Buying a Horse Sight Unseen: What to Know Before You Pay

Buying horses online has made it possible to shop far beyond your local area, but it also comes with risk. A good video, a convincing description and a friendly seller can make a horse look like the perfect fit from several states away. The problem is that once money changes hands, resolving an unexpected issue can become much harder.

At The Cavvy, we do not recommend buying a horse sight unseen unless you are an experienced trainer or buyer who understands the risks involved.

Start With a Pre-Purchase Exam

If you cannot see the horse in person, a pre-purchase exam should be considered a basic part of the process.

A veterinarian can do more than check soundness. They can confirm the horse is actually standing in front of them, verify approximate height, look for obvious abnormalities, evaluate general condition and give you another set of eyes on the horse’s behavior and temperament that day.

That does not mean a vet can guarantee how the horse will behave once he gets home, but it gives you considerably more information than relying only on photos, edited videos and the seller’s description.

If possible, use a veterinarian you choose rather than simply sending money to whoever the seller recommends. Ask the veterinarian questions directly and explain what you intend to use the horse for. A finding that may be acceptable for one job could be a much bigger concern for another.

Talk to the Seller

You should also talk to the seller on the phone.

Scammers often prefer to communicate only through text or messaging. A phone conversation gives you a chance to ask detailed questions about the horse, how long they have owned him, why he is for sale, who normally rides him and whether he has any known maintenance, injuries or behavioral issues.

Ask for Current Video

Ask for current video too. Not just a polished sale video.

If you want a quiet horse, ask to see him being caught, saddled, mounted and ridden away from the barn. If you are buying a ranch horse, ask to see him doing ranch work. If something is important to you, ask to see it.

Be especially cautious if the seller puts pressure on you to send money immediately, refuses reasonable requests for additional information or will not allow an independent veterinarian to examine the horse.

Watch for Payment Scams

Payment scams are another concern.

One common scam involves someone sending a check for more than the purchase price and asking the other party to forward the difference to a hauler or third party. The check may initially appear to clear before the bank later determines it is fraudulent, leaving the person who deposited it responsible for the money they sent elsewhere. The FTC explains how these fake-check scams work.

Never send money back to a buyer or seller as part of an overpayment arrangement.

Understand When Responsibility Transfers

If you are the buyer, make sure you understand when ownership transfers.

The sales agreement and applicable law determine when ownership and responsibility transfer. Before sending payment, put those terms in writing, including who is responsible for veterinary bills, care, and hauling before delivery.

That is why you should do your homework before sending the money, not after.

No pre-purchase exam can predict every future problem. No seller can guarantee that a horse will behave exactly the same in a new environment. Horses can get hurt, become sore or act differently after a move.

Buying a horse always involves some risk.

Buying one sight unseen involves even more.

Bring In Experienced Help

If you are not experienced enough to evaluate that risk, bring in someone who is. Have a trainer look at the videos, talk to the seller and help you decide whether the horse actually fits what you need.

The goal is not simply to avoid a scam. It is to know as much as possible about the horse you are buying before he becomes your responsibility.