1. Know your requirements.  If you don't know what you

are looking for, you won't find it.  Have a list of what you

want in a horse and imperfections you are willing to accept

because there is no perfect horse.  Consider your equestrian

goals and what attributes a horse would need to attain these

 goals with you.  Determine your riding level or have a

riding instructor or professional trainer assess your skills.

2. Enlist a professional.  If you are inexperienced, enlist the 

help of an equine professional.  In an online query by Equus

magazine, one of the major causes of a sale that did not turn

out well was

buyers purchasing unsuitable horses.  Another cause was the buyer

lacking knowledge or the financial assets to keep the horse healthy

and able to perform to its ability.  Make sure that the professional

you enlist has no conflict of interest through prior contact with the

 seller. 

3. Consult a veterinarian.  Have your veterinarian perform a

prepurchase exam including taking radiographs (X-rays),

checking for lameness and taking blood samples in horses you

are seriously considering buying.  Blood samples may be drawn

for the purpose of determining a complete blood count, chemistry

analysis, Coggins’ test (for equine infectious anemia) drug testing

for analgesics and tranquilizers, equine viral arteritis (EVA) titers

for broodmares and EVA or piroplasmosis testing for horses

traveling abroad).  You should discuss testing with your

veterinarian to see what tests he/she recommends for the type of

horse you are interested in purchasing.  The most common deceit

practiced in horse sales is use of local or systemic medications to

mask physical or behavioral problems.  Make sure the veterinarian

does not know the seller; most will refuse to do the exam if they

 know the seller due to possible conflict of interest.  Attend the

exam yourself so that you can hear what is said.  Realize that the

prepurchase exam is not a guarantee. 

5. Ask direct questions.  In general, sellers not legally obligated to volunteer information about the horse they are selling unless directly asked.  Under the Uniform Commercial Code, Sales Article 2, horses are considered "goods."  This code has been adopted by every state with minor  variations.  According to the code, the seller must truthfully answer the buyer's questions, or the seller may be guilty of fraud (knowing misrepresentation) and selling a horse that was not as warranted.  Instead of asking if  the horse has any vices when riding, ask "Does he buck when ridden? Does he rear when ridden?"  Direct questions such as these will result in hesitation by the seller when responding if the seller is hiding something.  If looking for a seasoned show horse, ask for a list of shows where it has competed and any awards its won and then verify the information.  Watch the horse in action at a show if it is currently showing in order to see how the horse behaves in that environment.

6.  Show up early.  By arriving early, you may be able to see things like how hard a horse is to catch, halter, lead, and tack up.  You will get a good idea of its ground manners.

7. Evaluate the horse’s conformation.  Do not be distracted by an attractive head, this does not mean that the rest of the horse has good conformation.  Remember the old adage "pretty is as pretty does."  Have knowledge of the ideal horse for the breed and compare the horse you looking at to this ideal to see where it comes up short or consult an equine professional for assistance in judging conformation.

8.  Watch the horse as it is ridden.  Ideally, the owner, or the representative, should be able to ride the horse and show it in its best form.  If the owner is injured, it may be from the horse.  If the owner does not provide a rider to ride the horse before you, assume there's a problem.  Examine its attitude, is it calm or tense, does it avoid work or is it ready to go?  Watch for head tossing which could be a sign of resistance, mouth problems or allergies.  Look for lameness when it is trotting as well as stiffness. 

9.  Ride the horse yourself.  When the horse is cantering or loping, watch and determine if the horse has an even cadence and if it picks up the proper lead readily in both directions.  Also listen to its breathing during cantering and see if it is regular, relaxed and in time with its strides with no rattling or gurgling.  As another test, take the horse out of the arena and trot it up and down some hills.  Does the horse have comfortable gaits?  Is the horse relaxed and fun to ride?

10. Write a good contract and get a bill of sale.  Be wary of a seller anxious to close the deal that day, regardless of his/her reasons for a quick sale.  Don’t rush into the purchase.  If others want to buy the horse, let them.  You should only purchase a horse when you are absolutely sure that the horse is suitable for you.  Write a strong sales contract including at least a 3 week trial period, if possible, using a readymade form or one prepared by a lawyer.  Be sure to get a bill of sale.  It is important because it will prevent misunderstandings and protect your interests in the event of a legal dispute.  Consider having a lawyer draft the document so that it will be written with your needs in mind.