Tips On Purchasing Your New Horse
When searching for horses for sale, there are a few factors which are worth thinking about to make the buying process easier, and to ensure you end up with your desired horse.
- Every horse has niggles – 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. In an ideal world take someone who is capable of spotting whether the horse is lame or illness. Or even your trainer who will be able to tell if the selected horse is suitable for the way you ride – your skill level and confidence.
- Check any relevant papers and passport. A horse passport is not proof that the horse is owned by the seller so ask to see a receipt as proof of purchase. Remember it is against the law to buy or sell horses without a passport.
- Find out if all vaccinations are current. A new course of vaccinations can be expensive and take many months to come into effect if you wish to compete. You will not be popular if you move 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 afford. Don't make a rush decision or be pressured into purchasing if you feel you need the horse examined by your vet.
- If possible watch your chosen horse or pony performing the tasks you would like it to do. Having to reschool a horse adds considerably to the total cost if you are unable to do this yourself.
- If possible negotiate a test loan in which the horse can be returned if it is not suitable.
- Make sure you are realistic when purchasing a youngster, do you have the required knowledge to bring it on. At the other end of the scale an older horse may just have the character and experience to give you confidence and help you learn you the basics.
- Don’t feel pressured to purchase the first horse you visit and don’t be pursuaded by the many others that are waiting to purchase the horse if you don’t – more than likely this is just a ploy to rush you to make an impulse buy. Take your time when buying a horse.
- As soon as the sale is completed make sure you insure the horse before you moved it to its new home. The majority of injuries happen in transit or whilst introducing a horse into a new yard with other horses.
- Trust your judgement – if you believe the seller is concealing something from you then they probably will be.
- Be mindful that your horse is a huge investment of both time and money – so make sure you have considered a budget for all the expenses 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!
Mar 10, 2010 | 0 | horse care tips
