Sample horse sale contract

It’s always recommended to have a written contract between the buyer and the seller. Verbal agreements are not binding. Your contract does not have to be extensive. In fact, you can make one up on your computer and bring it with you when you go to buy your horse. No reputable seller will refuse to sign a simple agreement like the one below. Be sure to get it signed before you pay any money to the seller.

I’ve added the trial period clause in this contract as that is ideal. Some sellers will not agree to a trial period, and that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t reputable. So negotiate where you can, but don’t be afraid if a seller will not offer you a trial period. However, usually they will allow you to have several rides on their property under their supervision to help you make a decision.

I am not a lawyer, so use this sample contract as a guideline only. Simple is usually better.

Horse Sale Contract

Date:

Between Seller:

Name: _________________

Address: _______________

Phone Number: __________

Email: __________________

And Buyer:

Name: _________________

Address: _______________

Phone Number: __________

Email: __________________

Concerning the sale and transfer of title and ownership of one Horse:

The horse is known as: _______________________

The sale price is $ ___________________

Physical description of horse:

Age: _________ Sex: ___________ Height: _________ Color: ___________

Breed: _________________________

A. SALE PRICE

For the full purchase price of $ _________, SELLER agrees to sell BUYER the horse described in this agreement. If for any reason said horse is returned to SELLER during 30 day trial period beginning _______________, purchase price will be returned to BUYER.

B. TRIAL PERIOD

While under trial period:

1) BUYER agrees to keep said horse in good health and free from disease by providing adequate feed, shelter, veterinary, and farrier care in accordance with accepted industry standards.

2) BUYER agrees to pay any and all expenses for horse’s care.

3) BUYER has paid for horse in full.

The Seller hereby warrants that Seller is the legal owner of the Horse and has the right to sell the Horse.

The Seller declares that to the best of their knowledge the Horse has no unsoundness of health problems that would make the Horse unfit for general riding work.

By signing below, Seller and Buyer agree that all statements made above are true, that full payment has been made by buyer to Seller, and that title and ownership of the Horse is transferred from the Seller to the Buyer.

Seller: _________________  Buyer: ___________________

Date: __________________  Date: ____________________