| Buying a horse is a huge investment in both time and | | | | feet. Watch to see if the owner can touch the horse |
| money, and there are some things you'll want to know | | | | anywhere on it's body, inside the ears, above the tail, |
| before you start searching for horses for sale. Buying | | | | on the flanks, legs, and belly. Watch the interaction |
| a horse can be compared to buying a used car. | | | | between the horse and the owner to see how the |
| Unscrupulous horse traders will alter the appearance | | | | horse behaves. Remember that if something bad is |
| or behavior of their horses for sale to fool you. Even | | | | going to happen it's better to have it happen to the guy |
| among the honest horse traders, most wouldn't | | | | who's trying to sell you the animal! |
| purposely mislead you, but they may not tell you the | | | | Watch the horse move at liberty. Look for anything |
| whole story about their horses for sale unless you ask. | | | | that is a sign that the horse may have medical |
| Ask the seller some questions that relate to what you | | | | problems, lameness, or a bad attitude. Watch the head |
| are looking for in a horse. Some of the following | | | | when the horse walks, excessive bobbing of the head |
| questions may help you decide if the horse you're | | | | might signal a problem. Pinned ears or a swishing tail all |
| looking at is right for you. | | | | of the time in horses for sale can indicate other issues. |
| Why are you selling this horse and how long have you | | | | As a rule, don't get on any horse first - have the |
| personally owned this horse? | | | | owner ride the horse first. If the owner won't get on, |
| Does the horse have any medical problems? Has the | | | | there had better be a good reason. Ask the owner to |
| horse ever been lame? | | | | bring the horse into a walk, trot, canter, change leads, |
| How are the horse's teeth? Have you ever had the | | | | etc so you can see all the paces. Watch for lameness, |
| horse's teeth floated? | | | | length of stride, range of motion, problems with the |
| Has the horse ever foundered? | | | | right and left lead, etc. If the horse doesn't look safe, |
| What type of worming program are you using? | | | | don't ride him. |
| What type of riding do you do? (Trail, English, Western, | | | | There are many other things to consider when buying |
| Three day Eventing, Barrel racing, etc.) | | | | a horse, such as whether you prefer a Mare or a |
| What do you feed the horse? | | | | Gelding (we never recommend buying a Stallion unless |
| How is the horse kept? i.e. in a pasture, in a stall, in a | | | | you plan on using him for breeding purposes, and have |
| small paddock, alone or with others. | | | | appropriate facilities to accommodate a potentially |
| Has the horse ever hurt anyone? | | | | aggressive and dangerous horse). |
| What type of training has the horse had? Does the | | | | You will also want to consider the ages, level of |
| horse have a trainer? Can I call the trainer? | | | | training, and constitutions of any horses for sale before |
| How is the horse with the farrier? Can I contact the | | | | making a purchase, and how these characteristics |
| farrier? | | | | relate to your purpose for buying a horse in the first |
| How is the horse with the veterinarian? Can I contact | | | | place. Be careful not to get carried away with a horse |
| the vet.? | | | | just because it's beautiful, and buy a horse that won't |
| Does the horse load into a trailer easily? How about | | | | meet your needs. Remember, the most important thing |
| unloading? | | | | is how a horse behaves and performs not how it |
| How is the horse with water? i.e. bathing, walking | | | | looks in the barn. |
| through it. | | | | Good luck as you search for horses for sale, if you |
| Ask the horse owner to show you what his horses | | | | find the right match, you will have made a very good |
| for sale can do. Have the owner pick up the horse's | | | | investment to bring you satisfaction for many years. |