[osage]

It's kind of like buying a car without a mechanic there to check it out...doesn't matter how clean it is or how shiny the paint, until you get someone who knows to look under the hood and check 'er out you don't know what you are getting. Sometimes it may work out well and other times....not so well...
You don't know whether you'll end up with a lemon or a steal.
see if you can get a trial period..if not, check him out, have a vet check him out and make a second trip if it all is good. Better to make a second trip to see him than to take him back.
he is a looker...wow!

[Ureventer]

Yes, I've done this before. A horse I was interested in, LeRoi, was about 3 hours away, so after seeing and riding him once, I signed a contract with the owner that if after a month I didn't find him to be a suitable match, she would pay me back. Unfortunatly things didn't work out between the horse and I and she came back and got him herself. So yes, the type of situation you are describing does work. Hope all goes well for you...he's a handsome boy.

[Painted Girl]

Thank you guys! I am riding another horse(closer to me) this week, and if he doesnt work out I am going to definatly persue this guy. I will have my vet check him once I get him, and have a bunch of contracts signed to make sure everyone is covered and nothing is left out.
I talked to the owner and she said he had 6 months professional training when off the track, and then wasnt riden for a while, so he doesnt have much training right now. He needs work with a lot, but has great potential and is going to be easy to train(at least thats what she says, I want to see for myself though.) Considering all that, doesnt the price seem a bit high? I know I cant afford that on top of getting a trainer to help me. I dont see where she is getting the high price? His bloodlines are good though, but still...What do you think?

[paintedquarters]

Originally Posted by Painted Girl

There is this GORGEOUS TB that I am looking at (dreamhorse ID# 1162298) but I live about 5 hrs from him. They said they would meet me somewhere, but that means I would try him and if I liked him I would buy him and take him home right then. My parents work, so this is like my one chance to get him. Can I have them sign something that says if the vet check doesnt work out or if we dont "click" after a few weeks, they have to buy him back? Is this just a bad idea? He sounds like such a good boy, but it also seems kinda risky. What do you think? Any ideas? Thanks!!
ps- Tell me what you think of him on dreamhorse!

If you have a trainer I would see if the trainer could go with you to see the horse?
I would maybe talk to their vet about the horse to see if anything has been an issue, before you go ride it.
But if serious get a vet check for sure.
To many people lie plain and simple, even known trainers misrepresent horses.
So Always cover your bases and Always get it in writing!

If the horse is what you are looking for make the contacts and talk to them about him 5 hours is really nothing to travel.

Who trained him and talk to them. They have no vested interest in the horse so should be forthright with you about him....



.

[*Psylocke*]

I really dont think the price is that high if he does in fact school well with that 6 months of training. She does also say its negotiable to the perfect home.

Good luck on the horse search....lol I have never had to do this horse shopping, they generally find me so not a whole lot of advice on it!

[paintedquarters]

Originally Posted by ureventer89

Yes, I've done this before. A horse I was interested in, LeRoi, was about 3 hours away, so after seeing and riding him once, I signed a contract with the owner that if after a month I didn't find him to be a suitable match, she would pay me back. Unfortunatly things didn't work out between the horse and I and she came back and got him herself. So yes, the type of situation you are describing does work. Hope all goes well for you...he's a handsome boy.

That is GREAT!

[Lou3]

always get a vet check done BEFORE you buy. Its no good getting it done after you buy because I know of very few owners who will agree to buy the horse back if it fails - how do they know he hasnt been injured while you have had him and gone lame?
I agree with the suggestion to get a vet check done before you go to see him.

With that said I dont think trying a horse just once and then buying it is a bad idea. Thats exactly what I did with Boots, and several of the ponies I've had in the past. 90% worked out just fine - and thats really pretty good considering how many people buy a horse only to sell it a few months later because they didnt get on.

[Painted Girl]

psylocke- He did well after 6 months, but all that training is gone now. He hasnt been riden in at least a year. He needs work "steering" (whatever that means, lol) and bending, and just a refresher on the basics. She said he needs to learn a lot still. So he is basicly green I guess? I want to ride him for myself and see where he is really at. She said she will make a new video soon, so I can kinda see where he is at.

[Jess!]

That is pretty much all I do. I got to see a horse, I like him/her, I buy it and bring it home. That's how I've always done it, and I've never had a PPE.

However, all my horses were cheap, the most expensive one was $2750. For $4,000 I would definitely try to get a PPE. Try to get a vet out to the lady's place [not her vet] and then have the vet call you with the results. I know a few that have done that.

I've even bought three horses sight unseen, only bought them off of pictures on the internet.

[*Psylocke*]

Originally Posted by Painted Girl

psylocke- He did well after 6 months, but all that training is gone now. He hasnt been riden in at least a year. He needs work "steering" (whatever that means, lol) and bending, and just a refresher on the basics. She said he needs to learn a lot still. So he is basicly green I guess? I want to ride him for myself and see where he is really at. She said she will make a new video soon, so I can kinda see where he is at.

A horse with only a yr off forgot steering? I realize its her saying that not you but that would make me chuckle a little...lol 6 months of training the horse shoulda been pretty darn decent!

If she could get a vid with someone on him then that would be awesome in helping you out....at least then you would have an idea where he is at like you said