How To Buy A Horse: Tips And Checklist?

Do you love horses and would you like to have one of your own? Read on to find out what to consider when buying a horse and how to make sure it's healthy and will stay that way for years to come.

How should I prepare to buy a horse?

Horses require attention, care, and affection. Buying a horse implies a great responsibility and an investment of time and money. For this reason, anyone who wants to own a horse should think it over, insure themselves extensively and value their motivation and experience with sincerity.

Answer the following questions before making the decision:

•Why do you want to buy a horse? Can you practice your hobby without having your horse?

•How much knowledge and skills do you have in dealing with horses? Do you need an animal already educated or can you take care of its training?

•How much are you willing to pay for the purchase and maintenance of your horse?

•Do you have enough time to offer the horse a tenure according to the species? Can you spend several hours a day or do you have someone to help you?

•Who will take care of the horse when you are sick or on vacation?

The clearer you are about what you expect from your horse and what you can offer him, the easier the purchase will be. Thus, you will find out what you need to have a horse, which accommodation is the best, and what questions about the purchase remain to be clarified.

Alternatives to buying a horse

If you're not sure or would rather wait, you can learn a lot about this animal from a foster horse. In addition, with the shared boarding option you can gradually take on more responsibility.

Below, we have summarized the most important questions about buying a horse.

Which Horse Fits Me?

Horses are animals with a lot of character that shows more or less temperament. Therefore, more important than color and appearance is the chemistry between you and him. After all, a horse will accompany you for many years. In addition, trust and good communication are essential for your joint activities to be safe and to avoid disappointment.

Before buying a horse, it is convenient that you inform yourself about the character of each type and breed of horse.

How much does a horse cost?

The purchase price of a horse varies depending on the breed, age, and origin. It can range from €1,000 for a pony to €10,000 for tempered blood, although prices can be higher.

The running costs involved in a horse cannot be determined with a lump sum. Broadly speaking, you have to have about 5,000 euros a year, but this is also relative.

Depending on the type of stability, this can cost between 100 and 400 euros per month. To this is added the cost of food of about 50 euros per month. It's a good idea to have a financial cushion for visits to the vet and the farrier. In addition, do not forget the insurance and basic equipment.

Where can I buy a horse?

In Spain, there are many ways to buy a horse. Regardless of whether you search the internet or contact a breeder: don't make the decision alone and ask a friend or experienced trainer for advice.

Conventional and online horse market

The horse market includes classified ads in horse magazines and billboards on stables. It also includes sales fairs and online portals. The latter offers a good orientation to buy a horse. You will get an idea of what is available in your region and the private and commercial sellers in your area, about whom you can obtain more information.

On internet portals: do not buy a horse online without having contact with the animal.

How to buy a horse from a dealer

Horse dealers have a great selection of horses. However, buying from them can be risky because they may not know all of the animal's backgrounds. In this case, you should also inform yourself extensively about the trafficker.

How to buy a horse from a breeder

Breeders often sell horses that have been born and raised with them. If you buy a horse from them, it will come from experts and sellers who can lose their reputation if something goes wrong. If you already know what breed you want, you can contact serious breeders through horse associations.

Checklist for buying a horse

If you have found the horse of your dreams, now it's time to meet him. Take a good look at the animal and the seller. Pay attention to the following points and ask a lot of questions about the behavior, origin, health, and particularities of the horse.

So that you don't miss anything with so much emotion, go with a companion and take this checklist with you:

•Does the information in the ad correspond to reality?

•Where does the horse come from and in what conditions has it been kept until now?

•How many caregiver changes have there been?

•Do you have competition experience? How often does it move? Are you educated?

•Do you have behavior problems? How does he behave with people?

•What character does he have? Is he skittish, temperamental, sociable...?

•Does he allow himself to be guided and touched?

•What is your health status? What illnesses have you had in the past?

•why is it sold?

Take your time in the purchase and do not rush. A serious seller will give you the time you need to make a decision. It is important that you ask for a test ride and sees how the horse behaves in daily activities, such as saddling or cleaning.

Also, make sure that the documentation for your future horse is complete. All horses require a passport, which is like their identity document. In addition, they will give you a title deed for your newly acquired horse.

Pre-purchase examination: to explore the horse's heart and kidneys or not?

Have you found a horse and the spark has jumped? So that you can spend a lot of time together, it is convenient that the veterinarian examines it before buying it. For this, there is the basic exam.

The veterinarian checks the general state of health, as well as the physical constitution, limbs, eyes, and heart. The expanded pre-purchase exam includes additional services such as leg and hoof X-rays, blood tests, and ultrasounds.

Since these tests cost money, it's a good idea to order them only if you're sure it's the horse you want.

Do I need a sales contract?

Formerly, the purchase of a horse was closed with a handshake. Nowadays, it is better to sign a sales contract that contains all the important framework conditions. What happens if you discover later that the animal has a defect? With a contract, you have a solid base to, for example, lower the purchase price later.

Depending on whether you buy the horse from an individual or a seller, you will need a different contract. There are many sample contracts on the internet. However, it is advisable to have the contract reviewed by a lawyer to avoid unpleasant surprises after signing.

Do I have a right of return when buying a horse?

If your children's pony turns out to be very stubborn six months after purchase or you discover that one of you has an allergy, the seller must either offer you an upgrade, lower the price or take the horseback.

The requirement is that the defect existed and was known before the horse was purchased. In this case, it is also advisable to seek advice from a lawyer.

What insurance do my horse and I need?

If you and the seller have reached an agreement, you will soon have a new equine companion at your side. For you to enjoy it for a long time, it is best to take out civil liability insurance for horses. If your horse causes any damage, you will be protected against high compensation costs.

With surgical expense insurance, you will reduce veterinary costs and with accident insurance, you will protect your family.