Questions when buying and selling horses

There are often many questions associated with buying and selling horses. Below, you can find answers to some of the questions that are commonly asked.

For Danish see below

What is the right price for my horse?

The right price for a horse is a highly individual evaluation. But a good advice is to search for other horses with the same criteria as your own horse. For example, search on JustHorsies for:

• Gelding

• 145-148 cm

• 7-11 years old

• LA dressage

• no vices

In this way you can get an indication of the pricing for other horses in the same category.

Is sale of horses covered by the Danish Sale of Goods Act?

Yes, but as of January 1 2022, sale of horses is no longer covered by the special consumer protection section of the Danish Sale of Goods Act. Therefore, trading horses is solely subject to the general rules of contract and commercial law for civil and commercial transactions.

For selling and buying horses, this has particular significance for the rules regarding the identification of hidden defects in the horse. According to the general rules in the Sale of Goods Act, the buyer must prove that the horse suffers from a defect and that this defect was present at the time of the transaction.

If a purchase is covered by the special consumer protection section, the so-called presumption rule applies. If a defect in the horse is identified within the first 6 months after the transaction, it is presumed that the defect was also present at the time of the transaction. Therefore, it is the seller who must prove during this period that the defect was not present at the time of the transition of the time of the purchase.

Trading horses is therefore no longer covered by the consumer protection section of the Sale of Goods Act. Thus, the burden of proof that a hidden defect in the horse was also present at the time of the transaction lies with the buyer. In addition, the rules for what can be agreed upon between buyer and seller, even when the seller is a professional party, have become more lenient.
Buyers and sellers should therefore pay special attention to what is agreed upon in the purchase contract.

Should I have a pre-purchase / vetting examination done when buying a horse?

There are no requirements that a pre-purchase / vetting examination must be carried out when buying a horse. However, it is often beneficial for both the buyer and the seller to have a pre-purchase examination done. Thus, the pre-purchase examination is not a guarantee that the horse will not develop any issues later, but it provides insight into whether the horse is sound and healthy and suitable for the intended purpose.

Who should pay for a pre-purchase / vetting examination of a horse?

There are no rules regarding who should pay for the pre-purchase / vetting examination of a horse. Often, it is agreed that if the horse has no remarks in the pre-purchase examination, the buyer pays for the examination. However, if the horse does receive remarks in the pre-purchase examination, which lead to the horse not being traded after all, it is often agreed that the seller pays for the examination. This makes it less risky for the buyer to have a pre-purchase examination done by a veterinarian, which often can be costly.

What is important when I am buying a new horse?

Before you start looking for a new horse, it is important that you are clear about your wishes and needs as well as your budget. When choosing your future horse, it is important that you feel the "match" is just right; that you like the horse and that you feel comfortable on and around the horse.

What should I ask about when buying a new horse?

It is important that you inquire about the horse's experience in the discipline(s) you intend to use it for, its temperament, any medical history, and any vices.

What should I pay attention to if I want to import or export a horse?

It can be a significant advantage to see and try the horse before buying it. Additionally, you should find a skilled, local veterinarian who can conduct the pre-purchase examination and possibly send the X-rays to your own veterinarian. It is advisable to discuss this with your veterinarian. If you cannot be present for the pre-purchase examination, consider whether it is possible to livestream it.

Finally, you should be aware of the regulations regarding the importation of horses. You can find more information here:https://www.landbrugsinfo.dk/public/7/b/a/handelsforhold_regler_flytning_heste_over_granser.

It may be advantageous to familiarize yourself with the regulations well in advance, as they can be complicated and there may be documents that need to be obtained, and in the case of export, approval from the local veterinarian is usually required.

What should I pay attention to when taking over my new horse?

You should make sure to get the horse's passport and a signed ownership certificate when you take over your new horse. In most cases, the certificate of ownership must be submitted to the relevant authority for re-registration of ownership of the horse. In Denmark, the certificate of ownership must be sent to Seges Heste, for registration of ownership of the horse.

Also, it's a good idea to talk to the seller about the horse's daily routines, habbits etc., so you can ensure as smooth a transition as possible for your new horse. This applies to everything from being in the field/paddock, feeding, and daily routines, as horses are creatures of habit and often thrive best in a consistent routine.

I want to sell my horse, but it has remarks on the X-rays. Should I disclose this to interested buyers?

You should always be honest and disclose everything you know about your horse. This includes any remarks as well as its temperament. It is the only way to ensure a good transaction and to find the right buyer for your horse.

Can you buy a horse without seeing it?

You can, but obviously, the risk that the horse meets your wishes and needs is less than if you have tried the horse once or more. We encourage you to try your future horse at least once.

Additionally, you should be aware of the legal aspects if you buy a horse unseen in terms of defects and deficiencies.

Can I take over the insurance on my new horse?

If you buy a horse that is already insured and you want to take over this insurance, you, as the buyer, should be aware that the horse's medical history and veterinarian examination in connection with the transaction will form the basis for the insurance policy you receive on the horse.

For example, if the veterinarian gives the horse remarks during the examination, these will be taken into account in the insurance policy. Additionally, the insurance company will typically review the horse's previous medical history while it was insured, and there may be reservations for illnesses, injuries, or the like that it has been treated for previously.

As a buyer, you should therefore be aware that there may be changes to the insurance policy you wish to take over.

Additionally, as a buyer, you should be aware that the horse's age may play a role in whether the insurance policy on the horse can be taken over.