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Blue Collar Horse Sense brings you real advice from real horsemen—no fluff, no sales pitch. Just honest guidance on finding the right horse, making smart buys, and riding with purpose.
Buying a horse online can either go smooth—or go sideways.
At Blue Collar Horse Co, we do this every day, and we know the stakes. This real-world guide walks you through the process step-by-step: how to spot a good horse, get the right videos, line up a vet check, handle the hauling, and protect yourself with a solid contract. No hype. No guesswork. Just what works.
Don’t Get Bucked: A Real-World Guide to Buying Horses Online
Buying a horse online can go smooth—or go sideways. At Blue Collar Horse Co, we sell to folks across the country, many of whom buy sight unseen. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the flat-out crooked. This guide is built to help you avoid the wrecks, cut through the nonsense, and make a decision you won’t regret.
1. Know What You Want—And Be Honest About It
Before you start scrolling listings, be real with yourself. What kind of horse do you need—not just want? Think about your riding goals (reining, ranch, trail), your budget, your experience level, and how much time you actually have to ride. Don’t shop for a Ferrari if you need a ranch truck.
2. Where to Look for Horses Online
There’s no shortage of places to find horses for sale:
Sites like EquineNow, DreamHorse, Ranch World Ads
Facebook groups and pages for your discipline
Reputable trainer and breeder websites (like ours)
Just be sharp—scammers are everywhere. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Ask for Good Videos—Not Just Glamour Shots
Still photos don’t cut it—and slick, over-edited clips don’t help either. Ask for a single, uncut video that shows the horse from start to finish: . No cuts, no music, no dramatic editing. Just the horse, in real time, doing real work. If a seller won’t provide that, ask why—and trust your gut.
4. Get a Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE)
Don’t skip the vet check. A PPE might cost you a few hundred bucks, but it could save you thousands. Choose your own vet or ask for a trusted one—someone who comes recommended or has no direct stake in the sale. Get:
Physical exam
Flexions
X-rays if it's a high-dollar or performance prospect
Then talk it through with your own vet and make a call that fits your goals, your budget, and the kind of work the horse will be doing. Expecting a flawless PPE is like expecting a ranch horse to stay spotless—every horse, just like every person, has something. What matters is whether that "something" is manageable, makes sense for your program, and fits within the level of maintenance you’re willing to take on.
5. Line Up a Hauler You Can Trust
Once the deal’s done, you’ll need a way to get your horse home. Don’t just pick the cheapest hauler—look for experience, proper insurance, and clear communication. Ask:
How often do they stop?
Do they offer box stalls or slants?
Can they give you updates on the road?
We’re happy to recommend haulers we trust and use for our own horses.
6. Put It in Writing—Every Time
Always get a written bill of sale. No handshake deals. Your contract should cover:
Full description of the horse
Buyer/seller names and contact info
Sale price and terms (deposit, balance, etc.)
Whether it’s sold “as is” or with any guarantees
At Blue Collar Horse Co, we use a standard contract for every deal—because it protects everyone.
Buying a horse online doesn't have to be risky. With clear expectations, solid communication, and a little common sense, you can end up with the right horse—not just a pretty picture. If you’ve got questions, we’re happy to help you navigate it. We’ve done it hundreds of times, and we’ll shoot you straight every step of the way.
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