Buying a Horse ” 10 Tips on How to Buy a Horse
May 1, 2009 3:16 am SportsBuying a horse involves a long term commitment that you should understand fully. Before you purchase a horse, make sure you did your research about owning and taking care of a horse. Make sure that you have prepared enough room for your horse to move around. You must also be very sure of what type of horse you would like to purchase.
Here are some additional tips for you to know before you buy a horse.
1. Sellers tend to present a lot of horses, but if you know the right horse for you, you will not be confused. Never allow your seller to pressure you to buy a horse thats not right for you. Stick to what you want and do not be influenced or tempted by your seller.
Do not rush into buying a horse because there is no reason to. Take your time searching for the right one. The best way is to find a seller who will let you lease the horse before you buy it. It will surely help you decide whether or not to buy the horse.
2. Keep the option for negotiation open. Do not let the seller know of your budget. Never show that you like the horse so much. This will make your seller think he/she can sell the horse even at an unreasonably high price.
3. If you are buying a horse for your child, talk to him or her first. Explain how important it is not to show the seller his or her excitement.
4. To reduce the level of pressure exerted to you, tell your seller that you will ask your instructor first about the horse and you value your instructors opinion.
5. Then, ask your instructor to inspect the horse. Buying a horse also needs professional opinion and the person who can give you the best advice is your instructor. But be prepared to pay additional fees for your instructors time and expertise, which is in turn worth paying for. Your instructors knowledge and educated opinion can save you more in the long run.
6. Estimate the sales price your seller will offer before you make an offer. You can ask your instructor of what he or she thinks is a fair offer. In estimating the sales price, consider the current market conditions, the time the horse has been for sale and the sellers personal financial circumstances. Perhaps you can include in your estimate how much the seller likes you and thinks you will provide a good home for his/her horse.
7. If you are unable to bargain, ask your seller for concessions like free tack. Or you can ask your seller for free delivery of the horse. These are examples of industry standard practices, so you will not insult your seller.
8. You must also be aware that you may have to pay for sales commission, which typically runs from 10-20% of the purchase price. So ask up front how much the commission will be and who will be receiving them.
9. One important thing that most buyers overlook is that they do not subject the horse for check up before buying. You should know if the horse you are buying is healthy. Have an independent third party veterinarian inspect the horse first. Then ask for the result and include it in your decision.
10. When buying a horse, have the transaction written in a form of a contract that will clearly state all the terms and the warranties of your purchase.
