horse purchase ?

[ellamarie]

Hello all--I need some advice regarding the purchase of a horse. I am contemplating purchasing a horse and I need help regarding this purchase. I feel I have found a reputable breeder to purchase from, but I need some guidance regarding making a knowledgable purchase. I am an adult, have ridden some in the past, and am looking to make my dream of horse ownership a reality. Any suggestions would be appreciated...

Thank you.
Ella Marie

[kitcat0601]

Well, If it was me I would check some references from previous buyers. If he is a reputable breeder, then he shouldnt have a problem with it. I would also get a pre purchase exam from a vet. Do you have any friends that have horses, or any trainers or people with a good eye for conformation faults, like overbites, etc, that might cause any problems? I have learned this from my own stupidity of not having one done.

[ellamarie]

Unfortunately, I do not know anyone with horses. I have read some reference letters from this breeder and they seem to try to match horse with rider. I plan on getting a pre-purchase exam.

[bndranch]

One other thing I would ask if you can take the horse on a trial period. Meaning that you could try the horse out for a week or two and if you aren't happy or you don't get along you can give the horse back and get a full refund on what you paid. Every reputable breeder out there will work with you. I sold a horse last Dec and I put a 6 month guarrentee on soundness. Not many will do this but we have had this horse since the day he was foaled and he was 9. If someone is sure they are selling you a good "product" they will back it up. If they are unwilling then I would hesitate on the purchase, but then again that is me.

[ellamarie]

Thank you for the suggestions. Are prices "set in stone" or do breeders expect to "bargain" some on the price?

[bndranch]

I ALWAYS expect a buyer to male thingyer with me (I wonder if that will get censored out lmao). I always set my prices high then I usually will get what I want in the end Don't be afraid to offer a lower price, just try not to offend them LOL!




ha look at that it did change it the word was
d i c k e r not male thingyer

[ellamarie]

LOL. You crack me up.

[ellamarie]

bnd--I sent you a PM.

[bndranch]

I got it and I responded!

[glitterless]

Are there any public stables in your area? If so, why not call up the owner or a coach from that barn and tell them your situation. Hopefully they don't know the seller, so they won't be biased, but ideally you might be able to hire this person for an hour or two to look at the horse with you. I definitely second the pre purchase vet exam. That is a must. If the seller is a very reputable breeder, they may also offer a trail or a money back guarantee. Of course they do not have to offer these things and you shouldn't be swayed in your decision if they don't, but it's something to look into.

Good luck. It can be scary to jump in and buy a horse -- very overwhelming in the least, but it can also bring you years of enjoyment!

[patty dukes]

been seeing a lot on rescuing have you thought about that

[risingrainbow]

If you are buying your very first horse without anyone you trust to advise you, that could really be a wreck. Are you in a hurry to accomplish this or can you take a little time to be sure you get it done right? There are lots and lots of horror stories about that first horse experience and I think most of them come because the buyer bought mainly off of impulse.

I would recommend looking around your area for some nice training facilities. Make an appointment to go visit. See if they have lesson horses and/or if you can come in on days off and "help out" so you can learn a little. If it's a barn you feel comfortable in, you'll be building a relationship that can help you find that first horse. If it's not a barn you feel comfortable in, move on until you find one where you do. If you find a place you can take lessons, you can be building your skill level as well as your trust level with someone who can help you find the right horse for you.

If you feel that you already know enough to not need these steps, then be sure when you're looking at that horse that it is not pushy. Watch the seller with all of their animals to see if they tolerate their horses in their space. Good ground manners are few and far between in the horse industry and yet they are the basis for a healthy relationship with a horse and relate to all aspects both on the ground and in the saddle.

[wisteriafarms]

While we are on this subject, what is everyone's opinion on showing up unannounced to take a second look at a horse? I hear stories about horses being lunged right before a prospective buyer comes so that they are quieter, or even some horses being lightly sedated. After they are purchased the buyer finds out that they have a difficult horse. I bought both of my horses from a friend and worked with them both for several months before purchasing them, so I knew what I was getting. But I always thought that if I bought another horse from someone I didn't know, if I was very interested after the first time looking at the horse I would come back a couple days later and call them en route to ask them if they were available now. That way I would be sure that the behavior I saw the first time was true.

What do you all think?

[akkie]

I do that as a rule, Wisteria, but I don't call on the way, but then I am sneeky when it comes to looking at a horse I want. I have also learned from experience. If the people are O.K. they won't mind, just express mild surprise at youo turning up unexpectedly.

[Steph @ Elements]

A lot of breeders are a private home and would not appreciate someone showing up unannounced. That said, I would NEVER drug or falsely represent a horse that I am selling. If the breeder/seller will not give you contact information for other people who have purchased from them, then steer clear. Anyone that wants to buy something from us is MORE than welcome to contact the REAL buyers that we have dealt with and ask them questions without us acting as a go-between. As for a trial period, this is not always feasable... Keep in mind that a triel period means that horse is no longer on the marker or available for other people to see or purchase, so it is quite a risk for the seller. Most sellers offering a trial period will require a non-refundable deposit. We DO however let potential buyers come visit and spend time with the horse here. Anyway, lots of ins and outs in buying horses! OH... I also would NOT recommend a "rescue" for a new horse buyer/owner, just because many of these poor critters have issues that need an experience person to help them work through.

Steph