CLOSING THE SALE

So, with this in mind, the best system I could come up with is:

1) Each entry has a number beside it in parentheses that is a guide to the severity of the problem. On the scale a "1" is considered extremely minor a "10" an unsoundness, do not buy.

I have been very conservative. I would much rather you spent a bit more time looking for another horse, than to take a chance on something a seller scoffs at as unimportant .

2) Some listings are variable. Here the determination must be made by weighing the severity of the problem against the possible end result of the condition. Beware of favoring the mount that is otherwise perfect in your eyes.

3) Other entries are repetitious. With one-hundred observations to make, the temptation is to skip the obvious. Do not: there is safety in numbers.

4) Complete the exam by filling in an "0" for every entry that passes, and the appropriate determination of an entry that fails.

5) The general condition of the horse is measured by adding all the demerits. If the answer comes out higher than "50", or any category has more than two listings of "5" and up, then I would have serious doubts about buying.

6) When it comes to negotiating price, change the answer into percentage, and subtract that from the average high price being asked locally for the type, sex, age, grade, etc., mount you are evaluating.