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Buying a horse at an auction is like betting blindly, as there are no ways you can find out the reason why the horse is put up for sale in the first place. You can never scrutinize the horse before your buy decision unless you are a trainer or a vet.

In such a case you might attempt to pick the red flags from the horses you have in mind. Some limpness or other related problems with regards the horse can be concealed by some medicine or even just a plain rest given to the horse just before you lay your eyes on the animal so that you will not be given any clue of such deficiency.

Look for any swelling or warm spots starting from the nose to the tail. Run your hand down all the legs (if the horse will let you and if not - red flag) and equate appearance and the feel of the left and the right. You may be able to realize that the horse is arthritic if you will discover that its knee is filled with fluid or that its tendon is deformed. Try flexing the joints if you can and if arthritis is present they won’t flex too well.

Review the overall shape of its body including the quality of coat and feet, and check out if they are shiny or dull and the toes are trimmed or chipped. After checking its physical form including muscular scenario whither it’s nourished or cracking up, check its mental faculties: is it cheerful and bright or depressed and frightened.

All these find aspects of a horse would reveal the level of care and attention the horse has received so far. If you want to know the amount and efficiency of training and physical exercise that the horse was able to get, then these things can put you into the picture.

Watch the horse move - walk, trot and canter - does he move well or are his ears pinned and tail on a switch? Does the horse shows indication of lameness like the moving of its head up and down? The way it breathes should also be analyzed whether it’s roaring, whistling or wheezing.

It is better if you will be able to see somebody or perhaps yourself riding on the horse with a saddle so that you will have the thought of whether you are better off together. The way you felt during this experience is an important consideration. It is unwise to overestimate your horse skills, or else, you would get a horse which might not be compatible with you.

It serves no purpose rushing through the purchasing process in a horse auction sale, so take your time to come to a decision. Initially you are likely to miss a few aspects, which can be corrected only with more experience in the matter.

Tags: Horses

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