Horse Buyers Beware
| Published: 8th September 2007 17:55 |
Horse Buyers Beware
Following recent complaints Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service is warning consumers to be very wary when buying horses advertised on the internet and from horse sales unless they thoroughly check the horse out first.Recent complaints investigated include horses that have been falsely misdescribed about their age and experience and ones with incorrect passports. More seriously it was alleged that one had even been drugged before the sale to make it appear calmer and more suitable for children and inexperienced riders.
The Trading Standards Service is recommending a number of steps that all potential buyers should take before buying:
- Never consider buying a horse unseen or unvetted
- Always take your own vet for a pre-sale inspection
- Ride the horse at least once before buying
- No matter how much knowledge you have always seek a second opinion
- Buy locally if possible
- Ask around about the seller/dealer's history
- Look into the full history of the horse
- Ensure the horse has a valid passport that matches it and make sure you see this before agreeing to buy.
- If the horse has been branded with an "L" means that the animal has been classed as a "loss of use" by an insurance company (similar to a car "write-off")
- Check the description with Horse Watch, to see that it hasn't been registered as stolen (www.ukhorsewatch.org.uk)
Buyers are also advised to look for signs that the seller may have been trying to calm the animal's behaviour. For example, does it appear to have been excessively exercised? Has water been withheld? To spot whether a horse has been drugged will require the vet checking the horse and taking a blood sample at the pre-sale inspection.
Head of Trading Standards David Bull said: "Deciding to purchase a horse or pony is a big decision similar to buying a car. Buying the wrong animal could be a very costly mistake and could ultimately put your life at risk or your child's if it is intended for them. Don't be rushed into making a decision, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is".
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