Horse for Sale – The Best Places to Buy a Horse

 If you are looking for horses for sale then these are the best places to look. Buying a horse is a wonderful idea. These friendly giants are an emotional rollercoaster because of the things involved in their care. However, as beautiful as these wonderful creatures can be, owning a horse can be very expensive. From grooming to feeding and care. So, before you set out to buy a horse, be sure to count the cost and be ready for it. 

Don’t forget that the cost of a horse doesn’t end when you buy your horse. You’ll need to account for food, bedding, veterinary care, farrier’s bill, and livery cost. And if this is your first time, you want to throw in riding lessons.

If you have got these covered, and you are looking for the best places you can buy a horse, then this article is for you. This article will cover the 6 best places to shop for a horse for sale so you can decide on your next steps.

6 Best Places To Shop For A Horse

1. Individual Sellers

There are so many reasons why a horse owner needs to put their horses for sale. Whether a change in circumstance or lack of suitability because the horse is best suited for a beginner rider and the owner wants to move on to a performance horse. Whatever the case may be, it is critical that you understand and get as much information as to why the horse owner is selling. 

However, buying a horse directly from its owner has a lot of benefits. For starters, they’ll be able to provide all the information you need. Again, it is a bit cheaper as you won't be paying any middlemen. Another benefit is that you will get a good price if the owner thinks you are a good fit.

Although there are some positives, you may have a horse that is badly behaved, encounter some medical issues, or worse off, you can’t ride the horse. 

In fairness, these challenges are not peculiar to horses you buy from their individual owners. This means that if this is your first time buying a horse, be sure to go with a more experienced person, like a trainer. They’ll know what to look out for.

Again, you must get a vet to take a look at the horse before you make any commitment. While it is not always a bad thing to steer clear of a horse with behavioral or medical issues, it is important to get a professional opinion so that you know what lies in your future.

If you are looking to buy a horse for sale from an individual, most of them will advertise it online. A good source of advice on potential horses for sale is trainers.

2. Rescue Charities

If you are looking to adopt a horse and give them a new leash on life, then rescue charities are the places to get your next horse. From horses that have been rescued from abuse to racehorses that have finished their career, rescue charities provide dreams of a new world and hope. 

Depending on the circumstances of the horse, you may get it for free or pay a fee. But, ensure you go to a reputable charity and expect that they will look into you. This is because responsible charities want to ensure that their horses fall into the right hands. But, whatever the case is, be sure to do your research on the charity and speak to the people who work there. 

A real advantage of getting a horse from rescue charities is the fact that you may be allowed to take the horse on a trial basis before transferring ownership to you. so, you have a pretty good chance of testing if the horse fits you.

3. Wild horse Adoption

If this is your first time owning a horse, then this is not a very sensible option. This is because wild horses require experienced equestrians. The US Bureau of Land Management regularly rounds up wild horses living on undeveloped land, and these horses are available for rehoming if you meet the requirements.

Other places where you can get a horse for sale include;

4. Horse Dealers

Like car dealers, horse dealers buy horses from auctions and private individuals and put the horses for sale. The great part of buying a horse from horse dealers is they make it easy and quick to find a horse. but be wary, so you don’t fall into the hands of an unethical dealer. Whatever the case, always get the horse looked at by a veterinarian and a trainer before you commit a cent. 

5. Horse Breeders and Trainers

For these guys, selling a horse is part of their everyday routine, so they always have horses for sale. So, you won’t get a better deal and the right horse anywhere else than a horse breeder or trainer. Moreso, these guys usually sell younger horses; yearlings of a year old and weanlings between 4 to 6 months. 

On the other hand, trainers are a great place to find horses for sale that have already been trained, and oftentimes they act as middlemen for owners of horses that want to sell. 

6. Horse Shows

There are always horses for sale at horse shows. Horse shows are an excellent way to see how horses behave when they are surrounded by strangers, commotion, and noises. And if you are searching for a performance horse, you get to see firsthand how they behave. But be careful. A horse show is not the easiest place for a first-timer to navigate. So, if this is the path you choose, go with a trainer and follow their advice to the letter. 

In Summary 

Now that you have seen the best 6 places to buy a horse for sale, be sure to go with an experienced eye and a veterinarian, and ensure you ask the right questions and think through your head (and not your heart). This is because owning a horse is quite a big deal and very expensive, so you want to be prepared. Finally, and of equal importance, ensure that the horse meets your requirements and that you are perfect for each other because owning a horse is a relationship. If you check this box, you will have a long and wonderful relationship with your big friend.