Keep your eyes open when buying a horse

Not only does a horse cost a considerable amount of money to purchase, but you also have to budget a hefty monthly sum for its care.

The purchase price varies depending on the discipline, i.e. what you plan to do with your horse. Do you want to start competing? In show jumping or dressage? Is western riding what you have in mind? Perhaps you are a fan of endurance riding or love carriage driving? Or would you like to ride your horse through the forest? Should the horse be suitable for children? Would you like to breed with it? Or, or, or.

Perhaps you would like to import a horse because you particularly like a breed from another country? If so, please bear in mind the potentially long transport route and import costs. These are additional costs on top of the purchase price.

Here is a brief summary of the costs to be taken into account when buying a horse or in your monthly expenses.

Directly upon purchase (one-time):

• Purchase price of the horse
• Costs for an agent – sometimes insiders who work as "horse brokers" know exactly where to find the right horse
• Transport and, if applicable, import costs
• Purchase examination (AKU)
• Basic equipment

Ongoing costs thereafter:

• Stable rent (monthly)
• Farrier (every 6 to 8 weeks)
• Veterinary costs (it is best to set aside a monthly amount for routine treatments such as dental check-ups and vaccinations, but also for unexpected illnesses)
• Chiropractor, physiotherapist, or osteopath
• Feed, supplements, treats, oils, fruit, and other items (monthly)
• Riding instructor, training, courses, or similar (monthly)

The purchase examination (AKU) is always carried out by a veterinarian. Depending on the client's wishes, this can be more or less extensive. This means that it is determined whether a horse will only be clinically examined or whether X-rays of the horse's joints will also be taken. The scope of the X-rays also varies. A horse that is to be used for competitive sport will probably require more than the standard X-rays (currently 18 images including the knees). A horse that is being purchased for leisure riding certainly does not necessarily require such extensive X-rays. However, each client decides for themselves, as they are ultimately responsible for the costs of the AKU. Sometimes, the seller is the client for the AKU and therefore covers the costs. In other cases, both parties agree on the scope of the examination and share the costs. With young horses, it is important to know that the horse is still growing and its bones are still changing.

Here is a brief overview of the AKU

The small AKU / clinical examination:

• The ears and eyes are examined
• Heart, lungs, and internal organs are listened to

Condition check

• Resting heart rate is measured
• Moving the horse in all gaits on the lunge
• The pulse is then measured again
• After a short rest period, the pulse and respiratory rate are measured again

Movement and turning on firm ground

• The horse is shown in walk and trot on hard ground in hand
• The horse is turned on a small circle

Bending test

This provocation test is used to examine the four limbs in detail. The extreme flexion of the legs before the horse trots forward makes underlying problems more clearly visible.

The comprehensive AKU:

The comprehensive AKU includes the entire clinical examination of the small AKU. In addition, 18 X-ray images are normally taken in standard projections. Upon request, the scope of the X-ray examination can be expanded, for example, if the back is also to be examined.

If desired, the purchase examination can also be extended to include further examinations. These include laboratory tests, such as doping tests or tests for genetic defects, but also ultrasound examinations, endoscopy, or examination of the reproductive tract in broodmares or stallions.

Once everything is clear, the buyer and seller have agreed, and the results of the purchase examination are satisfactory, the question of transport arises. Will you pick up your horse yourself or will it be delivered to you? If your horse is coming from abroad, you will need to obtain the correct paperwork and consider the following aspects for import:

• When choosing a transport company, it is better to invest a few extra dollars—rest breaks, safe driving, and good care of the horse must be top priorities.
• Don't forget the equine passport!
• Depending on the import regulations, certain blood tests may be required for the horse.

Perhaps the most important thing here is to take your time and draw up a purchase agreement, preferably together with the seller. You can simply adapt a standard contract, which you can obtain from the FN (German Equestrian Federation), to suit your needs.