How To Buy A Horse -
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If you are ready to buy the horse (having followed the first stages of our 3 Step Buying Guide) and the owner is willing to sell to you, you are now in a position to start negotiating.
The current owner may be open to the inclusion of tack, rugs or delivery transportation in the deal, providing they feel you are buying the horse for a good price and of course that you will be the right owner for him.
It is important not to "take the mickey" at this stage - they will likely feel their starting price is more than reasonable.
Knocking the price down is feasible when buying a horse if you have cash in your hand and are clearly able to proceed with the purchase. Don't however, be a pushover.
If they say they are not prepared to negotiate, you need to weigh up whether you want the horse so much you will pay the asking price or whether it is worth trying to haggle to save some hard-earned cash. Knowing instinctively how far you can "push" the owner is one of the secrets of how to buy a horse.
If you do not feel confident doing the negotiating on your own, ask an experienced horse owner or your instructor to assist on your behalf.
Give them your maximum price beforehand so they understand the parameters within which they can work and don't end up spending more of your money than you intended.
How To Buy A Horse -
What about a Trial Period?
Most private sellers will want to see where the horse will be kept before they agree to sell which is understandable, and will give them confidence in you as a potential owner.
Offer to stay in touch. This will set their mind at rest that you are not going to shift the horse on to another home as soon as their back is turned.
Some may agree to a trial period of a few weeks to see if it all works out. If you want a trial period, ask, but be prepared that not every seller will agree to it.
Last but not least - Get The Sale In Writing
By far the most important part of our how to buy a horse tips and advice would always, always, be to obtain a receipt from the seller confirming that ownership of the horse has passed to you.This receipt does not have to be a lengthy typed document but should contain the address of the seller and their contact details (phone number/email address) together with your address as the buyer.
It should detail the agreed purchase price, method of payment and list any items included in the sale (saddle,bridle or rugs etc)
Both the buyer and seller should sign the receipt and you as the purchaser should keep the original. A copy can be retained by the seller for their records.
Collect the horse's passport and vaccination record at the same time as you take delivery of the horse - it is easy to overlook these important documents but they are much harder to obtain later on. If it helps, think of it like a vehicle registration certificate - you wouldn't buy a car without one would you?
You should send off the horse's passport containing your details as the new owner as soon as possible after the sale to register the horse as your property.
Good luck with your purchase!
To review Step 3 of our Guide including advice on the Ridden Assessment and pre-purchase Examination, click here to be redirected now.
Alternatively, if you are ready to bring your new horse home, click here for tips on
Settling In
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