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You are interested in buying a horse. Let us start with a couple of questions: What are you going to use it for? How experienced are you as a rider/horse person? What are a couple of your goals with this new horse (ie. compete in local shows, ride to sears lake approx. 7 day trip, etc.). Once you have answered these, get a feeling from combining these answers to find what kind of a horse you are looking for.
Jenny is an intermediate rider; she has an interest in showing on the local circut for jumping. She has jumped 2'6", but is much more comfortable at 2'3". Her goal is to jump 2'9" in a year and show sucessfully at 2'6".
Jenny is a fairly good rider, but has limitations with height, and still has some fears. She should not be riding a thoroughbred from the track, nor should she be riding any horse under the age of seven (well, well broke) or of only two year's experience jumping. These are some common sense things that you should be knowledgable of in a horse buying situation. Jenny should be looking for what? Something quite? A horse that has experience in competing? A horse that has age?
You need to really customize what you are looking for, and then compile all of the horses that are a potential into a long list. You should look at each one the same/objective way. First, watch them in his feild or stall before having the person take him out. This is a good time to ask the owner, stable manager questions: how old, how much, history, vet problems, bucks, bites, shipps, shoes, wins, looses, who has ridden him, who has owned him, breeding, etc. Watch for nervousness while asking all of these questions. Look at his eye, is it gentle? Does he come to you out of honest intentions, or is he just wanting you to get him the heck out of his stall?
Have the owner halter him, and bring him outside or in a well lighted area. Notice his coat, is he well taken care of? Does he have patches of missing fur? Does he spook or shy at you or anything around the area. He should not have any issues in his own home, if he does consider turning arouns and walking away!
Next, look at his conformation. If you do not know much about confirmation, there are helpful guides that can assist you in what to look for. Basically, you want the leg bones lined up well, you want his whiters and hind end even. You do not want a back so swayed that you might not be able to put a saddle on. You want a nice shoulder for free movement; the shoulder should come at an angle from the point to the base of the neck, almost at 30 degrees.
Have the owner walk the horse away from you. Watch his legs: do they move straight? Or, does one foot wing out the side? Does he lift his hind legs too high, is it unnatural? Depending on what you want to do, confirmation flaws can be accepted or can be the rejection of teh horse. If you notice something and do not really know, ask the advise of someone, perhaps a vet.
Have the horse trotted out, looking at even steps, tempo, free movement. Are his ears pricked? Does he seem happy? If you notice unhappines, you should turn away. He might have an injury, or perhaps a bad attitude.
When you like the horse from the ground enough, have the owner ride the horse. Do not ride the horse first! This is a liablilty to you! Have the person demonstrate a good warm up, and specific talents it can do. If you are impressed and think that the horse is safe for you and your riding ability, then you may mount. Have the horse work on both directions, ask for familliar and unfamilliar things, spend time noticing his reaction.
If you are continuing to like this animal, discuss with the owner about a trial period. You, as a buyer, can take the horse home for a week to two weeks, with a deposit down. This is crutial! You can not judge how the horse is in unfamilliar territory, so you are allowed to see. This is a time to relax the horse into your facility, keep a simple program. Do not push the animal into learning new things, for he is already unsure about where he is and what he is doing there.
If his manners are good, he feels right to you. I would consider getting a pre-purchase exam from a vet you trust and respect. If you are unsure about vets, ask the advise of a saddelry or feed stores. The vet should do several tests with the horse. He will lift each leg in a stressful position, upon release his assistant will jog the horse. If there is any lameness, consider not purchasing or possibly x-ray it. the vet will advise you on what seems most reasonable for what you are doing.
It is a good idea to have the owner present when doing a pre purchase. They are a resource. If there is anything suspicious, the owner might have an answer for the problem. The vet can then direct you in proper care or simply say "yeah" or "nay". Be professional about this part of the business. You do not want to insult anyone, especially the owner, by projecting your disappointment or frustration with an issue. Remember, this could be somebody's best friend for years, and has to give him up.
The price of a horse is always negotiable, but needs to be within the peramaters of the market. Investigate different papers, internet sites, and magazines for similar prices. Compare these prices to the horses you are looking at. If it falls into place, do not insult the owner by making an offer too low, just for a good deal. Horses are never a good deal; they are a financial commitment, so if you save a thousand dollars here, you'll probably spend it on an injury. Be honest if you can not afford such a high price, see if there is something you can work out. If you prove to be good to the horse, and have suitable facilities, the owner might consider a lower price or payments.
Keep your spirits up! Assess everything! Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions! Your vet is your best resource, and so is your intuition!
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