to

be a good match.

Remember: you and the horse will feed off each other’s tensions.

Pick a horse that you can enjoy in your pursuits!

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