Buying A Horse

Buying a horse is an expensive investment and should not be entered into lightly. There are several things that must be considered before and during the purchase of the horse: Below is a small guide of some of the things that you should keep in mind when buying a horse:

Things to Do Consider Before Buying A Horse

Laws on keeping a horse: this is the first thing that any prospective horse owner should do. This will usually include any taxes paid on livestock, equine liability as well as fire code laws for your horses stable.

Availability of horse resources: this means knowing where you will be able to get supplies you're your horse. It includes things like where you will be buying hay, as well as finding feed stores, locating a vet who is knowledgeable on horses, as well as identifying the nearest equine hospital.

The cost of keeping and maintaining a horse: buying a horse is cheap compared to the amounts of money that you may need to maintain it. You may have enough money to buy a horse but not enough to maintain it. Calculate how much it will cost you build a stable, buy hay and other feed regularly as well as pay for medical needs of the horse and buying equipment like saddles. Also remember to include the price of a trainer.
Once you have considered all the above and you are still on the position to buy a horse you can proceed to looking for a horse.

Buying A Horse

Know what you want. This means having a list of specifications that you need in a horse. Know exactly what age, gender color and pedigree that you want before you start your search for the horse. This keeps you focused on getting what you want.

Inquire about reliable dealer. If you have friends or family members who have purchased a horse, ask them to give you some of the names of the good dealers that they came across.

If you live in an area where horses are found in plenty, you can choose to advertise the fact that you are looking for a horse. Mention in detail the specifications of the horse that you want to avoid getting too many responses that do not offer you what you want.

Once you get a response that matches your description, call the owner or the dealer and confirm that the horse fits the description of the horse that you wanted. From there you can make a visit to see if you like the horse and if it is indeed what you wanted.

If it fits the description, inquire about any medical history of the horse, any bad habits like kicking, the horse's history and breeding, feeding habits as well as the reason for sale.

If the horse looks ok and you think it suits your needs, make a second visit with a vet to check the horse. It is also important to go with someone else so that you get a second opinion on the horse.

Do not be too quick to buy the horse, ask for the selling price and then ask for some time to deliberate while you look around for other alternatives.

If you get more than one horse, select the best and then proceed with the price negotiations.