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Buying Horses Online

2K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  braeburn 
#1 ·
What questions do you ask when buying a horse online? I am looking at one that is out of state, therefore, it is impossible for me to go and try her out before I am seriously considering purchasing her. (AKA, hitch up the trailer and hope she's like I think.)

If you request pictures/videos, what do you ask for? I know you would want to see the horse tacked up and put though its paces, but what else? My friend said to ask for a video of the horse being brushed, it's feet picked up, and it being led into a trailer. Is this type of request too excessive?

Any thing else helpful?


Thanks so much! :D
 
#2 ·
I think it depends on what you're looking for, a green or a broke horse, but any video would be helpful and I don't think requesting them is excessive when it would be your money you'd be throwing away to go see some horse and then you arrive and find out that by "walks, trots, canters willingly" actually meant that it does that freestyle in the arena and not with a rider on board, lol! Another thing you might consider is to look for other possible horses en route or in the same area as that one. When I bought my horse 2 years ago, we had to fly about an hour into the Okanagan Valley, and we plotted out a road trip that took us several hours' drive over 3 days and we saw about 15 horses. And guess what, the one I ended up buying was one that we had originally thought we might skip over if we ran out of time!! Anyway, before we went I collected literally hundreds of videos and pics of horses in that area that might interest me, but in the end, none of those really matter. The horse that looked good in the video might feel horrible when you ride it. You have to get on and get that feeling....that this is the one!! Good luck!
 
#4 ·
I would talk to the person who has the horse on the phone. Request them to make a video of everything you want the horse to do for you. I'd ask them to let more than one person ride the horse, so it's not the same person who is used to it. DO NOT forget the basics (stop, turns, backs up, loads, leads, etc.). I've talked to people that said they had the perfect cow horse, and when I got there the horse was an awesome cow horse, but couldn't neck rein, take the bridle, or back up well.

A horse road trip is an awesome idea :D
 
#5 ·
Hershey has a good point: look at other horses on the way, if you can. Most often, what is listed is not the same horse you see when you get there. Also, really allow some time to spend with the horse on the ground, in the stall, in a round pen / arena and spend time on it. You also want to make sure they load well. Nothing worse than showing up, doing all the right things, then decide to buy and find that you have a trailer issue with the horse. Also, take cash when you go. Most sellers prefer cash and that can alos promote a better deal. Ask lots of questions before you get there. If the person is serious about selling, then they should expect to spend time with serious buyers.
 
#6 ·
As a purchaser, it is exciting to have the ability to go on-line and have a whole new market of available horses for your selection. Isn't it great!
Based on my own experiences, I think the extent to which a seller will go to present their horse to a potential purchaser is different based on several factors. Specifically breed and price range.
We have purchased 3 horses without seeing them "in-person". Two were from a reputable breeder and the other was from a trainer who competes successfully at national level.
Each offered comprehensive videos, health/soundness certificates and guarantees and client references. Needless to say, these horses were not priced in the inexpensive category.
However, regardless of the price, you should feel comfortable in asking the seller to provide any amount of information you desire to determine whether the horse is one that you want to spend your money on and live with everyday. Consider asking for the name and telephone number of the horses breeder, trainer, vet, farrier and previous owner, if applicable. Ask how long has the horse been on the market. If they are reluctant to provide specific information there may be a reason for it. Be sure to pay attention to the sellers facilities when you are there. The manner in which they maintain their barn and equipment, the quality of their feed, etc. is indicative of the treatment that they provide their animals. If it is dirty and poorly maintained, you can probably assume they have given the same treatment to the horse even though it might be presented to you clean, groomed and "show-shined" up for the day.
Ask them to do everything that you will want to be doing with the horse before you do it yourself. This gives you time to watch how they handle the horse and how it rides.
The road trip idea is a great one. If you find a prospect, try to spend as much time as possible with it. Go back the next day and do it all again if you have the luxury of time to do that. Before plunking down the cash be sure to ask for a 3rd party vet check and a satisfaction guarantee.
There are lots of great articles and books that will give you some guidelines when making a purchase. You can also source lots of good advice on various internet sites so that you can make your own pre-purchase check list. This will really help you when it comes down to making comparisons on several horses which you might like.
Above all, be pragmatic, set your emotions aside and take your helmet along with you. I laugh when I think about all the times over the years I have ridden a horse that a seller has told me "this horses never bucks"......right.
Good luck!.
 
#7 ·
If possible find someone on-line that lives close to the horse that is willing to go see (and perhaps) ride the horse for you.

If they understand how experienced/good of a rider you are (confident, ables to handle bucks, etc., dressage riding level/jumping height, etc.) and what you want the horse for they can at least eliminate a totally unsuitable horse before you waste time and money taking a trailer to go look at it.

Also - if horse is out of state you probably need to go without a trailer to ride it as horse needs a health certificate to move between states (most times)... and that will take a few days to get, along with a vet looking at the horse and seeing if it sound, on drugs to make it look sound (they need to pull blood for this test), etc..
 
#8 ·
That's a good idea to have someone try out the horse for you. Also, I would only make that sort of purchase if the owner was willing(in writing)to take the horse back for full purchase price within a certain time frame if he just didn't work out for you. That shows you a high level of professionalism with who you are dealing with as well as someone who truly cares about the well being of his or her horse. A money back guarantee give you a sense of well being.
 
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