9 things you must be aware of before buying a horse in the UK

Most of the horse riders wish to own a horse. The fact is, it requires many understandings to identify the perfect one. It needs, even more, skills to maintain a horse. Do not panic. The guidelines given below will help you to buy the best horse in the UK.

1. Make a Decision

Decide the purpose for which you require a horse. Remember it a long-term investment, and you must make a firm decision before starting your horse “hunting” process.

2. Dealer Verification

Try to avoid purchasing a horse through unknown dealers. Stay in touch with professional horse sellers earned reputation in the UK for many years. Check for reviews and talk to horse owners to know more details about genuine horse sellers. Online buying option is not advisable for the first-time horse buyers.

3. Legal Check

Consult an authorized representative to know about the legal formalities involved in purchasing a horse.

4. Passport Verification

Make sure to check the horse’s identity. Start by checking the passport match for every horse you look at before making a decision. Also, review the silhouette of the horse in the passport. Do perform a microchip vet check. Only PIO passport is an authorized passport. For a Romanian passport, ensure to undergone EIA testing upon arrival to the UK.

5. Horse Examination

Take help from the equine vet to examine the horse for its fitness. Never go by word of mouth. Check horse medically before you make any payment.

6. Ride On The Horse

Watch the vendor riding the horse. You test by riding on the horse a couple of times. Riding does not mean going for few meters, but to go to the places where you are planning to take the horse post-purchase. Test your control over the horse and know that all horses may not respond on the same to your instructions. Irrespective of your riding experience, ride on the particular horse you find medically fit.

7. Verify the Horse Background

Do not go with the seller said. Ensure you carry out some professional background verification about the horse. Sometimes it may even be a stolen horse, beware and hire a professional service provider to know the horse’s veterinary reports and insurance papers.

8. Agreement

After all considerations of a horse, when you decide to buy the horse, then execute an agreement with the vendor. Check for the clause about returning the horse if you find it unsuitable after buying. Dealers might either agree to exchange the horse for another one or may pay if you are unhappy with the horse. However, be sure to read the contract thoroughly before you agree to the same.

9. Receipt

Once an agreement is executed, you must have a signed copy of it with all details of the seller. A legal representative will help you at this stage to get things written on papers.

In conclusion, you can follow all the nine steps given above to buy the best horse. However, it does not end by just buying a horse, you must know how to handle the vet fees, insurance, livery, shoe the horse, and feed them. Always stay in touch with experts to take off with your new horse.

Happy Riding!