Horse Buying - Tips on what to look for.

There are a few ways people tend to buy/get horses, and sadly it looks like some of the more dishonest and risky ways are becoming a lot more prevalent, which actually horrified me when I was in the search for my current horse. The fact that there are online shops, where you can bid on or purchase a horse that you haven't seen in person is absolutely insane. 

        When I was in the market for a horse, it almost seemed like there weren't many available in the more traditional online markets. I went into my search with a specific goal in mind, which inevitably became completely sidetracked, however I stuck to the old school way of purchasing a horse. 

1. Know your limitations, and how much you can handle.

2. Find an Ad with a horse that appeals to your desires.

3. Contact the owner.

4. Ask questions, converse, discuss that horse.

5. Make an appointment to go see that horse in person.

6. Go see that horse and take someone knowledgeable along if you are inexperienced.

7. Set up a vet check (check with your local vets on availability and also costs).

8. This can be a hard process, and costly, but do your best to enjoy it.

   
   

        Getting a new horse, whether it is your very first one or not, is always an exciting time. What I do not want is for anyone to experience instantaneous tragedy, due to lack of awareness. Laziness is the only thing that can keep anyone in the dark about anything these days, so please, when it comes to this let's not be lazy. There are some HUGE red flags when shopping for horses (especially online) that you should never allow to influence your decision. 

1. Pressure: Having a seller pressuring you to make a decision 'right now' or the horse will go to someone else is SCAM behavior. If this ever happens, hang up the phone or leave the chat/page. 

2. Online Auctions: Do not use this method, or you could end up paying way too much for a horse that is on death's door.

3. Blatant Lies/half-truths: This is harder to navigate unless you are an experienced horse person. Some people will straight up lie to you in hopes that you don't know any better. This is where a vet check will save you if you don't know any better. DO NOT skip the vet check.

        I'd like to just point out that in-person Auctions, though still risky, are not inherently a big red flag. Lack of knowledge will inhibit someone's ability to make a sound decision, but ultimately the risk is very much in your hands at an in-person auction. I will not condemn them. You can find, and acquire, perfectly good horses at livestock auctions.

        In the process of buying a horse, it is extremely hard to lead with your head and not your heart. They are all precious lives, and I know how it feels to want to save more. Some may have the means to take on horses just for the sake of them, but most people won't. Please do your research, and know what you can take on, before you make that purchase. Either way it goes, it will change your life.

        If anyone reading this has ever experienced tragedy during their journey into horse ownership/guardianship, I am truly sorry. I only ever wish people to find joy in their horse journeys, and to get tons of happy, soft horsey nose nuzzles. 

God bless you, and thank you for reading,

E. G.