I have 3 horses that were online purchases. 2 I went and looked at first so I knew what I was getting. The third was a weanling that I saw 2 pictures of,and liked her breeding. I mentioned it to my husband and the next thing I new we were making a trip across 3 states because he got her as a suprise gift for me. Once he admitted what was going on I asked him if he already paid. Yes he did. So then I paniced and told him this isnt how you buy a horse. Long story short once we got there and I saw her in person she was great and has turned into one of the most quiet horses we have. So for us what could have been a loss of a few thousand dollars and a lemon turned into a gem and was well worth it....and a great gift from my hubby!
I would never buy a horse online. Pictures can hide so much. And even when you go and see the horse you never know if they have been drugged or worked heavily before you get them. Horse buying and selling is a tricky business.
I bought a horse online but she was close enough that I went out and rode her with know problems. She even passed the vet check. To make a really a really long story some what short, I was told she had no bad habits or any issues and was safe to lead my then 4 year old son around on her. LIES LIES LIES!!! She buck off my son for no reason and I came off her not to long after that, hard I might add-the hardest I have ever come off a horse. Any who found out in the long run that the girl knew that this girl had major issues. I too wanted to take her and her lying mother to court but, my husband was afraid we would spend more money and end up losing. I did report her to the DA's office since she was helping a "trainer" to sell other horses. This all happened a year ago and according to CA law I have a limit of 3yrs to take her to court. So, I am still researching things. Also, the horse went to Monty Roberts farm for help and had one of out of the blue bucking episodes so severe that she smacked the top of her poll on the round pen wall and became ataxic. She got better but has since re injured her self and is still having some issues. Any who...When/if I ever buy another horse (this was my first but, we have always had horses) I will make sure to have blood work done along with x rays, MRI or whatever else I deem necessary to make sure the horse has not been drugged or has any hidden problems. PS. believed the horse was drugged when I rode her and picked her up. Learned miss lesson the hard way Simi Valley, CA
I bought a Paint gelding online, after viewing a video and lots of emails back and forth with the sellers, who were in another state. I had him vetted, and that vet talked to my vet and they conferred on the x-rays and findings. Long story short, he was exactly as advertised and I couldn't be happier. Maybe I just got lucky, but it worked for me.
I found my horse from an online ad but she was close enough that I was able to check her out in person. Also, the owner gave me a two week trial period during which I had the prepurchase exam done and was able to keep her at my farm to ride at my discretion. Turned out great...she is just as advertised and a joy in my life! However, I would never purchase without the opportunity to see and ride in person!
AS ALWAYS, I TOTALLY ENJOY READING ALL OF THE COMMENTS POSTED HERE. :) SINCE MY SISTER FOUND SUCH GREAT SUCCESS WITH THE OFF-THE-TRACK TB SHE BOUGHT ONLINE, I REALIZE THAT SOMETIMES YOU CAN FIND THE HORSE OF YOUR DREAMS FAR, FAR AWAY. AND THEN YOU MAKE SOME PHONE CALLS, EXCHANGE SOME EMAILS, DO A LITTLE RESEARCH, SEND THE MONEY, AND THEN ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORT. THEN YOU SIT AND WAIT AND HOPE THAT THE HORSE THAT STEPS OFF THE VAN IS THE HORSE THAT YOU ENVISIONED. I DON'T THINK SUCH A RISK IS FOR ME. LIKE YOU GUYS HAVE SAID, MORE OR LESS, THE ABILITY TO SEE A HORSE IN PERSON AND INTERACT WITH IT ALLOWS YOU TO PICK UP ON BAD HABITS, PISSY ATTITUDES, SOUNDNESS ISSUES OR QUIRKY BEHAVIORS THAT CAN BE MISSED ON A YOU TUBE VIDEO.
I've never bought a horse on-line, but it's still important to get a vet check first as we learned the hard way. We've spent a lot of money on my daughter's horse that had been injured some time before we got her and didn't show up till later. My horse was given to me because the woman who previously owned her couldn't feed her and she was extremely thin & full of parasites. She turned out to be a "Gem". The sweetest horse with the best disposition ever, and very intelligent! I would have paid a lot of money to have a horse like her and she was free, with the exception of the vet bill (which wasn't too expensive). I guess the moral is it depends on the person who's selling the horse. Perhaps we should be looking more at the seller than the horse to find out how they treat their animals.
I was lucky enough to find my Arabian mare online, but she was close and at a reputable rescue. So was able to visit with her and she has turned out to be fabulous. But, not so sure I would have taken a chance if it was across the country. Like buying a car, I have to touch and feel it before putting out the money.
I WAS ACTUALLY SURPRISED WHEN MY VET-- WHO ALSO HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF MY RIDING PALS-- TOLD ME THAT SHE DOES QUITE A FEW PRE-PURCHASE EXAMS IN OUR AREA FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER SEEN THE HORSE FIRSTHAND. THEY'RE BUYING THE HORSE STRICTLY OFF THE INTERNET. YET SHE ALSO SAID SHE'S OFTEN AMAZED AT HOW MANY ONLINE HORSE SHOPPERS DON'T WANT HER TO CONDUCT ANY KIND OF PRE-PURCHASE EXAM. ALL THEY WANT IS FOR HER TO PULL BLOOD FOR A COGGINS TEST AND FILL OUT A HEALTH CERTIFICATE SO THE HORSE CAN HOP ON A VAN AND BE SHIPPED ACROSS STATE LINES.
I bought my gelding online but I was lucky and he lived only about an hour away, I saw him, rode, him and fell in love with him I've had him for three wonderful years now! I wouldn't want to buy a horse that I've never seen before! What if they sell me a donkey insted of a champion hunter? Scary! But I'm glad your sister found Topper!