GoHorseShow had an overwhelming response to Ohio Trainer Darla Lee’s first two articles titled Top Ten Best Ways to Be A Better Client and Trainer. Her next article deals with ten helpful hints when buying a horse. Lee provides us with some great advice including the importance of doing your homework, getting help, being patient, shopping around, not looking at horses out of your price range, vet checks, and commissions. Find out some more details and advice she has provided below.
Ten Helpful Hints When Buying A Horse
1. Get help– Trainers and Brokers see a lot of horses, either at shows or are contacted by other trainers and agents about what they have for sale. It is also important if you are going to have a horse with a particular trainer to make sure they like the horse you are buying as well because they will be the one riding and training it. If your trainer is helping you, they will try to make sure they get you the most for your money. They will want to be riding the best horse they can find for you.
2. Do your homework– Gather any information on the horse you are looking to buy. Research past owners and trainers and talk to as many people as you can about the horse’s history. Ask the people you trust who are looking out for your best interests. Remember that every horse has a bad day so don’t be surprised if you hear a little something negative but make sure that the positives outweigh the negatives. Make sure you double check show records as they can sometimes be exaggerated.
3. Don’t look at horses out of your price range. This is like trying on a wedding dress you cannot afford. You will only be upset if you fall in love with it and then will not be able to buy it. Shop within your means–it’s a buyers market!
4. Be Patient– When spending money on horses make sure that you don’t rush into buying, or give yourself a deadline. This will make you either spend too much money or buy something you don’t like. Finding the right horse can take time.
5. Shop around– Make sure you look at enough horses that you feel comfortable about buying. If you like the first horse you look at, look at some others and then go back and buy the first horse if it’s still your favorite.
6. You get what you pay for – The chances of finding a world champion for $10,000 is very slim so remember that most times you get what you pay for. Quality is something that applies to horses as well. Not all horses are equal and most people out there are aware of what they have.
7. Vet check– This can be the make it or break it point for a buyer. Make sure you have a vet you trust. Consider the horse’s age, an older horse could have some issues but sometimes they can be maintained without too much effort. Just know that almost every horse will have something come up on a vet check. Just make sure that the vet who you will be using to maintain your horse is comfortable with the horse you are buying. Find a vet you trust and listen to him/her.
8. Don’t play games– If you agree on a price and commit to buying it, don’t back out or change your mind. You as a buyer could get a reputation for kicking tires. Horse trainers and brokers may tell others that you committed to buying and then backed out and this could cause you problems when you do find a horse you really want.
9. Pay a commission (sign a bill of sale). As a buyer it is important to pay your trainer/ agent for their help in finding you a horse. If they have driven around trying out horses with or without you, they are spending time on the purchase and their time is valuable too. Some trainers believe that if they are gaining a horse in training they are not as concerned about making a commission, or if it does not involve too much of their time, they may be willing to forgo their commission. BUT the most important thing is to establish what is expected before looking for horses and make sure a bill of sale is signed so everyone is aware of commissions and pricing.
10. What’s meant to be will be– Don’t get in a horse race. If someone else buys it first then that horse was not meant to be–there is a better one waiting for you somewhere. But, if you feel strongly that the horse is right for you don’t waste time, your journey begins when your new horse is bought.
Stay tuned for Trainer Darla Lee’s next article on Ten Helpful Hints When Selling A Horse
