(photo taken from Pinterest)

Here are 3 helpful questions you can ask when viewing a horse for potential purchase:

1. Reason for selling.

The answer to this could be as simple as the owner needing to downsize. A more extreme answer would be that the horse has a bucking problem that the owner is not willing to deal with. Either way, it is always a good idea to know the owner's reason for selling a horse.

2. Medical history.

Getting a clearer picture of the horse's medical history will help you in your decision making process. This would include the last time the horse was vaccinated, dewormed, and had its teeth floated as well as any lameness concerns or other health issues. This question is very important in helping you understand exactly what sort of horse you would be buying. Is it a very healthy and well taken care of horse, or does it have some major health issues that you're not prepared to deal with?

3. Triggers/Quirks

Does the horse have any odd quirks or things that trigger an unwanted response? (Example; does the horse pull back when tied?) The more questions you can ask about the horse's personality and behavior, the easier it will be to determine whether or not it is a horse you would like to buy.

Horse buying can be time consuming and daunting, but it is so worth the effort once you bring your newest friend home and begin building a partnership that could last a lifetime!

(photo taken from Pinterest)

"When your horse follows you without being asked, when he rubs his head on yours, and when you look at him and feel a tingle down your spine...you know you are loved."  -- John Lyons

~ Saddle Up