Buyer Policy
Benefits of purchasing a Horse from Super Gentle Horses;
and what is done to make a smooth transaction to protect both the buyer and seller:
1. Horses will be honestly represented. Each horse will be put through an evaluation and various tests to try to make sure that it is gentle. Super Gentle Horses will never try to sell someone a horse that is lame, or knowingly has dangerous or vicious habits such as bucking, rearing, kicking etc. I myself do not want to get hurt, nor do I want anyone else to.
2. What to expect. If there is a horse you would like to see, I will ride the horse, and tell you more about him. After seeing the horse ridden, you are welcomed to try the horse out yourself if you feel your riding ability is suitable for that horse. Please honestly represent your riding ability and experience, so I can match a horse to your riding level. Just because a horse is listed on this web site does not mean he is "super gentle". I strive to provide gentle horses, but offer a wide range of different level horses suitable for different level riders. If you are a beginner, you should only purchase a horse listed as being suitable for beginners. *** As a suggestion from me, do not buy a horse on looks alone! Purchase a horse that has a great mind and a great disposition. - One that you can "enjoy" riding for many years to come.
3. LIABILITY - You will be required to sign a waiver before riding any horses. Children under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian sign. Their is inherent risks associated with riding and being around horses; you are at your own risk. Parents, it is your responsibility to watch your children around the horses!
4. You will be required to wear proper clothing when riding horses. Long pants and boots (preferred) or riding shoes with heels must be worn for safety! Helmets are suggested. I have helmets available if you do not have one.
5. If you are thinking of purchasing a horse, you are welcome to come ride the horse as many times as you wish before purchasing it to make sure you are comfortable with it. You are welcomed to bring trainers or friends out for their opinion if you need to. However, I am not a riding stable, so if you are not seriously in the market to purchase a horse, please do not waste my time.
6. DEPOSITS - A horse can be held with a 15% deposit for a short time. This deposit is nonrefundable. (Exception to this see #7) If you have put a deposit on a horse, and you decide before you purchase the horse that he is unsuitable, or your spouse, or trainer, etc., does not like the horse, you can apply the deposit towards another horse.
7. DEPOSIT PENDING A PREPURCHASE EXAM - If the horse is found to be unsuitable for the purpose intended by the veterinarian, the deposit will be fully refunded. Vets are very busy; it usually takes at least a week before they can come out to do the exam. During this period the horse will be kept free of charge. I will not hold a horse with out a deposit.
8. VET CHECKS - You are welcomed to have a pre-purchase exam done by a veterinarian of your choice, at your expense before you purchase the horse. Veterinary exams must be done before the horse is purchased, that way there is no question to the health and soundness issues of the horse, and BOTH the seller and buyer can be present. Most of the veterinarians are now requiring both the buyer and seller to be present for the exam. You are welcome to pull blood and do a drug screen during the pre-purchase exam, assuring you that the horse you are purchasing has not been drugged while in my care. For a list of the veterinarian's that service my area, click here.
9. SOUNDNESS GUARANTEE - All of the horses sold are guaranteed sound for 30 days in writing. Both the buyer and seller receive a copy of a purchase agreement, and Bill of Sale. This is done so you can be assured that a horse has not been drugged to cover up any lameness. This does not mean you should wait to do your pre-purchase vet exam until after you take the horse home. Pre-purchase exams should be done with both the seller and buyer present. - This way there is no question if the horse was injured after he was taken home. Most vets "require" both buyer and seller to be present. Warranty is void if the lameness is caused by injury or misuse after purchase.
10. ***Definition of a "sound" horse means to hit the ground equally on all fours at a trot, and to have sight in both eyes.
11. BOARDING - Sorry, but we do not board horses. We may be able to give references to facilities that do board.
12. CREDIT CARDS - Super Gentle Horses does not take payments or finance horses. Credit cards are accepted through Paypal, but you will be required to pay an additional 3% that Paypal charges for the transaction. If you will be paying by credit card through Paypal, you may need to sign up for your free Paypal account in advance. Paypal sometimes has to verify you by your e-mail and Bank account or other information before they will process a large transaction. This sometimes takes a few days if the amount is $2000 or greater.
13. TRANSPORTATION - I do not transport horses. For a list of equine transport's, please click here. If you will be transporting out of state, you will need to have a veterinarian do a coggins test and health papers on the horse. Current rates vary, but are around $95. Result times vary, but some labs can get results within 24 hours. I would suggest planning a minimum of 3 - 4 days to get a vet out and receive the results back. I have has the quickest response using Dr. Olson.
14. Please understand, that horses cannot be taken home to try out! Some people do not know how to properly care for a horse, and there is just too much of a risk if the horse were to get hurt. You are welcome to ride the horse here at my house to make sure he is a good match before purchasing him. Everyone that purchases a horse from Super Gentle Horses needs to realize that horses are animals and their behavior can not be guaranteed. You will never see me represent a horse as being "bomb proof" or "safe". I do not feel that any person can forever predict any animal's behavior. Any animal can be unpredictable, and can change their behavior if not properly cared for, fed, exercised, or trained. It is your responsibility to make sure your horse is getting the care, exercise and training that he needs.
AFTER PURCHASE:
1. Owning horses is a responsibility. A commitment is made when one agrees to 'keep' a horse since that animal becomes totally dependent on the owner for his welfare. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the proper time and knowledge to safely care for, ride, and handle your horse. Owning a horse can be a big expense. Make sure you have the funds to provide your horse with the proper vet and health care needed.
2. Your horse should be ridden at a minimum of 2-3 times a week. If you schedule does not permit this, maybe you should reconsider owning a horse, of finding someone to exercise your horse. Too many times buyers keep their horses in stalls with little or no exercise, and this is unfair to the horse! - How would you like to spend the rest of your locked in one room?
3. If you purchase a horse, please read the feeding horses article on this site. If you feed your horse the wrong feed, his behavior can change! Do not feed any high protein supplements such as grain, sweet feed, oats, etc. The smallest amounts of supplements or feed change can change some horses behavior. All horses are not the same.
4. If you are an inexperienced horse person, please get lessons! Involve yourself with as many experienced horsemen as possible. No matter how gentle a horse may be, they are large animals and can be dangerous if you do not know the basics of horse behavior. If you do not know of a trainer, we will try to help you find one. - And remember, no question is a dumb one. If you need help, ask. You will also find a lot of important and useful information on this web site in the horse forums. Please take time to read through it. The horse forums are a great place to ask questions!
Thank You,
Super Gentle Horses
Sherry McDaniel