How to Buy a Horse Online - Top Ten Tips

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By Jennifer McCleary

Buying horses online is quickly becoming a very common and rewarding practice in the equine world. There are many different search engines for selling horses that buyers can utilize for free. You can view horses all over the world from the comfort of your own home. Practically anyone can view a listing online so you don’t have to rely strictly on the expensive publication, which can be very expensive and very limited.

Although buying a horse online can be very easy, it is an intimidating process if you’ve never done it before. How do I find a horse? Is it safe? How much does it cost? How do I work with out of town sellers? You like many others out there are asking yourself these same questions.

I have been involved with horses since I was a little girl, so I understand the equine business. I know what like to be limited to your geography with looking for a horse. There are so many great deals out there, I want to help people answers these questions and more so we can remove the fear of searching for a horse online. Below I have listed the ten most useful tips for buying your horse online.

1. Search on multiple high traffic equine websites.

It costs nothing to search online for horses to buy. You can view many different horses at one stop, and most are categorized by breed/type for your convenience. Just type in what you want and hundreds of options appear. Much easier than scanning the local classifieds.

2. Look for ads with photo and video options.

If the ad site offers ads with photo or video insertions, view them. This can give you a good idea of whether or not this horse is something that interests you. Look for ads with more than one photo posted. This will give you a more accurate view of the horse. Also check for sites that post video files. This can be an valuable resource!

3. If there is not a video posted on the website, request that one be sent to you.

Ask that they video the horse being loaded, bathed, clipped, groomed, tied, and turned out in addition to being ridden in all of the disciplines that it is capable of. Seeing a video is very valuable because it allows you to view the horse without having to travel. A video does not replace an actual visit, but can help you decide if it is worth the trip.

4. If you are interested in the horse check with the horses registry or saddle club to make sure that the horse is registered with the person who is selling it.

It is sad to say that there are dishonest people out there. You want to make sure that the person selling the horse is legally able to sell the horse. It would be terrible to buy a horse and then find out that the horse had been stolen before being sold to you. You can also check to see if the horse has a microchip, tattoo, or brand. These are other resources that you can utilize to make sure that the horse is rightfully being sold.

5. If you are very interested in the horse, make an appointment to see the horse.

Even if you are out of state, it is worth it to make the trip. Horses can be a very expensive investment and it is not wise to purchase a horse before being able to ride it.

Request that the horse not be ridden before you get there (on the day that you arrive). This way you can see how the horse behaves when it is fresh out of the stall or pen. Also, this will give you a chance to groom and tack the horse. This way you can observe the horses ground manners and how comfortable you are around the horse.

Make sure that you ride the horse for an adequate time to feel comfortable with the horse. Take the horse through each gate, as well as exercises to see how well the horse will respond to your cues. If you have a trainer it is a good idea to take them along for a consultation.

6. If you are close enough to make multiple visits, and you are interested in buying the horse, go out to see the horse unannounced.

By visiting the owner unannounced, you are guaranteed to see the horse in a natural state (make sure it hasn’t been drugged). Tell the owner that you were in the area and thought that you would stop by and see if they had time to show the horse. If they say they don’t have time, then ask if you could schedule a more convenient time. Be polite and respectful of the owner’s time restraints. A lot of the time the owner will be glad to show there horse, especially if they are anxious to sell.

If the horse is at a private residence, try to be very conscious of the time that you go out, weekends are usually best. If no one is there, do not try to view the horse. Make sure to find the owner of the property before you go any where near the horse. If the horse is at a boarding facility, ask for the owner of the horse, or the barn manager before you try to view the horse. It is very important to keep your safety in mind when making visits to an unfamiliar horse facility.

7. If you are ready to buy the horse, the next step is to have the horse vet checked.

This usually will cost you money, and that is why I have listed it after you have ridden the horse. Have a vet that you trust perform an overall check on the horse. The biggest thing to focus on is soundness.

If there is any doubt of the soundness of the horse, I think it is worth the expense to have ex-rays done on the horse. If there is a soundness problem with the horse, I would recommend not buying the horse.

If you still want the horse, discuss with the vet how much treatment would cost and then offer a reduced price accordingly. I have purchased many horses with “leg problems” and have found that if you have the knowledge to treat the horse, and you can get a greatly reduced price, it can be worth it. Just be aware of how much work, and money, that will be involved.

8. If the vet/soundness check comes out well, check to make sure the horse has current vaccinations and coggins papers.

If the horse is not up to date on vaccinations or coggins, make sure that the owner has those things taken care of, and documentation to prove that they have been done. If you do not have vaccination history or current coggins papers, do not purchase the horse, or bring the horse to your barn. The horse could be infected and will spread infections to your other horses.

9. When you do buy your horse, require a purchase agreement.

Make sure that both parties understand and agree to the contract. Detail who is responsible for what (delivering the horse, vet checks, etc.). Also make sure you know what kind of payment they will accept. Many people will not accept a personal check so be prepared to get a cashiers check, or money order.

It is not advised to pay in cash because there is no way to track the money. Also, if you give a deposit to hold the horse, make sure that you write up a separate agreement for the terms of the deposit. Make sure that you have the original, signed copies of the document. Do not accept a fax or copy. It is a good idea to have both you and the owner sign two copies of the agreement. That way you both have an original, signed copy.

10. After you have purchased the horse make sure that you have a bill of sale, the original papers, and a transfer of papers slip filled out from the owner.

Transfer the horse’s papers into your name immediately. With a bill of sale, and the papers in your name, you can guarantee that the horse is rightfully, and legally yours.

Overall, buying a horse online can be a very rewarding experience. I have purchased over 20 horses and they have all been positive experiences. I have found good horses for very good prices. I have researched many advertising sites and have found what I consider to be the best. Visit http://www.we-review-for-you.com/redirecthorse.htm l for more information.

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