$200 horse? Too good to be true?

There are a couple of major reasons why I would not go for someone holding off on the PPE and then trying to return a horse.

#1. If you take the horse off my property I can no longer control his environment and I have no idea what's happening elsewhere. So, maybe he left my property sound and because you're dogs got loose and chased him through fences and through the woods, now he's lame and you're blaming me. Or you starve him or expose him to contagious disease. Once a horse leaves my property, that's it, I won't take them back.

#2. There's no way to say this except straight out and I'll probably offend you with it. It's a $200 horse. If you can't afford the horse and the PPE you're not real prepared to buy a horse or care for it. None of that paints a picture where I'd want the horse back after he left. Sorry, but it's what would go through my mind as a seller if I was truly looking out for the best interests of the horse.

I sold a horse once for $200.

Why? Because he had a permanent shoulder injury that prevented him from riding. That's not why we sold him, but why we had the price so low.

DEFINITELY have a vet come with you....
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I hate to be THAT person. I really do.
What's you're backup vet plan?

If your parents are backup could they help out with the PPE
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I've gotten a Scottsde Champion mare for free. It's always buyer beware but if you have someone with experiance who can come out an assess him.for you, he sounds like he could be worth a chance. Would also go with a vet check.

Yes you do have something to lose besides $200 -- more money in vet and/or farrier care, or disposal cost somewhere in the near future; your own safety; other people's safety or paying for the upkeep of a horse that you can't ride for whatever reason.

I have taken all my horses without PPEs, but I was fully aware of the risks I was taking and in a position to do that. You aren't, so I agree - take a vet with you. Maybe your parents will advance the money for that for a month for you or the vet will take payment in 30 days. And DON'T buy him just because the lady is meeting you and you feel like you have an obligation to take him since the arrangements have been made.

I got my horse for $125 dollars because his owners were tired of feeding him.
I didn't get a PPE and Arrow is 100% healthy, but for my next horse I certainly will, just because it's a smart thing to do.
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Around here alot of real nice horses are going for cheap or free so the price for a horse now days doesnt determine the quality of horse.

I would agree with everyone else on getting PPE. Yes your only buying him for $200 hundred and its not alot your investing in him initially but there IS alot to loose. He could have a problem or special need and youll be stuck with the vet cost which could quickly add up. So even with a free horse theres always something to loose.

There very well mught not be anything wrong with him but its always better to protect yourself then get yourself in a bind that could have been easly prevented.

I hope everything works out and if you do get him that he becomings a great barrel horse for you. :)

Okay everyone! Thanks for the replies.

Yes I'm caring for him and his care myself at $100 a week, but I'm about to pick up more hours and I'll get more like $200 a week.. As far as my emergency vet plan, that's my grandpa. I could ask him, but I really hate to ask him for it if it's not an emergency. So I'm going to try to find another way! But I'm for sure going to do everything I can to get it done.

How much should it cost on average for the PPE?
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I've never been able to schedule a PPE before buying a horse. However I take the horse on a trial period, and have the PPE done in that time. (All in a written agreement).

I wouldn't worry that the horse is $200. It's quite likely they want the horse off their feed bill for winter, but are pricing it out of slaughter price.

I've been offered a free registered colt with good breeding...
Around here where everyone thinks their barrel horse is worth their weight in gold I would be suspicious, but your not from my state. I would check the horse over really well and take someone experienced with you. Money wasted is still money wasted and trying to rehome a lame horse is hard, you don't want to take that kind of loss.
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