After you have taken horseback lessons for long enough to determine that you want to own a horse, follow these tips when you go out looking! By now, you realize the financial commitment necessary to continue in the sport. It only begins with horseback lessons! By the time you have decided to buy your first horse, you hopefully understand the financial commitment and time management factors involved.
1. Do not be influenced by the seller when he says that you ought to go ahead and make an offer because someone else is coming that afternoon to see the same horse and he will likely be gone. Think of buying a used car! It's the same tactic! And, if someone else actually buys the horse, there will be another one. Wait on the right horse and do …show more content…
If the seller will not negotiate of the price ask for other concessions. Perhaps the seller would agree to deliver the horse for no additional fee, or include tack, blankets, or other equipment. Do not worry. These are industry standard practices and you will not insult the buyer.
8. Expect to pay a sales commission. Your instructor will likely charge a buyers commission. This is a source of revenue for instructors, in addition to horseback lessons. Furthermore, the seller may have an agent working on his behalf as well. This charge may be in addition to any fees already charged. Be sure to ask up front how much the commission will be and who will be receiving them. Commission rates typically run from 10-20% of the purchase price but are fully negotiable along the way.
9. Do not ever buy a horse without a vet check. Too many people bypass this critical step. Choose a veterinarian who does not already know the horse and is an independent third party. Attend the vet check yourself if possible and participate as the vet comments on his findings. Do not expect the vet to "pass" or "fail" a horse after his tests are complete. They rarely want to be placed in that position. Rather, the vet will report his findings to you but you will be the ultimate decision
1. Do not be influenced by the seller when he says that you ought to go ahead and make an offer because someone else is coming that afternoon to see the same horse and he will likely be gone. Think of buying a used car! It's the same tactic! And, if someone else actually buys the horse, there will be another one. Wait on the right horse and do …show more content…
If the seller will not negotiate of the price ask for other concessions. Perhaps the seller would agree to deliver the horse for no additional fee, or include tack, blankets, or other equipment. Do not worry. These are industry standard practices and you will not insult the buyer.
8. Expect to pay a sales commission. Your instructor will likely charge a buyers commission. This is a source of revenue for instructors, in addition to horseback lessons. Furthermore, the seller may have an agent working on his behalf as well. This charge may be in addition to any fees already charged. Be sure to ask up front how much the commission will be and who will be receiving them. Commission rates typically run from 10-20% of the purchase price but are fully negotiable along the way.
9. Do not ever buy a horse without a vet check. Too many people bypass this critical step. Choose a veterinarian who does not already know the horse and is an independent third party. Attend the vet check yourself if possible and participate as the vet comments on his findings. Do not expect the vet to "pass" or "fail" a horse after his tests are complete. They rarely want to be placed in that position. Rather, the vet will report his findings to you but you will be the ultimate decision