How to buy a horse

Want to know how to buy a horse? Finding the perfect horse is not an easy task. EveryEquestrian have made some easy tips on how to buy a horse.

I have been there and done it. Making that first step to purchasing a horse can be a bit nail biting. I have listed a few suggestions that might help you out when getting ready to purchase a horse.

Things you should ask the owner:

* Confirm the information you see in the ad; age, height, color, breed etc * The horse’s history and breeding * Ask if the horse has show experience and if so how much experience (show results)? * What is the medical history of the horse? * How well the horse travels * Any vices or bad habits (kicking, bucking, biting, spooking, and cribbing) * Reason for sale * Ask as many questions as possible to avoid wasted trips to view unsuitable horses.

Visit the horse at least twice:

On your first visit you should arrive a little earlier than scheduled to catch a glimpse of what the horse's environment is like and what the horse's behavior is like. You should come with your instructor or an experienced friend. Typically the owner or your instructor will test ride the horse first to see if it is safe and worth your time. After you have ridden the horse and decided if you like the horse you should have a second visit. You should visit the horse again and have another ride. Feel free to visit the horse as many times as you like. Remember, your the one who is buying! If all goes well and you like the horse the best advice is to "sleep on it". Don't just accept the horse and hand over the money. On the second visit, maybe try negotiating the price.

Final steps in buying a horse:

* Tell the owner if you want to buy and negotiate on pricing. The most important first step in buying a horse is to get a vet check on the horse. Having a vet check is a must, you never know what kind of problems you could be dealing with down the road. If the vet approves the horses overall health you can then proceed to taking your dream horse home. * Find out what the horse has been fed. If you are going to change the horse’s diet you should change the diet slowly over a week or two. * Insure the horse before you transport him. * Prepare a safe area, either a stall or a paddock with friendly horses. Get any basic equipment for feeding, grooming, traveling and blankets for the winter. * Find a way to transport your horse to your horse's new home. If you don’t have a trailer you can hire someone to trailer your horse. * Allow your horse to settle in peacefully, and be careful introducing it to new horses.

If you have any questions with the process of how to buy a horse a horse feel free to contact  EveryEquestrian.

Good luck and enjoy your new companion!