Today it is often more difficult than going to the local stable to buy or sell a horse, in some cases it is even difficult to find a stable in the area. There is another way to buy or sell a horse today and that is on the Internet, there are reputable websites where advertisements can be placed to sell a horse and this is also a good place to begin looking for a horse to buy.

Horses, unlike most other things bought and sold, have a health history, a temperament and certain breeds are meant for certain tasks in life. The owner who is selling a horse has certain things that they can do to ensure the horse is sold in a reasonable amount of time and that it is sold to the correct new owner.

Selling A Horse

It is important to match the horse with the best possible owner for several reasons, the first of course is that is it a smooth sale and the second reason is to ensure the horse will have a good quality life and be treated properly.

Some ways to ensure this is to list the horse at a reputable website where it will attract quality buyers. Then the advertisement should also be properly written with a catchy title to attract views. Photographs should also be a part of this advertisement, an advertisement with accurate and clear photographs will have a much better response.

It should include the sex of the horse, the age along with the height and weight. In this advertisement it should also tell about the breed of the horse including any cross breeding.

The advertisement should also have information about the horse that might not be seen from photographs, things that only an owner can know, including the horses’ temperament. The advertisement should also be filled with any other pertinent or interesting information about the horse and its background and his appearance.

This advertisement should also include accurate contact information so that interested buyers will be able to make contact and any email or telephone messages should be answered promptly.

One thing that should always be done is to make a decision on the type of payment and stick with that, there are scams whenever selling anything and to avoid this a potential buyer should be checked out prior to accepting a check with their bank to ensure they are a member of that bank. There are also other ways of taking payment such as a cashiers check; this is an amount of money that has already been paid to the bank to draw this check. If selling the horse to a potential buyer that wants to send a check and have you send them the balance back, disregard this buy as a fraud. This is an Internet scam that has cost many unknowing and trusting people money because these checks are not good and the person is in a country that will not prosecute them.

The final step in most cases is done is to draw up a bill of sale that also includes buy back rights. In the event the buyer at anytime decides to sell the horse the original owner will have the option to buy the horse back. The buyer and the seller each receive a copy of the sale agreement.

Buying A Horse
When buying a horse there is as much information that needs to be researched as when selling a horse. One of the first things that needs to be decided is how experienced is the person who is looking for the horse and what they plan to use the horse for, such as riding, showing or racing. This can determine what type of horse to look for when reading the advertisements for horses for sale. Depending on experience and what type of horse they buyer is looking for they also might want to read the listings of horses for sale to avoid the untrained horse. The untrained horse takes an experienced person and they can take months to train making this an unfit match for the new rider and even the intermediate rider.

The age of the horse is also a factor, the new rider in most cases are not suited well with the young horse, because this horse is not as well mannered or calm as an older horse would be with the new rider.

If the buyer is going to look for a horse in the Internet they want to make certain that they are searching for the right horse on a reputable website. Each advertisement should be read over carefully, there are important facts that need to be known before purchasing a horse. The health records of the horse are as important as how nice looking the horse is, an unhealthy horse can be a great expense and also have a tragic ending.

The breed of the horse in some cases can also be a factor depending on what the horse is being bought for, as well as its age. This also applies to the buyer who wants to breed the horse.

In many cases when a horse is for sale the buyer can arrange a trial period with the present owner to try the horse out in their surroundings to ensure that it is the proper horse to purchase.

When purchasing a horse from a website on the Internet it is important to have clear concise emails and then phone conversations with the present owner until the time a meeting is arranged.

If this is the proper horse and the decision to purchase it is decided then a bill of sale should be drawn up that will protect the buyer in the case that the present owner has withheld any information about the horse that would have stopped the sale.

Above all when buying or selling a horse on the Internet it is important to ensure the site that is used is a reputable one and that they monitor their website to keep it safe for buyers and sellers.

If you are thinking of owning a horse, there are many aspects you will need to consider before making any purchasing decisions. Owning your horse will be an investment, so you will want to choose carefully. Since you will most likely ride your horse, supplies are among the most crucial of details, and choosing the right ones is crucial.

The term used to describe these supplies is tack. The first thing you will need to consider is the type of supplies you will need. For example, English horse tack is much different from Western tack, so make sure you know what you need before buying anything. If you are unsure, consult someone who already owns horses to find out what is needed for the particular breed of horse you plan to own. You can also find a wealth of information about horses and tack in a variety of books and on the Internet.

Horse supplies can range from what is needed to feed and care for the animal, to the necessary items for breaking and riding your horse. Choosing the right supplies is key. For instance, if you do not buy the right type of saddle, or do not find one that is comfortable for both you and your horse, your riding experience will probably not be a good one. If you are a new rider, this could be quite discouraging. Again, it often pays to speak with other fellow horse lovers to obtain information. They can also tell you the best places to get supplies in your area.

Another consideration that should be given when choosing horse supplies is the money you will need to invest. Because there are many different types of horse supplies, ranging from bits to saddles, bridals to girths, and so on, it will take a good investment in order to properly care for your horse. You will also have many options available to you. For example, if you plan to ride your horse in parades, you will want to purchase items to suit the occasion. Even just purchasing the essentials can cost a good bit of money, so you will need to keep this in mind before actually deciding that owning a horse is right for you.

There can be much enjoyment in owning and riding a horse. Because of their long life span, they make good companions, and appeal to many people for many different reasons. Before buying a horse, make sure you have what you need to properly care for it. The results will be rewarding.

