BE A dream buyer

Horse shopping ranks as one of the most exciting parts of horse ownership. It’s easy to get caught up in your own whirlwind of emotions and the excitement of your journey, completely forgetting that the person on the other end—the seller—wants you to find the perfect ride, but also needs to turn a profit and keep up a business in the process.

We spoke with three equine professionals from diverse backgrounds to find out what buyer-etiquette guidelines they wish horse buyers would follow as they search for, try, and buy new horses. Some of their answers might surprise you, while others will be gentle reminders to mind your Ps and Qs, because the seller’s time and effort are just as valuable as the cash you bring to the table.

TIP 1: Know your Budget

Almost every horse-shopper has financial parameters. (Though