Petting Zoo & Carriage Rides1. Meet the animal, more than once
Visit in person. See how the animal behaves when you catch, halter, groom and handle it. Bring someone experienced if you are new.
2. Ask the seller
- Age and breed or type.
- Training and what it has been used for.
- Health and vaccination history.
- Behavior with new people, children and other animals.
- Why it is for sale.
3. Get a pre-purchase exam
A veterinarian familiar with your intended use checks general health, conformation and soundness. It can include a basic health exam, a soundness assessment and, if you choose, extra tests such as bloodwork or imaging. Extension veterinarians stress it is not a pass or fail test. It gives you the information to decide what you can manage and what could limit the horse. The buyer should attend.
4. Plan for feed
Most horses should eat about 2 percent of their body weight in hay each day, and at least 1 percent. Free-choice horses eat about 2 to 2.5 percent. A 1,000-pound idle horse needs about 20 pounds of hay daily. Hay quality matters, and lab testing is the best way to judge it.
5. Plan for space and care
- Safe fencing and shelter.
- Clean water every day.
- Regular hoof and veterinary care.
- A companion. Horses are herd animals.
- Time each day.
6. Match the animal to the rider
Choose for the rider's experience and size, not for color or looks. A calm, correct match builds confidence. Tell us your experience and we will tell you honestly who fits. See riding horses and ponies for sale.