So…… you want to buy the pretty horse for your child, or maybe for yourself? Here’s a few things to consider and some good tips.
First, ask yourself how accomplished of a horseman you are, (note, I did not say how well can you RIDE, there is a difference!) You should be honest with yourself with this question. If you are an experienced horseman, I probably won’t mention anything you don’t already know. If you are NOT experienced with horses, keep reading!
Horses are not pets! They are powerful animals that can injure and kill you by accident! A typical horse weighs in excess of 1200 lbs. This equals 400lbs per hoof that’s standing on your foot! A horse’s kick can generate 200lbs per square inch! (not sure if Kung Fu can do that) A horse’s bite is worse than any dog. A horse can knock you to the ground merely by swinging their head….well…you get my point?
Assuming now you haven’t decided to buy a cat instead and you WANT that horse, here’s some tips I hope will be helpful;
Take your time! Never rush into buying a horse! Never let anyone pressure you into buying a horse. When I decide to purchase a horse, I set aside the money (price) I want to pay, I then start looking. Be patient, the right horse for the right price will always come along.
Never buy a horse based solely on appearance! Determine if the horse fits your riding style and ability. A nice plain sorrel horse that’s good minded is much better than a pretty paint that bucks you off!
Ask the seller to demonstrate any claims they may make as to the horse’s disposition, ability etc. If the seller refuses, keep looking!
Consider why the horse is being sold. Get as much of a background history you can and contact any previous owners if possible. Usually… the cheaper the horse, the more it’s going to cost you! There’s a reason horses are sold cheap.
Consider a short-term lease with option to buy or a thirty day return option. This gives you an opportunity to spend a little time with the horse to see if you get along and to uncover any potential issues.
Set up a pre-purchase veterinarian and chiropractic exam. Typically, the buyer would pay for this but well worth it!
Consider insurance on your horse. Yes, they have that. If your making a considerable investment, an insurance policy might make sense.
Bring a person that is experienced in equine conformation. Many times, when I was looking to buy, I would seek the help of someone more knowledgeable than I was to go with me. Another set of eyes is always good!
Seek out help with someone experienced in equine behavior. Here at Real Time Horsemanship, we offer an evaluation service designed to help the owner have a better understanding of what they have or about to acquire.