| A huge increase in horses for sale has resulted due to | | | | trainers are excellent sources. Breed associations |
| the current economic downturn. High-priced show | | | | usually have newsletters or magazines with classified |
| horses are selling for a fraction of what their original | | | | sections. Breeders are listed, and usually sell horses |
| value. Many owners are giving their horses away to | | | | they breed and raise. Trainers may or may not have |
| shelters because they are no longer able to afford | | | | horses for sale, but always have leads on animals for |
| them. | | | | sale within the horse community. |
| A horse is a long-term investment. One should take | | | | Regardless of the method of locating a prospect, it is |
| great care in the selection process, and put a lot of | | | | very important to ride or at least visit the horse multiple |
| thought into whether he or she can maintain an animal | | | | times. This provides a better understanding of the |
| on a constant basis. Animals can easily be found in all | | | | horse\'s temperament and level of training. Get a |
| price ranges and breeds, and in almost every | | | | second opinion. Bring a trusted friend, colleague or |
| geographic area. The buyer should be prepared to ask | | | | trainer to see the horse. If possible, have this individual |
| the seller numerous detailed questions before making a | | | | ride the horse as well. Trainers usually charge a small |
| decision to purchase a particular horse. | | | | commission if a horse is purchased. The cost is well |
| The buyer should decide specifically how he intends to | | | | worth it to ensure that a suitable mount is identified. |
| use the horse. For example, will he be ridden for leisure | | | | Veterinary examinations are usually recommended. |
| on sport? Will he be used in show jumping | | | | However the effectiveness of such an examination is |
| competition? These are just two examples, but clearly | | | | somewhat controversial. Nevertheless, a complete |
| knowing how the animal will be used also helps one to | | | | stress test should be conducted. This helps to identify |
| focus the search. A horse cannot perform a large | | | | lameness issues. Some people believe that x-rays |
| amount of diverse tasks. By being more specific on | | | | should be included in the exam, to thoroughly screen |
| how a horse is to be used, the buyer can successfully | | | | for any lameness issues. On the other hand, x-rays in |
| find the best horse for their purposes. | | | | older horses will usually show some sort of bone |
| There is a huge variety of resources available to | | | | abnormality that may or may not cause lameness in |
| buyers for locating a suitable horse. A large amount of | | | | the future. |
| websites specialize in listing sale horses for any riding | | | | A variety of resources are available for finding horses |
| discipline, all breeds and locations. Sellers can upload | | | | for sale. A search is usually more comprehensive |
| photos on the site. The buyer can usually sort sales | | | | when one is looking for a more expensive animal for |
| lists by price, breed, or geographic location. Most show | | | | high level competition, or an animal necessary for a |
| sale horses all over the world. | | | | specialised discipline. Regardless of the type of horse |
| Buyers can find horses using more conventional | | | | one is looking for, it is a good idea to do thorough |
| methods as well. Horses usually sell at auctions for | | | | research, and tap on more than one resource to find |
| greatly reduced rates. One should be careful | | | | that perfect horse. |
| purchasing from this type of resource. Breeders and | | | | |