| Buying a horse is a huge thing; the money, the time and | | | | If it looks too cheap - be very wary. The saying 'if it's |
| the risk are all yours when you put your heart into a | | | | too good to be true - it is' is very fitting when buying a |
| new horse. So to start with you need to look carefully | | | | horse. Many people get stung falling into scams thinking |
| at the most important part of the process - you! So | | | | they are getting the buy of the century when really |
| here is where you start. | | | | they are getting ripped off! |
| Be Honest | | | | View Wisely |
| Firstly, have a good hard look at your ability and | | | | When you go to see a horse you are interested in - |
| confidence. Go to 5 different people who know you | | | | have a really clear idea what you want to do with that |
| well and are very familiar with you as a rider and ask | | | | horse and ensure the person is set up for you to view |
| them what sort of horse they would choose for you. | | | | that horse doing whatever it is you need. So if you are |
| How would they rate your ability and confidence level? | | | | into dressage, ensure you get to see the horse in an |
| You must search for a horse that will be suitable for | | | | arena, if it's jumping, go jump it. It is your responsibility to |
| where your weakness lies. For example if you are | | | | see the horse fully, to ensure you are happy with it |
| very confident but as relatively inexperienced you | | | | and that it will suit your needs as a buyer. It is not the |
| need to find a horse most suited to your experience | | | | responsibility of the seller to ensure that the horse is |
| level. If you buy a horse suitable for your very | | | | right for you, it is yours - you must remember this! |
| confident nature and 'over horse' yourself then you will | | | | Second Opinion |
| lose your confidence when things go shaky as well. | | | | It is always a good idea to get a second opinion. See if |
| This also goes for the opposite case where you are | | | | you can get a friend or instructor to go with you to |
| very experienced but very nervous. You must seek a | | | | see the horse. It is difficult not to go in with rose |
| horse to suit your nervous state rather than a horse to | | | | coloured glasses when you are so keen for this to be |
| suit your experience. The ensures the process of | | | | the horse of your dreams. |
| getting a new horse is successful from the get go. | | | | Don't Rush In |
| Next take an honest look at your budget. Are you | | | | Ensure you know everything you need to know prior |
| looking for a Grand Prix horse for under $5000? If so, | | | | to buying the horse. If you have any doubt then wait, |
| you're dreaming. You will waste alot of time and | | | | explore your options and make sure looks and feels |
| money looking at horses which will ultimately not meet | | | | right before committing to buy. It is better to miss out |
| your super high expectations. This also leads to a | | | | on the right horse than to act hastily and find yourself |
| colossal waste of time for the seller as well. A good | | | | owning a horse that is not what you think it is. |
| rule of thumb is if you have looked at 10 different | | | | Get a vet to check your horse out before you commit. |
| horses and not found one suitable then you need to | | | | Pen to Paper |
| consider that either your budget or expectations need | | | | Get a contract which clearly states what you intend to |
| revision. Do your research before you start your hunt. | | | | use the horse for. Ensure the seller is aware of |
| Find out how much horses of the quality of what you | | | | anything out of the ordinary about you and the home |
| want are being sold for. Then you can set out knowing | | | | you are offering the horse. Make sure you each have |
| exactly what you want and more importantly what | | | | a copy of the contract, it has each or your addresses |
| you need and can afford. | | | | on it and full contact details and the price. |