What to consider when looking for your “one and only” American Quarter Horse.

Illustration by Randee Fox

If you’re considering buying a horse, your options are unlimited.

But, in the age of information overload, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and let your emotions take control instead of making a sound purchasing decision on the right horse for your needs and wants.

Horse enthusiast Randee Fox provides the following tips to help you break through the clutter and find your “one and only” American Quarter horse.

When looking for your horse, consider the following sources:

• AQHA Professional Horsemen

• AQHA Classifieds

• DreamHorse.com
  

Are you a prospective horse owner? Check out AQHA’s DVD, “Owning Your First American Quarter Horse” for more tips and information.

More tips on finding the perfect horse:

• Ask the seller many questions, including whether he or she has the horse’s original registration certificate.

• Visit the horse and make sure he is in good health and suits the purpose you have in mind. Be sure to note his personality. Does it compliment your own?

• Assess his performance, handling and ground manners. Have the handler or seller work with the horse first. If you’re buying him for a special purpose, be sure to have the handler or seller show you the horse’s abilities.

• Take a test ride. Determine if the horse performs for you as well as for the original handler.

• Note: If the horse performs much better for the handler than you, he might require a more advanced rider. If you buy him, you might need more training to ride him successfully. Decide how much of a challenge you want.

• Ask to see the registration certificate, and verify that the horse and description match.

• Get a pre-purchase examination. Be sure the horse has current Coggins papers, and find out when the horse was last vaccinated and dewormed.

• Negotiate a price somewhere within 5 to 15 percent of the asking price.

• Bring along a more experienced horse person if you can. Click here for a list of AQHA Professional Horsemen in your area.

AQHA’s “Owning Your First American Quarter Horse” DVD gives you even more great information on caring for and having fun with your first horse. The best part? It’s free! Get your copy before supplies are gone!