where is the best place to buy a pony/horse?

Question

Any suggested places where you can buy good ponies/horses and dont get ripped off etc.

Answer 1

My uncle sells those... I don't know where you are... but he lives in the san fernando valley...

VERY HONEST !

You can compare prices...

;)

Answer 2

Hi. If you aren't a really experienced horse person, it is often best to get a trainer or other expert to assist you buying a pony or a horse. A cheap pony isn't worth your money if it bites, bucks or has serious health problems, and an experienced horseperson can help you determine those things. I know alot of beginners who bought a horse without help and ended up becoming discouraged or even afraid of their new horse. This is bad not only for you, but also for the horse who now has an owner who doesn't like it, and needs to be resold.
I would look for an older horse that has alot of riding experience. The specific breed doesn't matter as long as it's quiet and sensible and well trained. Avoid young horses, even if they are quiet because it doesn't take them long to get bad habits. Avoid stallions at all costs. And someone suggested wild horses, and while this could be an idea, many wild horses have very little training and will be overwhelming for a beginner. Cheap might be important to you, but safety has to be even more important!
Word of mouth is often an excellent way to buy a first horse. Ask 4-H or Pony Club leaders of any well broke and sensible horses they know for sale. Talk to the people who run your local riding stable.
As an experienced adult I have had good success reading internet ads on places such as Dreamhorse.com and Equine.com but you still need to know what questions to ask, and what to do when you get there. It is true that anytime you buy something expensive, whether it's a horse, a car or a house, you need to take into account that not all sellers are knowledgable about what they have, and some are even down-right dishonest.
Good luck. I think if you get some assistance you can find a nice horse that will suit you.

Answer 3

A rescue sounds like the perfect solution for you. As someone mentioned, if you don't plan on riding, you can offer a home to a horse who is unrideable but otherwise healthy. Books are great, but nothing beats first hand experience for helping the new horse owner. Whereabouts are you located? Someone on here may be able to point you in the direction of a good rescue. Good rescues are fantastic sources. They're always looking for volunteers, and they're full of people who know what they're doing when it comes to horses. I think your best bet would be to start volunteering at a local rescue. This will give you some first hand experience caring for horses and you can make some new friends who will be able to help you with your new pony. As I'm sure you've noticed through your research, horses are different from normal pets. Things that wouldn't bother a dog can kill a horse. Some experienced friends can not only help you to choose the animal that is best suited to your needs and experience, but they can provide valuable (free!) advice in the event of a problem. Horses are like nosy puppies; they're going to get into something. Knowing when to call the vet immediately and when it is safe to wait it out is a skill that takes time to acquire. Wrapping bandages, determining the correct amount to feed, and helping with training issues are all something that would be much easier with a knowledgeable friend. And yes, training level is important even if you don't plan on riding. Ponies are big animals; if they don't have the proper training, they can really hurt someone. They're also smart enough to know when they find someones weaknesses or fears and can exploit them. Put a few months into volunteering and you'll be amazed at what you learn. It will give you the chance to get close to these amazing animals, and to decide exactly what you want in a pony. Good luck with your search!

Answer 4

Getting ripped off goes with buying horses/ponies, unless you are VERY VERY careful. Any local ponies in Pony Club or that you have seen being ridden at shows? If not, I suggest you go look at ponies/horses advertised locally- animals that have been in the same home for 2 years or more are the best bet, especially if outgrown. When you see one you think will suit, take some photos and ask if you can take your instructor to look at it. If the answer is no, forget that one.

Show the photos to an instructor or professional horse person. If necessary, pay them to look at the horse with you. This can save you a whole heap of trouble and expense later.

Answer 5

OK. let's start with the basics.

Do you know how to ride properly? Have you had several years of lessons with a reputable trainer? In 1989 the legal definition of "competent" - which is well below "expert" was a person who rode a minimum of 300 hours per year. Do the math. Are you even a Competent Rider?

Can you afford to KEEP the horse? Buying a horse is relatively cheap - depending on your needs/skills etc. Horses cost anywhere from around $500 (slaughter price) to several thousand dollars - so a couple of grand is about what it will take to get a good, reliable serviceable "horse." It's MAINTAINING the horse that can get really costly. Boarding, feed, hoof care, vet care, hauling, show fees, tack and equipment, clothing, boots, helmet and other gear can cost several thousand dollars a year. Even if you plan to keep the horse in your own pasture, it's at least a few thousand dollars a year.

If you answer "yes" to ALL of these questions, then speak with a reputable equine vet about recommending a good horse dealer. I used dealers all the time when I had my own public stable. They knew exactly what my needs/budget etc. were and I was always happy to pay their price.

If you cannot answer "yes" to ALL of these questions, get the qualifications/money together before you consider buying a horse.

Answer 6

You don't say were your from. But your best bet is word of mouth.... ask around. Experiance and reputation can not be beaten. However if you don't know any one av a look on some of the major sites such as: www.horsemart.com (i think thats it) or if you go on www.yourhorse.com thn there are some links on there. I know the position your in as me and my dad are looking for a second horse.... Oh a bit of advise i would avoid dealer yards and auctions if your a 1st timer, you can get some good cheap ones.... but also some bad ones, if you do choose to be carefull and always make sure you test and vet it first and it has a uptodate passport/details!
Good luck! I hope you find the right horse for you : )

Answer 7

There are good websites that you can check out! try www.buyhorses.com or www.dreamhorse.com.
Find a friend that knows horses and has ridden for many years if you haven't. GET A VET CHECK before buying!!!!!!!! Good luck!

Answer 8

Adopt a mustang or a PMU foal/horse. These are hardy, healthy horses that are really affordable and they need good homes. You can get them already trained for only a little more. Here are the links to a few of the sites.

http://www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov/index.php
http://www.pmurescue.org/

Answer 9

try horse sanctuaries/rescue centres

Answer 10

petsmart