Buying a "Bargain" Horse: Sweet Deal or Bad Bet?
Today’s tough economic reality means that more and more people are being forced to give up their horses. With so much stock on the market and fewer buyers, prices have plummeted, especially in the mid-to-lower range bracket that most of us shop in. In some cases, people are literally giving away perfectly good horses, and equine rescue organizations are overflowing. It would therefore seem that if you are looking for a horse, now would be a great time to pick up a bargain. However, when it comes to a cheap or free horse, the old adage of “buyer beware” still applies, because if you’re not careful, that “bargain” horse could end up costing you plenty. Before heading out to pick up a low-cost or free horse, the first question you should ask yourself is whether or not you are financially able to care for the horse. Experienced horse people know that the purchase price of a horse is only the tip of the icebe...