Buying and Selling Advice
Looking to Buy a Horse?
Before you set out to buy your first horse there are a number questions you need to ask yourself.
How much are you willing to pay for your horse?
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and buy a horse that’s outside your price range, especially if you are at an auction. But don’t forget that the price of the horse is not the only cost involved. Buying a horse is a huge financial commitment and must be thought through before purchasing. Think carefully about the type of horse you want. Prepare a list of criteria to make it easier on the day. Go prepared and don’t be afraid to say no if the horse does not tick all your boxes.
Where will you keep your horse?
There are many solutions for housing your horse, but if you are not fortunate enough to have your own land you will need to look into a suitable livery yard.
How much will it cost to keep your horse at livery?
Prices will vary depending on the location and the facilities available. It will also depend on whether you opt for DIY, part livery, or full livery. The DIY option will usually require you to be with your horse everyday, feeding, mucking out and riding etc. Part and full livery can offer you a more freedom, but all liveries will offer slightly different services. Be sure to ask your prospective livery as many questions as possible.
How much time do you have to dedicate to your horse?
Consider how much time you have to dedicate to you horse. Even if you purchase a retired horse that will spend much of its time in a field, you will still need to check on him/her every day.
Will you have your horse vet checked before purchase?
It’s a good idea to get your local vet to check the horse out before you purchase to avoid any nasty surprises after you have purchased your new horse. It’s also a good opportunity to meet your local vet.
Will the horse be sold with its tack or will you need to buy it?
It’s worth asking the present owner if they would consider selling the equipment with the horse to tide you over until you purchase your own tack.
Will you buy from an auction or private seller?
It’s worth finding out where your nearest auctions are, but also find out who in your area is selling horses. Purchasing by auction or by private seller both have their advantages and disadvantages. If buying from a private seller or dealer, be sure to confirm all the details that the advert specifies. Ask for more pictures and even a video of the horse being ridden. It’s worth finding out as much as you can before travelling long distances to see a horse.
Inspecting a horse
It really is advisable to take someone else along with you who is an experienced rider, even someone that has experience in buying and selling horses. They can act as a second pair or eyes and ears and even ride the horse before you if you are a little inexperienced. They can also be more objective in what they see.
Always watch the owner/vendor handle the horse first. If the horse is already tacked up when you arrive don’t be afraid to ask the owner to untack the horse and do it while you are watching. You should see the owner bring the horse in from the field, handle the horse whilst in his stable, groom the horse, tack him up and ride him before you do anything. Be aware if the owner/vendor asks you to leave when they are about to tack up the horse or mount etc. This can be sign that they are trying to hide an undesirable behaviour in the horse. Ask the person that is accompanying you to ride the horse before you do. Once you are happy with what you see, ride the horse in an enclosed area (ideally a school). If at this point you feel happy with the horse ask the owner if you can ride the horse out on a hack with another horse and rider and then on your own. This will assess how safe and secure the horse is away from its familiar surrounding.
After your ride
Once you have finished with your ride. Lead the horse around in hand for a few minutes and note if he barges or pulls at the rope.
Untack him and brush him down to see what his temperament is like. While he is out of his stable look for any signs of stable vices such as crib biting (chewed wood around the door) damage to walls (caused by kicking) and if they have a grill up to stop weaving. Check him for lumps, old scaring and swellings on his body, but particularly on his legs. Ask the owner if he has had any injuries in the past and if so, how they affect him since the injury. Ask someone to walk and then trot the horse in hand on a hard, level surface and watch for any inconsistencies in his pace (lameness). Finally, watch the horse being lead to the field and then released.
Other Questions to Ask the Owner/Vendor
1. Ask if they have all papers with regards to the horse ie., passport, breed papers etc.
2. Is the horse good to shoe, box, clip etc.
3. Has the horse competed? Does it have any winnings? Is it affiliated? If you are thinking of competing for the first time and your horse is an experienced veteran, you may find it difficult to enter him into a competition if you are not at the same level of success as the horse.
Looking to Sell Your Horse?
Selling your horse can be an emotional time if you need to down size or if you are looking to exchange your horse for another that suits your needs. What ever your reason for selling your horse, the following may help you to prepare.
What type of rider/person would best suit your horse i.e., novice, experienced rider competitive rider etc?
It is important to consider who you will sell you horse to. Your horse may be a good allrounder, well behaved and suitable for almost anyone. Or, you may have a horse that you know has the ability to excel in a particular discipline so you may what him/her to go to a competitive rider.
How quickly do you need to sell you horse?
If you need to sell you horse quickly you may want to advertise in a number of places as well as by word of mouth.
Does your horse have all its papers in order i.e., passport, medical files etc?
Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004 require all owners to obtain a passport for each horse they own. This includes ponies, donkeys, and other equidae. Owners cannot sell, export, slaughter for human consumption, use for the purposes of competition or breeding, a horse which does not have a passport. Make sure that you horse has all its papers to prevent delays in selling your horse.
Do you want to see where you horse will live?
Some people want to see where their horse will live to ensure that they have suitable living conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask to see where he/she will be kept.
Will you sell its rugs and tack with the horse?
If you are selling your horse for another you will probably need new tack, so it’s worth thinking about selling your tack with your horse. Be sure to include the cost of the tack in with the price of your horse.
These are just some of the questions that may help you to buy or sell a horse. If you have any advice that you wish to share with others please feel free to contact us.