| The number of horses for sale has grown in size, | | | | greatly reduced rates. One should be careful |
| largely due to economic slow down. Owners simply | | | | purchasing from this type of resource. Breeders and |
| cannot afford to keep these expensive animals. Many | | | | trainers are excellent sources. Breed associations |
| horses end up in shelters simply because their owners | | | | usually have newsletters or magazines with classified |
| can no longer afford to keep them. Even high-priced | | | | sections. Breeders are listed, and usually sell horses |
| and well-trained show horses are selling for a small | | | | they breed and raise. Trainers may or may not have |
| amount of what they used to sell for. | | | | horses for sale, but always have leads on animals for |
| Horses in every breed, and trained for any riding style, | | | | sale within the horse community. |
| can easily be found. Price levels vary widely as well. | | | | When visiting a prospect, bring a knowledgeable and |
| Individuals must still be very cautious when purchasing | | | | trusted friend, colleague or trainer. Trainers charge a |
| this type of animal. It is an investment of sorts. | | | | small fee for assisting in the search for a horse. This is |
| Numerous issues should be considered during the | | | | worth the cost in order to find a good horse. Get either |
| decision process. In addition, many different sales | | | | the trainer or the second person to ride the horse. |
| sources are available to assist the buyer in finding the | | | | Review the animal\'s ground manners as well. All of |
| right horse. | | | | this provides good information regarding the horse\'s |
| The buyer should decide specifically how he intends to | | | | training and attitude. |
| use the horse. For example, will he be ridden for leisure | | | | It is a good idea to have the horse examined by a |
| on sport? Will he be used in show jumping | | | | licensed veterinarian before completing the purchase. |
| competition? These are just two examples, but clearly | | | | A thorough stress test should be included in the |
| knowing how the animal will be used also helps one to | | | | examination. The value of x-rays is somewhat |
| focus the search. A horse cannot perform a large | | | | controversial, however. Some believe x-rays are |
| amount of diverse tasks. By being more specific on | | | | necessary to verify whether a horse has a developing |
| how a horse is to be used, the buyer can successfully | | | | lameness issue. Others do not think x-rays provide any |
| find the best horse for their purposes. | | | | value. They are believed to erroneously indicate a |
| There is a huge variety of resources available to | | | | problem when none exist. |
| buyers for locating a suitable horse. A large amount of | | | | A variety of resources are available for finding horses |
| websites specialize in listing sale horses for any riding | | | | for sale. A search is usually more comprehensive |
| discipline, all breeds and locations. Sellers can upload | | | | when one is looking for a more expensive animal for |
| photos on the site. The buyer can usually sort sales | | | | high level competition, or an animal necessary for a |
| lists by price, breed, or geographic location. Most show | | | | specialised discipline. Regardless of the type of horse |
| sale horses all over the world. | | | | one is looking for, it is a good idea to do thorough |
| Buyers can find horses using more conventional | | | | research, and tap on more than one resource to find |
| methods as well. Horses usually sell at auctions for | | | | that perfect horse. |