| Horses for sale are growing in number, mainly due to | | | | ranges. |
| the present problems in the economy. A lot of people | | | | Other more conventional methods include contacting |
| are giving their animals away just to avoid paying their | | | | breeders or trainers, or talking to breed associations. |
| upkeep. Many shelters have to turn horses away. | | | | There is an association for almost every breed in |
| Expensive animals are selling for a small portion of the | | | | existence. Individual sellers still advertise in conventional |
| price they once commanded. | | | | classified advertisements, especially if these ads are in |
| Horses are available in every breed, riding discipline and | | | | horse magazines. Auctions are places where animals |
| price level. Owning a horse should be considered a | | | | can be purchased quickly and at a low price. One |
| long-term investment. Buyers should be careful when | | | | should be an experienced horse person to ensure that |
| making this type of investment. There are many | | | | the right animal is successfully chosen. |
| factors to consider before purchasing. There are a | | | | Regardless of the method of locating a prospect, it is |
| variety of different sources a person can utilise to find | | | | very important to ride or at least visit the horse multiple |
| the right horse. | | | | times. This provides a better understanding of the |
| A potential buyer should decide specifically what he or | | | | horse's temperament and level of training. Get a |
| she intends to use the horse for. This streamlines the | | | | second opinion. Bring a trusted friend, colleague or |
| purchase process, making it easier to select the right | | | | trainer to see the horse. If possible, have this individual |
| animal. Most horses cannot be utilized for all purposes, | | | | ride the horse as well. Trainers usually charge a small |
| simply because they lack the training. Their body type | | | | commission if a horse is purchased. The cost is well |
| may only be suited for specific uses. For example, a | | | | worth it to ensure that a suitable mount is identified. |
| draft horse would not be effective at herding cattle. A | | | | A pre-purchase veterinary exam is recommended. |
| thoroughbred racehorse fresh from the race track | | | | This should include a complete stress test to rule out |
| would not make a good child's horse. | | | | lameness. Some people like to have x-rays taken, but |
| There are a multitude of resources for finding a horse. | | | | the efficacy of performing such a procedure is |
| Many websites exist that list horses for sale, across | | | | somewhat questionable. Certain individuals feel that |
| riding disciplines, by breed, and by geographic location. | | | | x-rays are necessary to determine if there are any |
| Most of these sites reach a worldwide pool of buyers | | | | developing leg abnormalities. Others feel x-rays may |
| and sellers. Most sites allow the seller to upload photos, | | | | falsely reveal issues that really are not problems. |
| which really helps the buyer narrow down the list of | | | | Thorough research is recommended before making a |
| possible candidates for purchase. The potential buyer | | | | purchase. Multiple resources should be utilized in the |
| can usually sort prospects by price, breed or riding | | | | search process. A large selection of information and |
| discipline. This is an excellent way to find horses | | | | resources is available. A search is usually more |
| quickly, do preliminary research on just what is | | | | expansive when looking for animals needed for the |
| available, as well as determine corresponding price | | | | most competitive activities. |