I have looked at a few horse’s over the years, and have found that dealing with Brokers is like buying a used car.      Brokers buy at low prices, at auction or other sources, spend a few hours working on some issue,  shipping an animal thousands of miles and expect good results.

I would recommend buying from a breeder, who has a trainer(s). The opposite problem with breeder trainers is they are to attached, and so are the horses.

These days via the internet, and specifically licos search (pets)    http://lycos.nashville.oodle.com/sale/pet/horse

Find a search that covers your geographic area.   Look for owners selling their trusted stock or pet,

Transportation for a horse,> seems expensive, can be worth it!  Providing you have a larger pool of animals to choose.

Currently 8/08 it costs about $1300 from Tennessee to San Diego Ca

For example: If you are looking for a Tennessee Walker- look in Tennessee. $2500 to $3000 will buy an $5500 California horse..with transportation $4-4500. And thousands to choose from and not afraid of water.

 

Always check the horses regrestration papers if paying for a registered horse. Pay less if the “broker does not have his name on the paperwork.  Horse associations can charge $200 for each previous unregistered owner.  or if the transfers are incomplete. It might  make the horse un-regesterable

 

Don’t  believe that you will get a refund from the broker for delinquent paperwork penalties

 

Most states require a Coggins test, ensure that this is done and the contract states who and if it will be done before shipping across state lines. California requires one in the previous 6 months

 

Listen to what the broker selling the horse says

Our horses are loaded up and taken to ..you name it…. Bike trails, camping,  they cross water daily.

“ASK TO SEE PICTURES OF YOUR HORSE” Or at least a few in their stable.

GOING:>  Camping, crossing water, bike trails,  Public areas, Trucks & Traffic. We all have pictures of some horse doing that.

 

You have to ask, what river. What trailer fits 13 horses to go there.  1-2 people cant do that much with that many horses.

 

All brokers that I have found never never give you your money back for any reason!

Deposits > no refund.  If you buy a $7000 horse > you can exchange him for a $4000 horse but no refund. An "Exchange Policy" assures customers of nothing

 

When buying a registered horse check with the association before purchase, this can flag issues in stolen horses. As ironic as ir seems horses are stolen all the time,   And there is such thing as a horsetrader.

 

Read and understand the sellers policy’s in advance.

Be sure that the paperwork is in order before payment

 

Never trust the Broker for shipping, they have a vested intrest in getting their budys  work. They reap the reward for your overpayment.

 

A used horse is kind of like a used car, There not all previously owned by a little old lady from Pasadena. You can get a good used car, but sometimes the problem is the dealer!

 

Be a good judge of the sales man,

    1. Beware and note what is said or promised, and reason can this really be true
    2. When you talk on the phone is your previous conversation remembered or the same spiel again.
    3. Are calls returned,
    4. The initial contact seems professional,
    5. Your visit seems professional.
    6. Look for Warning signs in both the horse and dealer.

Email me if you have any questions or need a refrence kq6ly@hotmail.com

 

How can a broker survive selling good horses?

Horse at auction $500-2000

Spend  8 hours each at: Water/River, mountain, Bike path, trail riding,  arena work, camping, Mall-public areas

Just scratching the surface 55 hours of training at $20-$40 hr that’s $1100 to $2200

If the horse was bought a thousand miles away transportation cost $500-800

So the minimum break even for a $500 horse is $2000. $2000 horse could be $5000

 

Watch the videos that the brokers show,  does it seem they have 40+ hours together?

 

So your a broker,  double your money on every horse you sell. $2000?

You have expenses…. Ranch,  truck,  fuel,  family,  food, insurance,

You have to make $40-50,000 minimum unless your living on your dads property, driving a 2 horse BP with a 1990 f150.

 

Ok your place is nicer than that….Did you really sell  25 horses a year. 1 every other week. 

At 27 hours in the saddle a week your butt must be leather, and back hurt..

Or You      A. spent less time on the horse.

                  B. had a lot of help but that costs, if their good trainers

                  C. Sold a lot more horses, but that’s more time in the saddle

                        D. Didn’t do all those things with “One” horse, Just for a few pictures. and made more than $2000 each