How To Buy A Horse Online; Some Helpful Tips |
When you are looking for a new horse (especially if you are buying your first horse) there are so many factors to take into account. Not only do you need to factor in all the horse attributes you are looking for but you also have to think about you as a rider.
First let’s look at the horse.
When looking for a horse you should be willing to travel around the country. Even though there are thousands of horses for sale every month throughout the UK; to find the perfect horse you might have to travel a little.
So what other factors should you keep in mind?
For me personally recommendations are always a strong indicator of a good horse. In the past I have been to horse shows and competition to find potential horses to try to gather as much information on the horse that I am looking to buy as possible.
I like to know:
- If the horse has a current passport.
- How old the horse is
- If the horse is calm or skitish
- If the horse is well behaved.
- Has the horse had all it’s vaccinations.
- Is the horse healthy
- Does the horse hack out well?
Like buying a car you don’t want to show your cards too early. Take a step back when viewing a horse. Don’t fall for a well groomed horse and remember not to judge a book by its’ cover.
Is the horse right for what you want to do? No point in buying a race horse for show jumping.
Is the horse happy to be groomed and tacked? Touch his face to see if he is placid.
Watch the current owner - how does he react around the horse? Do they look nervous like they are trying to get rid of a problem horse or are they very familiar with the horse and know exactly what it’s going to do?
If you can try the horse - how does the horse respond to cars and traffic, how does it jump and trot?
If you are happy about the horse don’t buy straight away, arrange to make a second viewing.
My biggest tip is that if you don’t feel confident you are buying exactly what you want then don’t buy it. We all get buyers remorse but if you get a little warning in your head or heart before you buy then walk away. Don’t let the current owner pressure you into buying a horse if it doesn’t feel right.
Draw up a list of details about your future horse and get it signed by the current owner so you have confirmation that (if it is shown as healthy) there are no existing health problems. If you have something in writing it gives you the ability to return the horse.
If you enjoyed this article you might be interested to read our other horses and ponies for sale article.
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This article was written by Charis Alexandra on Monday, April 20th, 2009 for Horse Searchers
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