Horse Sales - Understanding the Basics of a Buy

There are many important rules in horse sales. The sellers are usually far more familiar with the process than the buyers. That familiarity leads to an obvious seller advantage. It is in the best interest of anyone looking to purchase a horse, to equip themselves with all available resources. The only way to counter the swift seller is to be a smart buyer.

Never let your emotions drive the transaction. You will find that in horse sales, a common tactic used is the pulling of heartstrings. Of course, sometimes the heart simply picks a horse, and that is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as the heart double checks with the brain beforehand. There are too many practical things that need to be addressed before any strong consideration of purchase. Buyers can not risk being blinded by a strong emotional attachment.

Make sure to ask all necessary questions, and don't overlook basic ones. Ask why the horse is being sold. This is a valid question in horse sales, and it should be expected. There are many good reasons, but also negative ones that should throw up a flag. For instance, if a private seller is motivated due to relocating or if the horse was more than they could handle, this could spell out other potential issues.

If considering a purchase at an Auction, an important thing to remember is that auctions are generally the second choice venue for horse dealers. Take into account that most likely the horse wasn't able to sell privately, and consider all possible reasons why. All is not fair in horse sales, and you are the one responsible to dig up the dirt. Remember that what you are seeing is the shined-up version, and the best angle possible. Don't let your view be skewed by seeing through the eyes of the seller, that is exactly what they are counting on, and it is not to your benefit.

A thorough inspection of the horse should always take place prior to the start of any sale. It is important to spend time with the horse and check every detail. Review all of the vitals such as weight, height, age, sex and so on. Do not leave anything unchecked during inspection. Physical attributes are not enough to select a horse. During your pre-sale time with the horse, make sure to get a solid idea of his personality. Disposition is an important factor in your decision, this will prevent you from getting a problem horse. Pay attention to his habits, and watch for signs of aggressiveness. Disposition is the number one concern for most experienced buyers.

Make certain to scrutinize all veterinarian records, and assuming a purchase, immediately have your own trusted veterinarian complete a checkup. Beside the horse's paperwork, thoroughly review all terms of sale, and always read the fine print. Horse sales is a big business, and there are many rules of thumb to safeguard your way through it. Never leave a question un-asked, it's a guarantee it will go unanswered, and could be the fatal flaw in your purchase.

The best advice for anyone looking to purchase a horse, especially someone not experienced with horse sales, is to purchase from a reputable dealer. It is wise to benefit from other people's experience, no matter what you are buying. Steer clear of anyone with a questionable reputation, focus on those with a proven history of satisfying their customers.

Mistakes in the process of buying a horse can lead to several additional costs. Unexpected veterinary bills can add up tremendously fast, not to mention there is often an emotional toll. Horse sales is its own industry, and a big one at that. There is a vast amount of past experience, useful tips and available information for buyers to work with. Time, money and effort can all be lost by making the wrong decision. While there is no seeing into the future, one should use all available tools to make the best prediction.




Daniel Baker is the author of this article about horse sales for more information visit Retreat Farm Stud