---

NEW PET, GETTING STARTED
Four Things Everyone Should Know Before Buying or Selling a Horse Online

Not long ago, buying and selling a horse was a time-consuming process that limited consumer choices based on their geographic location. However, in the last decade, the Internet has helped make selling and purchasing virtually anything under the sun faster and easier - and horses are no exception.

Today, consumers have instant access to numerous Web sites that offer hundreds of thousands of horses in all breeds and disciplines, from miniature ponies to thoroughbred stallions. Aaron Bromagem, founder of Equine.com, one of the largest online horse marketplaces on the Internet, has seen the buying and selling of horses online skyrocket in the past two years alone.

"A new horse search is begun every second on Equine.com, and approximately one horse is sold every 29 minutes," said Bromagem. "With more than 55,000 horses available for sale, stud or lease every day, there is a massive global network of buyers and sellers looking to connect online. Equine.com alone gets more than 3.2 million visitors each month."

Bromagem has not only witnessed the industry grow since he founded the company more than a decade ago, he also has helped ensure online horse brokering keeps pace with today's technology, and notes that there are several tips shoppers should keep in mind when buying and selling their horse online.

"Armed with the proper knowledge, equestrians and horse enthusiasts worldwide can safely and conveniently search, purchase and provide new homes for their favorite animals often in just a month's time," said Bromagem.

Bromagem recommends consumers keep the following information in mind when selling and shopping for horses online:

1. Use technology to showcase the horse's abilities: By adding an action-filled clip of a horse trotting, galloping or jumping, consumers can see for themselves a horse's conformation and abilities, right from their own computer. By viewing videos as well as photos, buyers can make more informed choices, especially when visiting the animal in person is not an option. Conversely, sellers should search for advertising "package" deals that allow them to add numerous photos or video clips to their ads to help them achieve maximum results quickly.
   
   
2. Reach as many consumers and search as many horses as possible: A vast group of buyers can help attract sellers and create a universal marketplace for all horse enthusiasts. Exploring sites that are affiliated with other equine-related organizations may speed up the brokering process because ads are available to a larger audience of qualified buyers and sellers, helping consumers get more leads on their horses.
   
   
3. Connect with fellow buyers and sellers: Connecting with horse owners who have been through, or are going through, the buying or selling process can be helpful given the tips and "inside" information they can share. Consumers should communicate with other users within their site's network via online forums, message centers or blogs, whenever possible.
   
   
4. Beware of scams: The online shopping industry often is targeted for scams, so consumers should be cautious when completing equine sales, just as they are when purchasing other goods over the Internet. While the online horse industry works to protect users from scammers, consumers should always be cautious, especially when accepting checks -including cashier's checks - as they can take a few days to clear. Additionally, consumers should perform thorough research on transportation companies, as many that promote their businesses to online horse brokers do not specialize in equine hauling, raising concerns about the safety of the animals they carry.

By following these guidelines, consumers can practically and promptly sell or purchase their ideal horse while also protecting their animals and their investments when conducting transactions on the Web.

While each horse enthusiast may have their own unique needs, with the right know-how, they can easily find equine brokering success at their fingertips. For more information, or to post or browse for a horse, visit www.equine.com.

Source: Metro Creative

---