| When buying a horse for the first time, it is not | | | | the service of finding you a horse, thus taking fees |
| uncommon to make some mistakes. These are some | | | | from both ends. Some dishonest coaches will not only |
| of the most common pitfalls first-time buyers | | | | sell you a horse that they are getting fees for, but will |
| encounter when buying their first horse. | | | | also tell you an elevated price and pocket the extra |
| 1. Buying the First Horse you Look At | | | | cash. If your coach suggests a horse, go ahead and |
| Sometimes a buyer is in such a rush to find a horse | | | | try it out. It may well be the perfect horse for your |
| that the first horse seems like a perfect match. | | | | needs. On the other hand, insist on meeting and talking |
| Perhaps the price is right, or the horse just seems to | | | | to the owner and not just the sales representatives. If |
| be "right". While this may be the right horse for you, it is | | | | this is denied, be wary of extra fees and costs. |
| important to take the time to make sure. This means | | | | 4. Letting the Almighty Dollar Decide |
| going out and looking at a few more horses, so that | | | | While it is smart to have a budget when horse |
| you have something to compare the first horse to. Try | | | | shopping, you need to be careful not to cut out |
| the horse out a few times so that you know that you | | | | perfectly good prospects purely by cost. Many sellers |
| are a good match. If a seller pressures you, avoid | | | | who have horses priced somewhat over your price |
| caving in just because there might be another buyer. If | | | | range may be willing to negotiate. Think of it like buying |
| you are desperate not to lose the horse ask if you | | | | a car - you can pay full price, but if you negotiate on |
| can make a deposit, but be aware that if you do not | | | | extras and other things you can usually get the seller |
| buy the horse you will not get the deposit back. | | | | to drop the price somewhat. Another thing to be |
| 2. Buying a First Horse Alone | | | | careful of is ruling out a horse because it is priced too |
| A surprising number of buyers go out looking for a | | | | low. There are many reasons horses are priced low. It |
| horse without anyone to help. Unless you are very | | | | could be because there is something wrong with them, |
| experienced, this is a mistake. Even experienced horse | | | | but equally well it could be because the buyer is |
| people often shop with experienced friends. The first | | | | desperate to sell. |
| time you see a horse, you can go on your own, but | | | | 5. Buying a "Cheap" Horse |
| make sure to arrange to return with someone you | | | | Unless you have the experience to work with a young |
| know and trust. If possible have your coach come out | | | | or green horse, it is a bad idea to buy one. While it can |
| and evaluate the horse with you. An experienced | | | | be cheaper to buy something untrained, you will need |
| person can point out many things that you might not | | | | to invest a great deal of training into it before you can |
| notice on your own. | | | | ride it. Auctions are a nice cheap place to buy a horse, |
| 3. Letting your Coach Pick for You | | | | but be aware that most horses at auction are there |
| While your coach is a valuable resource when | | | | for a reason - often because of training problems or |
| selecting a horse, be aware that not all coaches are | | | | other issues. It is always better to buy your first horse |
| honest about the process. Many coaches get paid | | | | privately, and to make sure that it is well trained and |
| extra fees such as finder fees when they find a buyer | | | | handled before your purchase. There is no point buying |
| for a horse. They may also choose to charge you for | | | | and paying for a horse that you can't use. |