Ridecamp: [RC] long distance horse buying

 Personally, I would go for the 5 yr old. 

  As for when buying a horse from a considerable distance I
also ask for a video if I am seriously interested. On the
video these are the things I want to see:
 1. horse traveling both directions at all gaits, on lunge
line or in round pen and under saddle.
 2. horse walking and trotting to and from camera 
 3. horse standing still while the camera shows all sides
of body and legs. With a little more time spent on any
blemishes esp on the legs.
 4. footage of horse being groomed. tacked up, bathed,
clipped, feet being picked up and loading and unloading
from trailer.

  A video will give you some idea of the horses
personality, the current level of training and specific
things/questions to have the pre-purchase vet look at and
give insite to.

   I will offer to pay a small fee ($5-15) for the video
with the understanding if I pass on the horse and return
the video my money will be refunded. Having sold many show
horses this way, this lets the buyer know you are not a
"tire kicker". It's amazing on the number of people that
pass when you insist on a deposit for the video you will
send them. 
  
   If I like the horse then I will arrange for a complete
vet check that includes Xrays. The extra $200 or so that
you will spend on this is well worth it, esp. considering
how much time, training and money you will be putting into
this horse. If the seller is providing the vet then make
sure you talk to the vet after the exam. Let him/her know
what you will be using this horse for and ask all the
questions you can think of.

   If you still want the horse then write up a contract for
the sale , spelling out the responsibilities of both seller
and buyer. Some things to include are what the horse will
be used for, when you are legally considered the owner of
the horse ( when it leaves the farm, when it arrives at
your place or what ever has been decided upon). Spell out
the return policy if the horse has not been represented
truthfully or if a pre-existing medical problem arrises
within 30 days of purchase. Be specific on who will pay for
what, should the horse have to be sent back to the seller.
If the horse isn't already insured then I, as a buyer, will
have a short term policy in place before the horse is
shipped to me.

  From your post it sounds like you are fairly new to
buying horses long distance. If handled  right this is a
good way to obtain a quality of horse for your specific
purposes that you might not be able to find locally. Don't
forget that the initial price will be considerably higher
than the original asking price by the time you figure in
the exam, insurance and shipping. It may be worth looking
at horses in your region that are a little higher than what
the long distance horse is before the extra shipping cost
is figured in. This closer, higher priced horse you will
have had a chance to actually see in person and ride. It's
hard to return a horse at your expense that for whatever
reason just didn't "jive" with your personality and riding
style. Those of us who have been in the horse business for
awhile can all relate a story about the "perfect horse"
that we just couldn't get along with. Never underestimate
the power of the "right" horse /rider combination. I have
seen average horses with the right rider really shine and
go on to be a "force to be reckoned" with in their specific
event.

Regards,
Penny
 
--- jen cochran <wrote:

<Would I be better off getting the 5 year old mare that has
about the same amount of experience or the 21 year old
gelding?</P>
<P>Any help would be great.</P>

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