Wondering About Horse Trader Tricks

I've been reading this website and now I'm a little scared to go horse shopping. Do all these bad things really happen? I'm a senior citizen and I need a quiet, well trained horse. I don't want to get hurt.

I don't know who to believe. Has anyone else had bad experiences buying horses? Sorry, I'm not good at computers and have never been in a chat room before. I hope I'm doing this right.

The website is horsetradertricks.com Has anyone else read it?

Thanks!

Welcome. And you are doing just fine with the computer and commenting here.

There are certainly scams out there. Do you know anyone in your area who has horse knowledge and be able to go with you to see horses?

Sorry, couldn't figure out how to reply. Am I supposed to re-type the post title, too?

Thank you for the computer encouragement, AlexS. Yes, I think I can find someone. I had planned to, but based on what I'm reading on the site, I haven't found a horse yet that I think isn't a trader's.

I don't want to make a bad choice.

Have you ever bought a car new or used ? Approach it the same way. Take the horse to a third party and have it checked out, a vet check will cost you about $150, ask the vet to take a blood sample and freeze it to later test for drugs if there are issues. No need to pay for the test unless soemthing happens. There are sedatives that last a few days. Are you a new rider ? Are you in a riding club or taking lessons ? That's usually the best place to go. A horse that is well known to the group already. SOmetimes club members buy amongst themselves as horses change usefullness. Or people get into and out of different sports.

In order to be on the safe, try to buy a horse that is known by someone you know & trust. If not, like Joe said, have a vet check and someone who knows abut horses check out the horse. Go back several times & check on the horse you are interested in, respectable sellers will welcome this and person looking to unload a problem will not.

Okay, I like all your advice, so thank you all. The site I was reading said the same things. I'm not in a riding club, but I'll find someone to help me. I've been reading the site all night and am amazed by how many sleazy tricks catch people like me. I feel pretty well-armed right now.

Wish me luck!

I bought my horse from a trader / trainer who is fast becoming a good friend. Get to know the person. Listen to your opinions of that person in daily conversation. Not all traders are thieves. Some just love what what they do and their reputation means more than the sale. A good trader will offer to find the best horse for you in your price range. And will educate you on the merits and negatives of the horse.

Good luck.

Good luck.
Not all horse traders are terrible people, but it's like buying anything, it is possible to get ripped off. You are probably doing the best thing you can by educating yourself about it.

Before you hand over any cash, if you find a horse you like you should have a PPE (pre purchase exam) done by your vet, not the sellers.
Make sure you get a bill of sale, and if there are any payment arrangements or anything else - get that in writing.

Perhaps check out some reputable lesson stables, take a few lessons and get to know the coach. That may be the person to accompany you. Be prepared to pay them. Consider it a small investment in a large purchase. I have gone with potential buyers and one of the things I do is ask whoever is riding the horse, to ride it away 3 or 4 hundreds yards, walk it back then leave again, then a third time. If the horse has big issues with leaving the yard, this is when it will show up. Unless the potential buyer is proficient enough to deal with this, we move on.