how to avoid wasting sellers time?

Okay I found a Thoroughbred that is about an hour away from where I live. His asking price is only $150, and he's everything I could ask for in a horse. The only problem is, buying the horse isn't the problem, it's being serious enough to take care of it. I want to make sure I know and arrange, (and have the appropriate funds for) everything I need to have a horse.

My mom has stated that she can't help me with a horse, so if I forget about the Thoroughbred I can wait two more years and get one when I graduate high school. If I get a job and money from my dad, that will help. But my dad doesn't really understand all of the cost that goes into it.

I don't want to waste owner's time.
What are good ways to be courteous, practives to follow, any tips, etc.?

I really want a horse, and this is one I absolutely don't want to pass up, his owner is nice and he seems great.. I just don't know how to pull it off; I've never bought a horse before.

This is him, by the way.

My thoughts are that taking into consideration your age and the fact that you will be basically doing this alone, I would wait on getting a horse.

As for costs, you can figure on a monthly cost of ~$100 IF you have adequate pasture to support him for the year (otherwise you may need to double that to include hay) AND you already have the proper fencing and shelter in place. That is for feed, supplements, and averaging farrier costs. Now you have to figure on vet bills for shots and whatever comes up - I would figure ~$250 for the year (set aside and ready if you need it). None of this takes into account transportation to your place, a vet check, tack, brushes and buckets, etc.. PLUS you will need a companion for her.

Next thing I would want to know is about her near front hoof - it looks odd. Overall, her conformation is so-so in any case. BTW, you don't mention her age and how she is rides.

Especially since it sounds like you don't have great family support, I would suggest that you lease a horse before purchasing one. I'm not real fond of the way she's standing. Maybe it's because of her front hooves (as iride pointed out). I wonder if she's having any pain issues.

I would def suggest leasing a horse for now, you can usually get them for a pretty good deal, like do a half lease where you get to ride several days a week. Buying a horse is a long term commitment and anything can happen.

A horse cost way too much money for you to be able to pay for on your own. I would suggest waiting until you are out of school for good and you have a stable job before buying a horse. They are a big responsibility and are very costly.

Im sure you don't want to hear it...but wait for the horse. It's hard when you want a horse so badly but they are a ton of money. Sure you could skimp by and get lucky and find a great pasture board for cheap...sure you could learn how to trim her hooves yourself to save money. But what if your horse colics in the middle of the night...we're talking an easy out of pocket $500+ event. Can you cover that? If no...please wait. Not to mention you're off to college in a few years...will you still have time for the horse? Will you move the horse with you? Do you have a truck and trailer? Also...I agree with the other posters. This horse is standing funny and is very likely to have some lameness issues. You usually get what you pay for...and $150 ain't paying much.

Personally I wouldn't even lease a horse in your situation. I would take lessons...volunteer at a local riding barn to groom and clean (sometimes if you do this you get to ride for free!). Those activities will allow you to get your "horse fix" and won't get you into money troubles.

That foot is a club foot, and may cause trouble for you down the road. Ask a farrier about it. Costs? Figure $5 a day, rough estimate. Check hay prices in your area, you should plan to go thru 1/2 bale a day, with grain added to the diet. Ask about farrier prices - in our area, it's $25 a trim, $65 to re set shoes. Shots here run @$200/head, and coggins is @$35 each draw. Some things you can play with - farrier work should NOT be one of them - No foot, no horse is 100% true.

Wait until you graduate. Until then you can work and save up for everything you'll need, then you can get a good horse with no issues.
I agree with volunteering, you can probably get some riding time in then too. You can also consider part/quarter boarding, then you can take your lessons and ride once or two more times a week. And you don't have to worry about anything and switch horses to find the right fit.
If you wait, you won't be disappointed.

Why don't you explain your situation to them, how your parents have decided you need to pay for a horse on your own and you can't afford to fully buy the horse. Why not ask if you could lease it from them? Maybe a free lease if you help them out or something. I have done that with lessons and its worked and i'm currently trying to do that myself and its working fairly well.

Let me tell you I purchased a horse while I was still in highschool. My parents didn't help with anything except purchasing the horse in which I had to pay them back in payments. I remember times when I was in tears trying to make payments on boarding, vet bills and farrier. I would dfefinitely advise waiting until you graduate. You need to focus on school and making payments is going to make that tough. That also gives you 2 more extra years to stock up what money you can.

I would explain that your currently not in a situation where you could properly care for it in the way it needs to be. Definitely ask if they would be willing to lease him. There will always be another horse. In 2 years your liable to find another perfect match at a great price and with the economy going the way it is, it will be much easier to find a great horse at a killer price!