PrintThe first two articles in our Etiquette Of Horse Shopping series examined communication and fair trials. In the third installment, we explore options for additional evaluation and the pre-purchase exam.
After a successful first trial ride, many questions loom. Have you concluded that this is the horse for you, or will another ride help to solidify your decision? If so, what are the options? How do you make the most of the experience without overstepping your bounds or risking your chances?
“I’m not against people trying horses multiple times,” said Kelli Temple, Round Hill, Va. “But a lot of times what happens is that people come and try a horse that they like, and then they say, ‘OK, in two weeks my trainer will be here, and we’ll come back.’ By the time they come back, [the horse] is already sold.”
When you’ve found a potential match, it’s essential to strike a balance of informed decision-making, assertiveness and timeliness as you move forward in the shopping process.
Planning Next Rides
For many buyers, a second ride is the logical next step, providing the opportunity to reaffirm and expand upon initial impressions.
“Most people try a horse two or three times, but it takes others four or five times to put the horse in enough different situations to make a decision,” said Courtney Cooper, Nottingham, Pa. “I am not opposed, when possible, to allowing the horse to go to other locations with me so that the buyer can see them in a different atmosphere.”
Depending on your discipline, a “different atmosphere” might involve another arena, a new jumping exercise or a cross-country course. Sellers like Cooper are often willing to trailer the horse to another farm or schooling environment for a follow-up trial ride.
Additionally, most sellers will allow multiple trial rides, although it’s important to keep a time limit in mind. You may not be the only person interested in the horse, and while you’re waiting on that fourth ride, someone else could be readying an offer. On the other hand, if you’re still unsure after several rides, your indecisiveness may signal it’s time to move on.
“Tops, I would say three [rides] is enough. If you really can’t decide after riding a horse three times, then it’s not the right horse for you,” said Temple.
Making the most of trial rides is necessary, however, since most sellers are hesitant to offer longer-term off-site trials in which the horse would go into the potential buyer’s care for an extended period of time.
“I can’t afford to do that. There are too many possibilities for accidents,” said Temple. “I want to be in control of the care of my horse until someone else owns it.”
While Cooper is also hesitant to offer long-term trials, she does consider them on a limited basis when terms have been specifically outlined in advance.
“A signed contract specifying conditions for turnout, riding, who can ride, feeding, and any other matters [is required],” said Cooper, who also asks for a 10 percent deposit of the purchase price and insurance coverage.
