Lesson 2: Buying Your Horse
This lesson covers what to look for in your new horse, where to buy him, how to try him out and of course his all important health record.
Where to Buy
Usually when you're looking to buy a horse you get what you pay for. Occasionally you might get lucky through word of mouth and might find a decent mount at a low price, but that's not the norm. For example, if someone were offering a 12-year old gelding at a price of less than $1800, I'd have to question the horse immediately. Bear in mind as well that horses vary in price according to breed, discipline, training, age and of course where you live. That $2000 horse might cost you more in New York, but less in Montana.
Prices will also vary depending upon whether the horse is registered or not. I've never been particularly concerned about registration, after all, you can't ride a piece of paper, but it all depends on personal preference. I've had some great mixed breed horses and a horse that is sound and safe is worth far more to me than a flashy high-spirited animal that is bred to the nines.
So how do we begin to look for that elusive equine that is destined to become our riding partner? Well there are several options.
Auctions - Not a good place to buy a horse. Sometimes you can get lucky, but often auctions are clearing houses for lame or misbehaving equines. I couldn't ever see a well-trained animal being disposed of here by an owner that knows his animal is worth far more money being sold privately. Also in auctions, you rarely get the chance to try out a horse and you'll never know if that horse has been sedated or not for the event. Exceptions do happen but very rarely and if you don't know your horse flesh then it's best not to buy a horse here.
Riding Schools
Riding schools are terrific places to purchase a horse from. These establishments typically only deal in safe/sound horses because these are destined to be lesson horses. Better yet, you can try numerous times before you buy and with being ridden by different people they're not used to just one rider and will more likely accept you. Of course a riding school horse can become a little numb, especially if it has hosted numerous beginner riders that perhaps sawed on the reins and kicked a little too avidly. Saying that however, horses can be retrained at any age.
Breeders
Buy a horse from a breeder and chances are you'll have to send it off for training. Established breeders typically don't do much with their horses in terms of training. This is because they breed to sell their animals, it's a business as well as a pleasure.
Private Parties
Most people purchase their horses from local private parties. This can be beneficial in that the previous owner is close on hand should you encounter any problems. Furthermore, if you live close to the seller they may allow you to take the horse for a trial period. More about that procedure later. Buying from a seller locally also means that you can be there for the all important vet check. You'll also find that you may have more time to make up your mind about whether the horse is right for you. You can pay more than one visit and try the horse out on several different occasions. This can be helpful in determining whether the horse always performs the same on a number of different days.
Horse Trainers
Possibly the best place to buy a horse from, and one that too many people don't think about is a local trainer. Quite often trainers end up with more horses than they'd like. You'd be amazed by how many people send their horses for training and then don't pay. Trainer keeps horse and then has to sell horse. The main benefit to buying from a trainer is that they have a reputation to uphold, especially if they want more business. They will hardly sell you a dud horse that might come back to haunt them or impact their business. Any horse that they sell is likely to have been put through its paces and made ready to sell. Often also, trainers don't want the hassle of having that extra horse around and may sell them off quite cheaply. Trainers also have contacts and might just know the horse for you. Seeing as they'll not be making any money on the sale, their incentive will be more aimed at the buyer, so be sure to check with local trainers in your area before you buy.
Read Chapter 5; Finding a Horse (The initial Buying Process) p.50-59 of The Horse Illustrated Guide to Buying a Horse.
Okay, so you've found your horse and now is the time you need to know what to watch for!
