Buying Your First Horse

You've decided you want to own a horse. Are you ready for the commitment? How do you find that perfect horse? How can you increase your chances of finding a safe horse and paying a fair price?

Because buying a horse is a tremendous commitment and long-term decision, you should prepare as thoroughly as possible before setting out on your adventure to buy a horse. It takes years of involvement with horses to adequately judge the potential of a horse. Horses vary widely in temperament, price, ability, and size. You want a horse that is safe, healthy, without bad habits, and matches your riding abilities - at a fair price. The information found in "Buying Your First Horse: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing For, Finding and Purchasing a Great Horse" will prepare you for horse ownership and guide you in making the best choice.

Following the guidelines in the book will answer all your questions about buying a horse and help you select a horse that is:

• Safe Learn how to avoid the horse that bites, kicks, rears, or bucks
  
• Healthy Learn how to avoid the unsound or unhealthy horse
  
• Priced fairly Learn how to objectively evaluate a horse
  
• A good match for the rider Choose a horse that matches the rider's abilities and potential
  
• A great ride Find a great riding partner for a successful riding career
  

Some of the topics found in this comprehensive guide include:

• Preparing for your horse
  
  
  
  • Safety
    
  • Keeping a horse on your property
    
  • Boarding at a stable
    
  • Expenses
    
  
  
• Where to find and purchase your horse
  
  
  
  • Finding good horses for sale
    
  • Evaluating horses
    
  • Selecting a great horse
    
  • Negotiating the purchase
    
  
  
• Questionnaires and agreements
  
  
  
  • Questionnaires for evaluating horses
    
  • Questionnaires for evaluating stables
    
  • Sample bill of sale, boarding agreements, contracts