| The number of horses for sale has grown in size, | | | | breeders or trainers, or talking to breed associations. |
| largely due to economic slow down. Owners simply | | | | There is an association for almost every breed in |
| cannot afford to keep these expensive animals. Many | | | | existence. Individual sellers still advertise in conventional |
| horses end up in shelters simply because their owners | | | | classified advertisements, especially if these ads are in |
| can no longer afford to keep them. Even high-priced | | | | horse magazines. Auctions are places where animals |
| and well-trained show horses are selling for a small | | | | can be purchased quickly and at a low price. One |
| amount of what they used to sell for. | | | | should be an experienced horse person to ensure that |
| Horses in every breed, and trained for any riding style, | | | | the right animal is successfully chosen. |
| can easily be found. Price levels vary widely as well. | | | | If a buyer is seriously considering purchasing a horse, |
| Individuals must still be very cautious when purchasing | | | | he or she should try to ride him a few different times. |
| this type of animal. It is an investment of sorts. | | | | This way the buyer can get a clear picture of the |
| Numerous issues should be considered during the | | | | animal's demeanor, and the amount of training the |
| decision process. In addition, many different sales | | | | horse has had. A second opinion from a trusted |
| sources are available to assist the buyer in finding the | | | | individual is very valuable. Try to have this person ride |
| right horse. | | | | the mare, gelding or stallion you are considering. A |
| The first step is to make a decision on how the horse | | | | trainer may charge a small fee for assisting in the |
| will be used. Decide what type of riding will be focused | | | | search, but it is worth paying for. |
| on, whether it is recreational riding, hunters, | | | | It is a good idea to have the horse examined by a |
| showjumping, endurance riding, dressage or three-day | | | | licensed veterinarian before completing the purchase. |
| eventing. This helps to narrow down the search, | | | | A thorough stress test should be included in the |
| enabling a buyer to successfully and efficiently find the | | | | examination. The value of x-rays is somewhat |
| right horse. | | | | controversial, however. Some believe x-rays are |
| A wonderful way to begin a comprehensive search is | | | | necessary to verify whether a horse has a developing |
| to look at internet websites specializing in selling horses. | | | | lameness issue. Others do not think x-rays provide any |
| Most of these websites are visited by buyers and | | | | value. They are believed to erroneously indicate a |
| sellers across the world. These resources provide | | | | problem when none exist. |
| access to horses used for a variety of activities. | | | | A variety of resources are available for finding horses |
| Information can be sorted by specific breed, as well as | | | | for sale. A search is usually more comprehensive |
| by location. The potential buyer can organize | | | | when one is looking for a more expensive animal for |
| prospects by price, breed or riding discipline. Even if the | | | | high level competition, or an animal necessary for a |
| animal is ultimately purchased from someone who has | | | | specialised discipline. Regardless of the type of horse |
| not advertised on the internet, these sites still provide | | | | one is looking for, it is a good idea to do thorough |
| valuable information from which the buyer can start his | | | | research, and tap on more than one resource to find |
| or her search. | | | | that perfect horse. |
| Other more conventional methods include contacting | | | | |