To Buy or Sell a Horse Perform These Important Hoof Checks

When Buying

Perhaps one of the most often overlooked, yet critical, factors when buying a horse is the condition of its feet. Remember - 'No Feet No Horse'. First a buyer should look at the general condition of the feet. Are they properly trimmed? Do you see any large cracks in the walls? Are the walls straight and at the proper angle? Is the horse shod? If not, why not? Is the owner willing to give you the name of the farrier that he or she uses? Can you easily pick up and hold the feet? Are the walls nice and thick? Are the feet straight? All of these considerations are important before putting your money down. If you're not sure of why they are important, see my book.

Don't stop with just a visual inspection. Make sure the owner agrees to permit you to ride the animal for a good half a day.First, ride it in an enclosed area, warm it up and then put it through its paces. Try some figure eights at all paces, and if you know how, some flying changes of lead. Make sure to do a good hard lope on both leads in each direction around the arena. All these exercises will help to bring out any weaknesses or faults that may exist with its feet.

If there are no apparent problems, and you feel comfortable handling the horse, then take it out for a good long ride for the rest of the half day session. Sometimes what won't show up in a short time in the arena, will show up after prolonged exercise. If the owner objects to your doing any of these things,just say 'thank you anyhow' and leave. It may feel disappointing not to acquire a horse you thought looked good and would be good, but not near as disappointing as acquiring one that you had your heart set on only to find out you can't use him because of a serious foot problem.

I never felt worse than when I sold a mustang I had just purchased the day before, to a very nice young guy who wanted to calf rope with me. The little mustang seemed full of heart and was a roping horse. I was looking forward to having someone to rope with. The horse rode fine, until time came to rope and really run him hard. It came up limping and we discovered it had navicular. What a disappointment and an embarrassment. I learned after that to check out all the things I mention above. Unfortunately there are people who not only are willing to sell you a horse that can't be used, but even think its funny to put one over on you. So don't be naive like I was. Check out those feet!! Ideally, if you can afford it, have a vet check them out - - - especially if you have any question at all, and/or if it is an expensive animal.

When Selling

Its normal when selling something you own to present it in its best shape. From the above comments, its pretty obvious what the best shape of a horse's feet should be. If not shod, make sure they are at least properly trimmed, with the hooves straight from the front and rear views and at the proper angle from the side views. Any injuries, like a severely cracked wall should be wired shut. It helps the appearance of the walls to put a little hoof treatment on them.

Its probably not a good idea to show a horse for sale with pads under his shoes. The prospective buyer will not be able to see the bottom of the feet and may wonder if the pads indicate a problem. Be sure that anyone can pick up its feet and clean them out in order to see their condition. If that is a problem, then correct it before showing the horse to a would-be buyer.If you don't know how to correct it, see my book.

Although it may be somewhat inconvenient, you should be willing to provide a safe place where the horse can be ridden: and once you are satisfied that the buyer can properly handle the horse, you should allow him (her) to take it out for a good long ride.You may prefer to go along. If you can't arrange for such a place to ride, you may want to consider allowing the buyer toarrange for such a place. This becomes increasingly important as the price and performance abilities of the horse are more substantial. For example, if you're selling a roping horse for a substantial amount of money, the buyer will of course want to rope on it, before buying it.

Once an interested buyer can determine that a horse is in good shape, can be easily handled, and is well suited for the purpose he(she) intends to put it to, the coast is clear for a sale.

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