Horse Tales: Equines for sale! Tips on buying a horse

Buying a horse is an exciting experience, but also requires caution, careful planning and research, especially when purchasing your first horse.

First, determine what you can afford to pay and stay within that number. Horses are expensive to keep and will require money to be budgeted for daily upkeep: shelter, food, hay, veterinarian checks/immunizations, trimming/shoeing and dental care. It’s not always easy to find the perfect horse within your price range, but there are plenty of good horses available if you take your time to find a good match.

Second, decide on what type of horse you’re looking for. Do you want a mare or gelding? What age would your ideal horse be? Will it be used for trail riding or the show ring? It’s important to narrow down your options. A “flashy show prospect with lots of spirit” and “experienced in the ring” might not make a very good trail horse for a new rider needing to build confidence and skills. If it’s never been ridden outside the safety of a show ring, this horse may spook and take off for the barn at the first sight of a deer or wild turkey or truck crossing the road.

On the other hand, a “good, solid trail horse” might prove disappointing if you’re looking for a jumper.

For those seeking a backyard companion, there are often aged horses whose owners are looking for “a good home” in which to retire their trusted old mount.

Next, do your research to see what’s on the market. Using the internet and social media for equine sales/auctions, as well as private individuals posting horses for sale, will streamline your efforts and can provide information on hundreds of horses. You can also scan newspaper ads; inquire at local tack/feed stores and riding stables; and talk with other horse owners, making it known that you’re looking to buy a horse.

If you’ve found a horse of interest or have decided on one you’d like to purchase, consider bringing an experienced person with you to examine/ride the horse and help you decide. This could be a vet, farrier, trainer or fellow horse owner.

Make a checklist of questions to ask once you have initiated contact: Why is the horse being sold? Is the horse registered/has the original registration certificate? How old is the horse and how long have they had it? What condition is the horse in? Does it have any health problems/unsoundnesses/vices to be aware of, such as rearing, biting or kicking? Describe the horse’s personality – quiet, high-strung, spirited? Does it load/unload/trailer well? Is it road safe and how has the horse been used recently? How is it with a farrier/dentist?

If you are going to an equine sale/auction to purchase a horse, register early to get a bidding number. Be sure to bring along a knowledgeable person with experience at auctions; it would be helpful to hire a veterinarian to accompany you, as you’d be observing the horse as its handler works with it rather than handling it yourself if you visited the horse at the seller’s barn.

If you arrive early you’ll have more time to observe the horse closely to get an idea of its overall condition. A horse in good health will exhibit a shiny coat, bright, clear eyes and clean legs. Notice its behavior (calm or nervous/flighty; is it standing attentively in the stall or looking as though it could have been sedated?). Look at movement (indicating soundness) before bidding. Hopefully you’ll be able to see it being groomed/having its feet picked up.

When the horse is brought out, observe closely how it moves at the walk, trot or lunge, checking for possible lameness, and how it reacts to being handled. Note whether the horse is led on a fairly loose lead or if it has a chain under the noseband or lip – this may indicate a problem with being led, especially around other horses.

Be sure the horse has current Coggins test results and is up to date on vaccinations. If registered, you’ll need the original registration papers with a photo/description of the horse, chip/tattoo number (if applicable) and signatures of the owner/seller, buyer and witness (vet or experienced friend) as well as the method of payment spelled out.

Remember that once you decide to purchase a horse at an auction you are accepting the horse as is, even if it has unsoundness or defects.

For those who prefer to purchase a horse directly from a seller rather than at auction, check the horse carefully for any visible unsoundnesses – cuts, wounds, etc. Make sure the horse leads easily. Ask the owner to lead the horse toward you, and then away, so you can watch for any signs of lameness while it’s moving. This is a good time for your expert horse person to check the horse’s freedom of movement. When they’re standing still, examine their feet and legs for signs of any problems.

Have your “expert” check the horse’s teeth to try and determine not only the age of the horse but whether or not they are worn smooth. A horse with unevenly worn teeth could be a cribber (a horse that chews wood – trees, stalls, barns) or could be having tooth problems. This could lead to loss of weight and digestive disorders, even colic.

Move around the horse, stroking its head, ears, sides and under its belly to see how it reacts. Pick up each foot in turn and inquire as to how easy it is to shoe. Ask ahead of time if you can groom and saddle up the horse – this will give you a good indication of how easy the horse is to work around. Inquire how the horse is with others, if there will be other horses stabled with yours. Ask if the horse has experience with dogs, especially if you have dogs.

If the seller has a trailer available, ask them to walk the horse on and off the trailer. Find out when the horse was last dewormed and what their trimming/shoeing schedule is. If you live nearby, you might want to ask if the seller would recommend a farrier and vet that are familiar with the horse.

Make sure the horse is up to date on yearly vaccinations: rabies, EEE/WEE (Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis) and whatever vaccinations are required in your area. Ask for the most recent Coggins test papers. Horses should be tested for EIA with a Coggins test within two years. If this is not available, your purchase should be made contingent upon a negative Coggins test – and have the owner have it done before you buy the horse.

Arrange to ride the horse, either in a ring, if that’s what you will be using them for, or on a trail. Have your expert friend ride the horse too, and get their opinion as to whether or not the horse might be suitable for your needs.

Due diligence is part of the fun of buying a horse, and the best is yet to come. Good luck with your new horse!

Horse Tales by Judy Van Put