Buying and selling a horse involves more risks than with smaller animals and pets not only because of considerably higher finances involved but also because some horses come with a myriad of problems ranging from psychological issues to physiological problems.
There are also legal issues that you should be aware of.
You should buy a horse that suits your level of riding and experience; for example buying a highly strung horse if you're a novice is dangerous as the horse may be too much of a handful for you.
Caveat emptor (or let the buyer beware) definitely applies when it comes to buying and selling horses.
In most places, the responsibility falls on the buyer to detect any health issues in the horse; sellers aren't obligated to disclose known conditions or defects in the horse except under certain conditions.
Depending on whether the seller has any scruples or not, he or she may decide to withhold information about the horse unless the contract clearly requires them to divulge this information, so make sure you ask direct questions about the horse's condition and mention what the horse will be used for.
It is solely up to you to investigate before buying, this is why it's important to take someone who is knowledgeable with you.
Ask pertinent questions about the horse and make sure the seller knows what you want the horse for; make sure you have the horse vetted and check its pedigree and competition records if possible.
Selling a horse also requires some insight.
Deciding to sell your horse can be a difficult time especially if you're concerned about the horse going to a good home.
Your horse will need to be accessed as accurately as possible and any training you horse has had will add to its value.
Try to resolve any vices your horse has before putting him on the market in order to maximise his potential.
Selling a horse requires a certain amount of patience and you will need to advertise the sale properly to get the maximum amount of coverage for your sale.
First impressions go a long way so you should ensure that your horse is always smartly turned out when presented to an interested party.
Hiring a reputable trainer to retrain your horse can greatly increase its value.
There are also legal issues that you should be aware of.
You should buy a horse that suits your level of riding and experience; for example buying a highly strung horse if you're a novice is dangerous as the horse may be too much of a handful for you.
Caveat emptor (or let the buyer beware) definitely applies when it comes to buying and selling horses.
In most places, the responsibility falls on the buyer to detect any health issues in the horse; sellers aren't obligated to disclose known conditions or defects in the horse except under certain conditions.
Depending on whether the seller has any scruples or not, he or she may decide to withhold information about the horse unless the contract clearly requires them to divulge this information, so make sure you ask direct questions about the horse's condition and mention what the horse will be used for.
It is solely up to you to investigate before buying, this is why it's important to take someone who is knowledgeable with you.
Ask pertinent questions about the horse and make sure the seller knows what you want the horse for; make sure you have the horse vetted and check its pedigree and competition records if possible.
Selling a horse also requires some insight.
Deciding to sell your horse can be a difficult time especially if you're concerned about the horse going to a good home.
Your horse will need to be accessed as accurately as possible and any training you horse has had will add to its value.
Try to resolve any vices your horse has before putting him on the market in order to maximise his potential.
Selling a horse requires a certain amount of patience and you will need to advertise the sale properly to get the maximum amount of coverage for your sale.
First impressions go a long way so you should ensure that your horse is always smartly turned out when presented to an interested party.
Hiring a reputable trainer to retrain your horse can greatly increase its value.
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