| A huge increase in horses for sale has resulted due to | | | | More traditional search methods also exist. Auctions |
| the current economic downturn. High-priced show | | | | usually sell horses at bargain prices, and are held on a |
| horses are selling for a fraction of what their original | | | | regular basis. Horses should be purchased at auction |
| value. Many owners are giving their horses away to | | | | only by those with extensive horse knowledge. |
| shelters because they are no longer able to afford | | | | Breeders and trainers are also very good resources. |
| them. | | | | Breeders usually sell the animals that they have bred |
| Horses are available in every breed, riding discipline and | | | | and raised. Trainers may or may not be in the |
| price level. Owning a horse should be considered a | | | | business of selling horses, but have a lot of |
| long-term investment. Buyers should be careful when | | | | connections to sellers in the horse world. Breed |
| making this type of investment. There are many | | | | associations usually list horses for sale in the classified |
| factors to consider before purchasing. There are a | | | | sections of their newsletters or magazines. |
| variety of different sources a person can utilise to find | | | | When visiting a prospect, bring a knowledgeable and |
| the right horse. | | | | trusted friend, colleague or trainer. Trainers charge a |
| The buyer should decide specifically how he intends to | | | | small fee for assisting in the search for a horse. This is |
| use the horse. For example, will he be ridden for leisure | | | | worth the cost in order to find a good horse. Get either |
| on sport? Will he be used in show jumping | | | | the trainer or the second person to ride the horse. |
| competition? These are just two examples, but clearly | | | | Review the animal\'s ground manners as well. All of |
| knowing how the animal will be used also helps one to | | | | this provides good information regarding the horse\'s |
| focus the search. A horse cannot perform a large | | | | training and attitude. |
| amount of diverse tasks. By being more specific on | | | | It is a good idea to have the horse examined by a |
| how a horse is to be used, the buyer can successfully | | | | licensed veterinarian before completing the purchase. |
| find the best horse for their purposes. | | | | A thorough stress test should be included in the |
| There are a multitude of resources for finding a horse. | | | | examination. The value of x-rays is somewhat |
| Many websites exist that list horses for sale, across | | | | controversial, however. Some believe x-rays are |
| riding disciplines, by breed, and by geographic location. | | | | necessary to verify whether a horse has a developing |
| Most of these sites reach a worldwide pool of buyers | | | | lameness issue. Others do not think x-rays provide any |
| and sellers. Most sites allow the seller to upload photos, | | | | value. They are believed to erroneously indicate a |
| which really helps the buyer narrow down the list of | | | | problem when none exist. |
| possible candidates for purchase. The potential buyer | | | | Thorough research is recommended before making a |
| can usually sort prospects by price, breed or riding | | | | purchase. Multiple resources should be utilized in the |
| discipline. This is an excellent way to find horses | | | | search process. A large selection of information and |
| quickly, do preliminary research on just what is | | | | resources is available. A search is usually more |
| available, as well as determine corresponding price | | | | expansive when looking for animals needed for the |
| ranges. | | | | most competitive activities. |