Finding an Arabian horse of your dreams is only the first step in the purchase process of this fine species. To protect your investment you need to prepare a checklist to follow once you have found the animal you want to buy. You can take a veterinarian with you along with a sales agent, but it’s imperative that you check various aspects of the horse before you buy him. Let’s look at some points to examine regarding your horse before you make an offer on him.
- Ask your vet to check the teeth and eyes of the Arabian to make sure that everything is normal and healthy with his vision and oral condition. His big eyes should be set apart and his teeth should be clean and in a normal pattern of arrangement.
- The vet will listen to your Arabian’s breathing as well as his heart so that he can find any abnormalities that impact health of the horse. Ask him to check for arrhythmias or murmurs that can impede the physical performance of your horse.
- Step back and just take a long look at the horse. He should be of the right physical size, not too big or skinny. Check his feet and legs carefully as well. Ask about his vaccinations and his worming schedule and obtain the proper documentation for all of his past treatments; this will give you insight into any health issues as well as how they were handled.
- Ask the owner if you can ride the Arabian or see if a trainer or the owner himself will give you a demonstration of how well the horse responds to commands. Many people have Arabian horses for sale but finding one that has been cared for extremely well and that is healthy and happy will be your ultimate goal.
- As you look over the horse, think about the purpose that you have in mind for him and ask the vet to evaluate him with this goal in mind. Together you should be able to determine if the horse has all of the right characteristics to meet your expectations. His strength and endurance will be important if you want to show him or enter him into competition and his behaviour and personality will be critical if you want to use him in a therapeutic business with children and injured adults.
Make your checklist as you do research on Arabians and be sure to take it with you when you go to visit a horse for the first time. It will help you think clearly, to examine the facts, and to avoid letting your heart control your decision. With any business investment it’s important to keep in mind your goals and objectives, but with a wonderful Arabian horse standing before you, it may be difficult to keep your focus if you have no list to follow. An Arabian will make a wonderful addition to your stable if you take your time and examine him thoroughly before making a final decision.
