Experienced Horse Buyers?

You: "How much?" (Gee, I hope it's not over 1000.)

Him: "4000" (I'll be lucky if I get 400 for this beast.)

You: "Would you take 1200?" (I hope I'm not insulting him.)

Him: "Don't make me laugh." (I wonder if I can get her to give me more?)

You: (Oh dear, I insulted him.) "How about 1900. I can't pay more than that."

Him: [silence] (Let's see how much she really wants this loser.)

You: "Okay, I'll give you 2200." (Gee, I feel bad that I insulted him. I hope he'll go this low.)

Him: "Sold!" (I hope she doesn't bring in a vet before she takes it.)

The term "horse trading" has a bad smell to it for good reason.

"This injury worries me" "Would you mind If I This Injury checked out, by a vet?" "Do you gaurantee him to be sound, And if he isn't can I take him back to you?" "Will you budge on that price any, _____(Name your reason)?" Hope this helped! :)

Being up front about issues with a horse will tell the seller you are observant to things he has not mentioned but know about, the seller is there to sell and does not really care whose money they have at the end of the sell. When I look at a horse to buy, I will look for things to point out that may lower the price and mention them.

Buying a horse is a business arrangement and there is nothing wrong with negotiating the price, the same way you would with purchasing a car, home, or anything else in life.

After you have evaluated the horse, had a vet check done (if you want), and have tried the horse out, and then decided that the horse is one you want to own, the negotiations can begin.

Most sellers have a posted or established asking price and the bottom dollar they are willing to take for the horse.

When negotiations begin, keep it professional and not emotional. If you have been all excited and telling the owner how much you love the horse and how perfect it is, don't expect then to give much on the price.

Point out some of the things you like about the horse, such as breeding, the manners, how it stands to grooming, tacking up, etc. Then begin with any concerns. I like the horse, but it hasn't been trained for a specific discipline and I am concerned with the price of specialized training. I figure I will need to consult a trainer or take lessons and would like to plan for those expenses. Would you consider taking $X,XXX for the horse?

Address this way for any other concerns. Example, Since the horse needs this supplement, special shoes, whatever, would you take $X,XXX? Offer less then the price you have decided to pay for the horse, that way you have room to be flexible, usually a deal can be struck somewhere in the middle.

There is nothing wrong with haggling over the price, just be respectful. If you are new to this, take someone with you who has experience and see how they handle the situation.

Rarely is the asking price of a horse or anything else set in stone. Good luck!

Bring up the points that you are worried about and say something like "in light of this would you be willing to lower the price; and what price would you be willing accept?"

Unless the horse has been advertised with these problems then the owner/seller has probably taken these problems into account. Don't be worried about asking for a lower price, if you have reason to worry then they should accept this and co-operate with you.

well after you rode it saddle it, rain it,look at its teeth, his walk,can he load in trailer,look at his stall is he eaten all the wood,is he fat,grass belly,make your price,if that one don't work for you ,**** there are many more horses out there,good luck

you have to keep in mind that no one selling a horse (or anything else) likes it if anyone asks for a lower price, no matter how nicely you put it.

the best way (i believe) to word it is: ''I am not sure if i want to spend that much on a horse that needs../has to../is.. . would you maybe consider lowering the price?"

dont forget to have a vet with you or someone who is experienced in buying horses.