OK I know nothing about horses, but I found this article by Kim Wende the Horses editor very easy to read - clear, concise and taught me a lot I didn't know that I think could also be applied to buying other items (maybe even cars? even though the last 2 might be pushing it I am sure the basic premise could apply...)

Great article Kim.

5 Questions To Ask The Seller When Buying A Horse

I agree Asha - I know nothing about horses but Kim's tips are clear and concise. It reinforces how important it is to ask questions - don't take things for granted during the buying process.

Good work Kim!

~Sharon

Good article, but as a horse owner I know that even asking the right questions to a seller can still leave you in the dark. Not every seller is truthful, and horses can be drugged before you come to see them so that they behave and act mellow, even if they are not normally mellow horses. It is always best to ride a horse before purchasing, even bringing more than one knowledgeable horse person with you to ride as well. And a vet check before purchase is always a must.

It takes a lot of knowledge, instinct, and a good eye for horses to know if you are making a good horse purchase. It is better if you can go through someone you know who has horses and has horse contacts who are trustworthy. Even then you just don't really know all there is to know about a horse until you own the horse yourself. I learned the hard way even when I used personal contacts. I was tossed into a wall by a horse I purchased. The seller knew all along that the horse was unpredictable, and she lied to us all. It was a tough lesson to learn when I was a new rider at the time.

Thank you Asha! I'm glad you found this article easy to read and that you will be able to apply it to buying other items.

Thank you Sharon! I appreciate you stopping by to leave me feedback.

Thanks Cassie67! I agree that you can ask the right questions and still get left in the dark. I too have seen horses drugged by the seller so they are calm and can make the sell. I always tell people that if they are serious about the horse they should get a vet exam.

Yes it is a good idea to go through someone you know or a well known contact but if you are buying out of state that is not always possible. I'm so sorry to hear that you got tossed. Horse shopping can be fun but I always recommend people take there time especially now with a depressed horse market.