Buyer Etiquette and Responsibility

From The Other Side Of The Fence

Buyers have an obligation to honestly represent their skill level, the accommodations they can offer a horse, and their intentions.  Even though HTT has posted many trader horror stories, there are certainly an infinite number of tales that illustrate less than ideal buyers.  Buyers who don’t take the time and trouble to learn good horsemanship have ruined many an equine.  Remember that no horse is ever “finished.” They are sensitive creatures that continue to learn new behaviors throughout their lives.  A novice horse person can inadvertently “undo” professional training faster than a rat terrier will snatch and swallow the family hamster.  Here are some thoughts about our buyer responsibilities.
  • If you make an appointment to go look at a horse, don't leave the seller hanging by not turning up.  If you can't make it for some reason, or will be later than scheduled, call your seller.  It's the polite thing to do, after all.  
  • If the horse’s price is more than you want to spend, ask the seller whether it’s negotiable before you make an appointment. If the seller says no, you won’t be wasting your time or his.
  • Bring your hard hat or helmet, and wear appropriate clothing and shoes for riding.
  • Ask if it's okay to bring your own saddle.  A seller would need to be sure your saddle is in good repair (intact tree, leather not weak or rotten, etc), and that it fits the horse you are trying.  This provides two advantages.  You’ll be using tack that’s familiar, and you’ll know whether your saddle fits the horse you’re considering.
  • Turn your cell phone off while you are trying a horse.  It’s rude to take the seller’s time with personal calls and a suddenly ringing phone may frighten the horse.
  • Do not bring your dog.  Many farms have their own dogs, and the sellers won’t appreciate the disruption of yours running around.  Also, your dog may chase or injure the seller’s horses, or other animals.
  • If you have small children and plan to include them, bring along someone to mind the kids while you concentrate on the horse.  Unattended children with horses can be extremely dangerous.
  • Be honest about your abilities and level of riding.  If you have an ethical seller, he will want to sell you a suitable horse.  If your seller is an experienced horse person, he’ll know pretty quickly how adept you are by watching you with his horse, so don’t fudge; it’s not worth it.
  • A horse is an individual and frequently develops a relationship with the person who rides it most often.  If your seller rides the horse first and the horse seems very well trained, don't be disappointed if the horse doesn't perform quite as well when you get on.  Even subtle differences in riding technique can produce very different responses from the horse.  It may just be a matter of time and a little professional help before you and your new horse become a team.
  • Don’t be surprised if the seller wants you to begin in a small area, like a paddock or round pen.  He may want to assess your skills, for your own safety and for that of the horse.  However, be wary of a seller who doesn’t offer a larger area (a ring, arena or pasture) once he’s comfortable with your abilities.  Dishonest sellers know that a horse may be fine in a round pen but will bolt for the hills in a open pasture.
  • Ask the seller about the horse’s daily routine and feeding schedule.  A horse that is turned out every day and is eating grass or a little hay could turn into an entirely different horse if you buy it, keep it in a stall and feed it grain.  Ask your seller about the level of activity the horse is accustomed to; is it ridden every day, every week, once a month?  If you buy a horse that has been worked regularly, but you plan to ride once a month, your horse may not be as easy to handle after a month of leisure.  Conversely, if the horse goes from being ridden once a month to your enthusiastic regime of five days a week, the horse may become sore (as you probably will).  You'll go home and relax in your hot tub.  Your new horse might buck, rear, kick, toss its head, or refuse to move because that’s the only way it has to indicate pain.
  • Take note of the bridle and bit used by your seller.  Consider buying something similar if the horse works well and seems relaxed.
  • If you are shopping for a horse for your child, its looks, cosmetic blemishes and color should be the least important factors in choosing.  Look for an older horse, and plan to spend more. 

Your seller might ask you:

  • Details of your experience with horses
  • Whether you are aware of the monthly cost of owning a horse
  • Where the horse will be housed
  • What sort of support you'll have; for example, a trainer, a very  experienced friend, riding lessons, etc
  • Whether you can provide personal or veterinary references
  • Whether you're willing to sign a "first right of refusal" contract in the event you would need to sell the horse

Please don't be offended.  If your seller cares, he'll want his horse to be a good match for you and will also want assurance that his horse is properly looked after.