| In shopping for a horse there are a few basic rules to | | | | the horse. Ask the owner of the horse to load the |
| meet success. Do yourself a favor and read this | | | | horse in the trailer just to see how the horse responds. |
| guideline if you want a smooth transition into your next | | | | Pick up the horses feet. Lead the horse around at a |
| purchase of an equine. All buyers interested in horses | | | | jog to see how they respond. Then if your |
| are interested for different reasons. The most | | | | comfortable take a ride yourself, but wear a helmet. |
| important thing you can do for yourself is know | | | | Have a friend video tape it and if your concerned |
| yourself. Knowing yourself will ultimately lead you to | | | | about anything take the tape to a respected trainer |
| understand what you need to aim for in finding the | | | | and ask them what they see. Suggestions they might |
| "right" horse. For instance, if you have never owned a | | | | have? |
| horse before don't buy a untrained horse or a young | | | | 5) Ask for vet check. It is worth the investment. If you |
| one for that matter. The market right now is such that | | | | buy a horse and it ends up lame in a week your "new" |
| you can find a well broke experienced horse for a | | | | horse won't be worth as much as you paid for it. Also |
| good price. Also understand a horse will not train you, | | | | it will allow you to see if the previous owner has been |
| you need to find someone to help you learn how to | | | | up to date on teeth floating, trimming, ect. It will also |
| become a good rider and a responsible horse owner. | | | | give you a little time to really think about the decision |
| A well trained horse makes this transition a lot | | | | your about ready to make. If the horse passes with |
| smoother if your new at being a horse owner. | | | | flying colors I would recommend having the vet back |
| Here are some steps to go by. | | | | out to give the horse it's vaccines and worming it |
| 1) Figure out exactly what you want in a horse. Figure | | | | before it's transported. You will be responsible for the |
| out the breed your aiming for, the level of training you | | | | bill so be prepared for that. |
| want them to have, their age, their past experience, | | | | 6) Ask the owner of the horse if they have sold any |
| mare or gelding, and what you want to do in the future | | | | other horses in the two years. If they have get the |
| with this companion. If you are buying your ten year old | | | | name of the buyer and call them to see if their |
| daughter a pony will the pony still fit her in four years? | | | | transaction was positive. Ask if the owner was honest |
| Will she be able to compete with her like friends when | | | | about the horse. |
| they all have quarter horses? What is in her best | | | | 7) If everything lines up then this is the one. I might wait |
| interest now and in the future. | | | | a few weeks to make sure the vaccine becomes |
| 2) Start looking around to see what meets this | | | | active and then it's time for safe transport. |
| description. Look locally, look on the Internet, ask a local | | | | 8) Prior to pick up ask if the horse comes with |
| barn that specializing in your area of interests. | | | | anything. A records book? A halter (do you need to |
| 3) Once you find a prospect start asking questions. | | | | bring your own), a blanket, anything? So you are |
| Lots of questions. Past history, vet check-ups, how | | | | prepared when it's time to pick the horse up. |
| they do in a trailer, how do they respond to a bath and | | | | 9) Once your horse has been purchased. Ask for all |
| most importantly how often is this horse worked with? | | | | their vet records. If their vet has them ask for a waver |
| How do they respond to vaccines? What do they | | | | so you can access them today and in the future. |
| feed him or her? Are they in a pasture, a stall, a horse | | | | 10) Have the owner fill out a bill of sale and get a |
| facility. What do they do when they are in a stressful | | | | signature and date. Head on down the road. You got |
| situation? Bring a friend that is horse savvy with you. | | | | yourself a pony! |
| This is important, because it will give you a different | | | | Understand that you can not predict everything when |
| perspective. | | | | you buy a horse. That you can only do as much as |
| 4) Make the owner ride the horse first and watch how | | | | you can to ensure that you made the most |
| the horse responds and how the owner complies with | | | | knowledgeable decision possible. |