Where can I find my dream horse?
Searching for the perfect horse is not an online shopping experience. Contacts play a crucial role here. Ask your trainer or riding instructor if they have any recommendations. Online portals like ehorses can also be helpful to find horses near you. Make sure you consider not only the appearance but also the training level, age, and breed.
Who sells horses?
Riding stables, breeders, dealers, and private individuals can offer horses. Use your existing contacts at the stable and ask about possible sales listings. Many animals may not be publicly advertised, and the opportunity to inspect, test ride, and possibly purchase them often arises only through personal contacts. If you want to acquire a horse or pony this way and don’t know any stables or people in your area, it’s advisable to contact your trainer or riding instructor. They often have valuable advice and can point you to good places to find your dream horse.
How much does a horse cost per month?
Buying a horse requires not only a large budget for the purchase itself but also the financial willingness to cover ongoing costs. But how high are the maintenance costs for your own horse? This question is detailed in the article "The dream of your own horse – what costs should I expect". There you will find a precise overview of the monthly and yearly expenses you will face. In today’s article, however, we want to focus exclusively on the purchase price. This allows you to save enough money in advance to finally be able to sign the purchase contract for your horse.
How expensive is a horse?
The price of a horse depends on many factors and cannot be set generally. Ultimately, the costs depend on the specific qualities your four-legged friend should have for you. Especially the training level significantly influences the purchase price of a horse. For example, if you buy a horse with basic training, the price will be lower than that of an already M-ready show jumping or dressage professional. Therefore, it is advisable to think in advance about your own riding training level and whether you are able to teach a less trained horse something. You might also prefer a four-legged friend without extensive training and sporting ambitions, which makes it possible to find one with a budget of a few thousand euros.
The age of the horse also plays a decisive role. Buying a foal can often be cheaper than buying a 5-year-old horse. However, caution is advised! Although you save part of the purchase price when buying a foal, the costs for basic training and the time until you can ride your horse often exceed the purchase price of an older and already trained horse.
The breed of a horse or pony can also influence the purchase price. Some horse breeds are particularly popular, excel in certain disciplines, or are considered collector’s breeds. Prices here can easily reach into the six-figure range. German riding horses with special lineage, which are considered reliable and high-class partners for advanced sport worldwide, are also often traded at similar prices. Lineage plays a significant role here. For example, if you want to buy an offspring of a famous dressage/show jumping sire, you have to expect a higher purchase price than when buying an offspring of a less successful stallion.
Finally, the intended use and discipline also affect the price of the horse. Leisure horses are generally traded cheaper than animals bred specifically for show jumping, dressage, eventing, or gaited horse sports. Prices in these categories usually start at about 5,000 euros and can go up to the high five-figure range.
In general, however, it can be said that with prices, really anything is possible.
How do I buy a horse? Your checklist for buying a horse
Buying a horse – whether from a breeder, dealer, or private person – should be carefully considered. Before signing the purchase contract for the horse, there are some important considerations and aspects to keep in mind. Here is a small checklist for buying a horse to be well prepared. Did you know, for example, that there can be a preliminary contract when buying a horse? This allows you to secure your dream horse until it is finally picked up and paid for. But that is just one aspect to consider when you want to buy a horse, pony, or foal.
Selection of the horse
After a successful test ride and the decision to buy the horse, it is important to think rationally and keep a cool head. Check the information from the sales ad in the horse passport, which not only states the age but also the number of previous owners, vaccinations, and the exact lineage of the horse. Pay attention to any irregularities when grooming, saddling, and bridling, and ask the current owner about the horse’s living conditions, behavior, and Training.
Pre-purchase examination (PPE)
Before having a pre-purchase examination done, you should have largely decided on the horse. Some breeders or dealers already conduct a PPE in advance, which provides detailed information about the health status. If you want to involve your own vet, clarify in advance whether they are willing to perform the examination or know a recommended colleague near the horse. The costs for the PPE vary depending on the scope and can range between €300 and €2,000.
Preliminary contract and/or purchase contract
After a successful pre-purchase examination and the breeder’s or dealer’s consent, the most important part comes – the purchase contract for the horse. It is common to conclude a preliminary contract alongside the purchase contract. This guarantees the buyer that the horse will not be sold to someone else until it is picked up and paid for, and gives the seller certainty that the sale will take place. The details and process of the horse sale are agreed upon mutually.
Conclusion
Buying a horse is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Trust your experience, seek advice from professionals, and stick to a well-thought-out checklist. We wish you much success in finding your dream horse.
