Buying a horse
Performance horses are often more expensive than your usual all-rounder, so you need to look for your next competition horse carefully
Advice from the Horse Deals team
FINDING THE HORSE of your dreams is a bit like looking for a life partner, so it’s a good idea to make sure you know exactly what you want before you start searching. Before you begin shopping online, in a magazine or by word of mouth, make a wish list of essentials — including sex, type, height, age, temperament, performance and, of course, your budget — and try to stick to it. If you’re not sure what would be the ideal horse for you, at the experience level you are at, ask an experienced friend or trainer for their honest opinion — their answer might surprise you. On a ‘Horses for sale’ website — such as horsedeals.co.uk — there’s often an opportunity to view a video clip, but don’t be branded a timewaster by asking the vendor for extra videos of the horse unless you’re really interested in him.
Trial periods
In an ideal world, the vendor for your performance horse may be willing to allow you to have him for a trial period. This is usually a maximum of a week and gives you the opportunity to take the horse home and spend time together. You’ll need to make allowances, as the horse will be in unfamiliar surroundings and could take time to settle. You must also ensure you have adequate insurance cover in case of mishaps. During a trial period, it’s a good idea to test the water in a variety of situations, such as hacking out on roads and in open spaces, alone and in company, as well as in a schooling session and jumping different fences, including fillers.
Handling the finances
Don’t be influenced by the seller who tries to persuade you to part with your money before you’re ready. Horses are expensive. Take the attitude that if you miss out this time, it wasn’t meant to be and a better horse is just around the corner. There’s often room for negotiation, depending on how long the horse has been for sale, the seller’s personal circumstances and if they believe you’ll provide the right home for their horse. If they won’t negotiate on price, ask if tack and/or rugs are included. Finally, get something in writing from the vendor that confirms the horse is as described in their advertisement.
“Before you begin shopping, make a wish list of essentials”