Obtaining Ownership

So, I just adopted a horse this month. However, I have not received the paperwork from the previous owner so I can put her in my name. I have a gut feeling it is going to turn into a huge thing. We do not have a bill of sale as she kept making comments about how she "is not a horse snob" and how she would get it to me later. I did get a pre-sale vet check.

My questions are: How do I get her in my name? What kind of paperwork do I need and how do I request it?

The previous owner did mention that when she bought the horse I adopted four years ago, she never put the horse in her name. Will that effect anything. I have known her daughter for 16 years, so I have no reason to think the horse is stolen, etc. It's just that there is some drama going on in her life and if I can do this without causing a rift between my friend and myself, I would prefer it. Any ideas would help. Thank you.

Always get a bill of sale, no matter what. It protects both buyer and seller, and prevents situations like this. I don't know what breed this horse is, but for AQHA, APHA, and those types of registries, you will be given her papers that are signed by the previous owner, or in this case, the person before the lady you got her from. Registries do not like skipping owners. If the new owner information on the back of the original papers is blank, you could just put in your info (although that isn't recommended), send the transfer fee, and you will receive the papers back in your name. If the lady you got her from filled out all of the information, just didn't send it in, or if you don't want to skip owners, you will need to get another transfer report (can usually do it online). She will have to sign as the seller and put your info as the buyer. You would send in the original papers selling to your friend, the additional transfer from your friend to you, and send in 2 transfer fees. This is how I had to transfer a paint I had. I would try to get the paperwork, or at least a bill of sale as soon as possible.

Thank you. How do I type up a bill of sale? What should it state? She is an 1/2 Arab. I think the other side is Saddlebred. What website do I go to for hte transfer report?

If she can't find the paperwork, will a bill of sale do to transfer the horse into my name or do I just have her sign the transfer report?

If she is registered you would have to go to that registry's website to look up transfer information. I am not aware of any regsitries for an Arab/Saddlebred. All you need to have to prove she is yours would be a bill of sale. You can google it and find a bunch of examples. Basically it needs to say that "I (owner) sell horse (all info) to (your name) for $. I would put something in there about no guarantees or stipulations and that the horse being sold is free and clear of all liens, and that seller has all rights to sell said horse. It doesn't have to be a long drawn out thing, just cover the major stuff.

Cool. Thank you so much.

One more non-related question...On the forum, it shows the user's picture and related info and there are two tabs: one for user and one for horses. Yours shows the horses you own (or I'm assuming that). How did you do that?

I'm really new to this and have never used a forum before. Sorry for my ignorance.

At the top of the page on the search bar it says horses, click on that, then visit your barn, and I think that will put you where you need to be to add your horse. You can upload photos and add the info. Have fun!

You really do want to get a bill of sale and, if registered, transfer ownership as soon as possible. My experience has been that the longer you wait, the more hassle it becomes. As LMF said, for a bill of sale, you can just write something simple with the info yourself and ask her to sign it...doesn't need to take more than 5 minutes to complete.
Remember, this is for your legal protection.

You could go to google and type in bill of sale and see if you can find an online copy of one.. if you still can't find or have not gotten a bill of sale yet. I wouldnt mind copying mine and blanking out all of my info and you can print it and just add your info.. or you can type it up to look like it.. just let me know!

How did you pay for the horse? If you paid by cheque you can use that to help back up your claim if you have any problems. Always get a receipt!

The horse was free due to the divorce and she new the horse would be in good hands. Would that affect the bill of sale?