Spring is here, and the warmer weather is on the way. As the grass starts to grow, the sun appears and nothing seems so attractive as meandering down those country lanes or cantering up the bridle paths on your own horse.

If you have only ever ridden at a riding school before, buying your first horse will be a real experience for you – and one you shouldn’t go without doing some careful thinking and planning first. A horse should be your trusted companion for some time – you owe it to him to make sure you pick the right one for you. There is nothing worse for a horse than to be sold on time and time again because he was bought by the wrong person.

The person selling your ideal horse will be keen to make sure you are right for him and may even seem reluctant to part with him – if you ever feel you are being pressured into making a decision it is probably not the right horse to buy!

This article tries to give the first time buyer some tips.

Where should I look for my perfect horse?

Horses are advertised in magazines, both local and national, and in many local outlets such as notice boards in livery yards and tack shops.

Horse and Hound is a very popular source, and has a large number of horses for sale. However you do need to be quick off the mark – if you wait a couple of days you will find the best ones have been sold. Horse and Hound do carry their adverts on their internet site, and there are also many other sites offering horses for sale.

For a first horse or pony word of mouth is always a good option – your local riding school or livery yard may know of ponies or horses in the locality which may suit you and which are going to be sold, however this may not be the quickest option.

Be prepared for it to take some time to find your right partner.

Before you start looking at the adverts and especially before you go to see that first horse, be absolutely clear in your own mind:

- What is an honest assessment of your riding ability?
- What do you want to do with your horse?
- What is your budget?

When you start going out to see horses bear in mind that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince! Finding your ideal partner for the next few years will take time and cannot be rushed. Make sure you are totally honest and keep the answers to the questions in your mind – many a person has been led astray by falling in love with a totally unsuitable mount. Remember, it is not fair on either you or the horse if you end up with an animal you cannot control or if you want to jump and the horse has a total aversion to it!

And remember, keeping a horse is an expensive business – there is no point overstretching yourself to buy him if you are going to need to buy tack as well.

Keep a clear head – and let it rule your heart!

When I go to see a horse, what should I look for?

Make sure you see the horse in the stable – don’t rely on any statement that he has ‘perfect stable manners’, ask to see for yourself. Ideally watch him being tacked up – does he stand quietly? Horses which behave well when being ridden sometimes try to kick or bite in the stable, when being tacked up, having rugs put on or off or just when you go to fill a hay net. A horse which is difficult in the stable will make your life difficult as the owner, and if you are going to keep your horse at livery will not make you popular!

Look carefully at the horse for any signs of sweat marks. Some sellers lunge or vigorously exercise their horses just before a prospective owner turns up at the yard making them seem a much quieter ride than they really are. You can also ask about the level of exercise he has been used to – if he is used to being exercised more than you will have time for you may find you have a more excitable horse on your hands than you really want.

I have never bought a horse before – what should I do when I try it out?

If you have only had lessons before you may find yourself at a loss without an instructor standing in the middle telling you what to do. It is therefore best to decide before you go a short routine you will use that will test the horse you are trying, and allow you to assess whether it is the one for you or not.

A routine might be, walk round the ménage, halting at least once to make the horse is listening to you. Walk a 20 metre circle, watching out for the horse leaning in or out. Does he listen to your corrections? Change rein and repeat the walk exercises. Try to assess whether he bends easier on one rein or the other – not necessarily a fault as horses do tend to have a stronger rein, but it is more important that he is attentive to you!

Now put the horse into trot – watching for whether he goes forward eagerly or is reluctant. Use little leg at first – if you have been used to riding school horses they may have become ‘dead to the leg’. You can always increase the leg aid, but it is preferable to do this than having the horse shoot off with you! As in walk work a circle on both reins. Does he drop out of trot as he bends? Does he try to go forward into canter? Would you be happy with this behaviour? If he is very strong, be prepared for him to be even stronger when you get him home – an energetic horse may well have been lunged before you came to see him and may be even fresher on other days!

If you are happy with the trot try a canter on each rein. He should make the upward transition smoothly when you ask him to do so.

If you want a jumping horse make sure you try him over a fence. Is he eager or does he need a lot of encouragement?

Try to decide before you visit the horse exactly what you are looking for, and what you are prepared to work with. And try to keep sensible. There is no point falling in love at first sight with a beautiful animal you cannot control – or one which is reluctant to jump when that is your reason for buying!

This is a partnership which you will have for some time – your partner should be chosen very carefully to make sure he is compatible with your level of riding, and what you want to do. Common sense should rule here – not your heart!

When I go to see a horse, should I see him ridden first?

DEFINITELY YES! If the owner says there is no one available to ride him be very wary. It may be that he is too difficult for anyone there to ride. Only attempt this is you are a very experienced rider – otherwise be prepared to walk away, or at the very least try and arrange to come back when you can see him ridden.

The current owner should ride a routine similar to the one described above to enable you to assess the horse’s way of going, and how he responds. If he makes upwards transitions easily for someone else, but not for you, this could be something that can be addressed with some lessons. However, be aware – there is a saying that a horse’s ability sinks to match those of its rider. Just because the horse you have fallen in love with makes flying changes on demand for its current owner, it may not make them for you if you cannot ride at that level! Your new perfectly schooled dressage horse cannot be depended on to teach

And finally

It may take a few months to find the right horse, but be assured that the wait will be worth it. One thing is probably certain – that palomino mare you had pictured yourself riding away on into the sunset may well turn out to be a bay gelding! But whatever size, colour or sex you end up with, if you have taken your time choosing you will have a wonderful partnership.