| A huge increase in horses for sale has resulted due to | | | | usually sell horses at bargain prices, and are held on a |
| the current economic downturn. High-priced show | | | | regular basis. Horses should be purchased at auction |
| horses are selling for a fraction of what their original | | | | only by those with extensive horse knowledge. |
| value. Many owners are giving their horses away to | | | | Breeders and trainers are also very good resources. |
| shelters because they are no longer able to afford | | | | Breeders usually sell the animals that they have bred |
| them. | | | | and raised. Trainers may or may not be in the |
| Horses in every breed, and trained for any riding style, | | | | business of selling horses, but have a lot of |
| can easily be found. Price levels vary widely as well. | | | | connections to sellers in the horse world. Breed |
| Individuals must still be very cautious when purchasing | | | | associations usually list horses for sale in the classified |
| this type of animal. It is an investment of sorts. | | | | sections of their newsletters or magazines. |
| Numerous issues should be considered during the | | | | Regardless of the method of locating a prospect, it is |
| decision process. In addition, many different sales | | | | very important to ride or at least visit the horse multiple |
| sources are available to assist the buyer in finding the | | | | times. This provides a better understanding of the |
| right horse. | | | | horse's temperament and level of training. Get a |
| The buyer should decide specifically how he intends to | | | | second opinion. Bring a trusted friend, colleague or |
| use the horse. For example, will he be ridden for leisure | | | | trainer to see the horse. If possible, have this individual |
| on sport? Will he be used in show jumping | | | | ride the horse as well. Trainers usually charge a small |
| competition? These are just two examples, but clearly | | | | commission if a horse is purchased. The cost is well |
| knowing how the animal will be used also helps one to | | | | worth it to ensure that a suitable mount is identified. |
| focus the search. A horse cannot perform a large | | | | A pre-purchase veterinary exam is recommended. |
| amount of diverse tasks. By being more specific on | | | | This should include a complete stress test to rule out |
| how a horse is to be used, the buyer can successfully | | | | lameness. Some people like to have x-rays taken, but |
| find the best horse for their purposes. | | | | the efficacy of performing such a procedure is |
| A wonderful way to begin a comprehensive search is | | | | somewhat questionable. Certain individuals feel that |
| to look at internet websites specializing in selling horses. | | | | x-rays are necessary to determine if there are any |
| Most of these websites are visited by buyers and | | | | developing leg abnormalities. Others feel x-rays may |
| sellers across the world. These resources provide | | | | falsely reveal issues that really are not problems. |
| access to horses used for a variety of activities. | | | | A pre-purchase veterinary exam is recommended. |
| Information can be sorted by specific breed, as well as | | | | This should include a complete stress test to rule out |
| by location. The potential buyer can organize | | | | lameness. Some people like to have x-rays taken, but |
| prospects by price, breed or riding discipline. Even if the | | | | the efficacy of performing such a procedure is |
| animal is ultimately purchased from someone who has | | | | somewhat questionable. Certain individuals feel that |
| not advertised on the internet, these sites still provide | | | | x-rays are necessary to determine if there are any |
| valuable information from which the buyer can start his | | | | developing leg abnormalities. Others feel x-rays may |
| or her search. | | | | falsely reveal issues that really are not problems. |
| More traditional search methods also exist. Auctions | | | | |