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Tips for Buyers

Purchasing a horse is an exciting time, but it's important not to let your excitement stand in the way of good common sense. The items below are meant to assist you in your purchase. It is always a good idea to consider a veterinarian prepurchase exam to answer any questions you may have about the horse and to help insure a good transaction between you and the seller.

- If the horse is registered or can be registered, is the paperwork in order? (registration papers, breeders certificate for mares in foal, foals)
- Does the horse have any scars, blemishes, bumps on legs?
- Has the horse had any surgeries?
- Does the horse have straight legs?
- Does the horse have good teeth? Are they flush? If it is an older horse, have they been floated regularly?
- Has the horse had a current coggins test done? No matter the age, all horses on the market should have a coggins test before transporting.
- Is the horse current on all vaccinations, including West Nile Virus?
- Has the horse been wormed regularly?
- Is the horse in good health?
- Does the horse have a hernia? Some foals do have hernias that are not health threatening but sometimes the cost to surgically repair a large hernia can be quite a shock.
- Does the horse move straight at a walk, trot and lope?
- What level of rider can ride this horse?
- Has the horse ever foundered or colicked?
- Has the horse ever shown any lameness?
- If you are considering a young horse, how much handling has the horse had?
- Does the horse have any vices?