subject: Horses For Sale Are Obtainable Everywhere [print this page] Horses For Sale Are Obtainable Everywhere
A huge increase in horses for sale has resulted due to the current economic downturn. High-priced show horses are selling for a fraction of what their original value. Many owners are giving their horses away to shelters because they are no longer able to afford them.Horses are available in every breed, riding discipline and price level. Owning a horse should be considered a long-term investment. Buyers should be careful when making this type of investment. There are many factors to consider before purchasing. There are a variety of different sources a person can utilise to find the right horse.A potential buyer should decide specifically what he or she intends to use the horse for. This streamlines the purchase process, making it easier to select the right animal. Most horses cannot be utilized for all purposes, simply because they lack the training. Their body type may only be suited for specific uses. For example, a draft horse would not be effective at herding cattle. A thoroughbred racehorse fresh from the race track would not make a good child's horse.A wonderful way to begin a comprehensive search is to look at internet websites specializing in selling horses. Most of these websites are visited by buyers and sellers across the world. These resources provide access to horses used for a variety of activities. Information can be sorted by specific breed, as well as by location. The potential buyer can organize prospects by price, breed or riding discipline. Even if the animal is ultimately purchased from someone who has not advertised on the internet, these sites still provide valuable information from which the buyer can start his or her search.More traditional search methods also exist. Auctions usually sell horses at bargain prices, and are held on a regular basis. Horses should be purchased at auction only by those with extensive horse knowledge. Breeders and trainers are also very good resources. Breeders usually sell the animals that they have bred and raised. Trainers may or may not be in the business of selling horses, but have a lot of connections to sellers in the horse world. Breed associations usually list horses for sale in the classified sections of their newsletters or magazines.When visiting a prospect, bring a knowledgeable and trusted friend, colleague or trainer. Trainers charge a small fee for assisting in the search for a horse. This is worth the cost in order to find a good horse. Get either the trainer or the second person to ride the horse. Review the animal's ground manners as well. All of this provides good information regarding the horse's training and attitude.It is a good idea to have the horse examined by a licensed veterinarian before completing the purchase. A thorough stress test should be included in the examination. The value of x-rays is somewhat controversial, however. Some believe x-rays are necessary to verify whether a horse has a developing lameness issue. Others do not think x-rays provide any value. They are believed to erroneously indicate a problem when none exist.Thorough research is recommended before making a purchase. Multiple resources should be utilized in the search process. A large selection of information and resources is available. A search is usually more expansive when looking for animals needed for the most competitive activities.