Horse Bill of Sale Form [PDF]

Our horse bill of sale protects the rights of both the seller and buyer and enables the smooth transfer of ownership of the horse.

When selling or buying a horse, it is very important to document the transaction, and this is correctly done with the help of a horse bill of sale. The following text will provide information on how to sell a horse and properly fill out a horse bill of sale form.

Horse Bill of Sale Forms By State

A horse bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a contract between two parties, outlining the terms related to this transaction. This document is evidence of a deal made between seller and buyer, and it protects them both in case of fraud.

The bill of sale generally includes information about the parties, horse description, and signatures. Some alternative names for this form are:

Other Names for Horse Bill Of Sale

Horse purchase agreement
Equine bill of sale
Equine sales agreement
Horse sales agreement

When and Why Should You Use a Horse Bill of Sale?

The horse bill of sale should be used for every horse purchase. The foundation of defense against potential future issues is established by simply documenting the transaction. Here are a few examples of when this document comes in handy:

Reasons To Use Horse Bill of Sale

When transferring ownerships
If one party wants to give a horse as a gift to the other party, the document then provides proof of ownership for further tax exemption.
In cases where a third party claims ownership of a horse, there is a paper trail to the previous owner, and the buyer is protected from legal action that would consider them part of a fraud.
When undisclosed health problems are discovered after the purchase of the horse. This is why it is always important to include veterinarian’s exam before the purchase to make sure everything is all right with the horse’s health.
The seller can offer a horse bill of sale with a buy back clause, so they can repurchase the horse under certain conditions.
In cases where there is a misunderstanding about the price for the sale of the horse, the document will show the amount that was agreed upon

What Information Goes on a Horse Bill of Sale?

Mandatory Information for Horse Bill of Sale

Seller and buyer information is mandatory because it has to be stated who the parties involved in this transaction are.
The horse description must be provided, including any marks branded on the animal, for purpose of identifying the horse when needed.
The price or value of the horse is also important to document the amount involved in the transaction.
Information concerning a health check should be provided, like examination request and the date until it has to be completed.
The deposit clause is necessary to demonstrate the buyer’s seriousness and ensure a purchase that takes place only after a veterinary examination.
Signatures from both parties are needed to validate the agreement they reached. In some states, the witness signature is also necessary for document to be valid.
Notarization is not always mandatory, but it is considered a good idea because it provides more security to both parties involved in purchase.

How to Sell a Horse: 8 Steps

In order to sell a horse, certain steps should be followed to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

Step 1 - Determine Your Horse’s Value

To determine your horse’s value, you should first establish its breed, age, health, temperament, and performance record.

Next, you should talk with professionals such as horse trainers, veterinarians, or other breeders to determine what the current market demand for similar horses is. Additionally, information on prices for similar breeds can be found online on various platforms for selling horses.

Step 2 - List Your Horse

There are different ways to list your horse for sale, and the easiest is to use online platforms such as:

Online Listings for Horse for Sale

You will need good photos of the horse and a brief description so that potential buyers can get a general picture of what is offered. There are other options to consider when selling a horse. For example, you can go to or arrange an auction or hire a professional who specializes in selling horses.

Step 3 - Prepare The Horse

The first thing to do to prepare the horse to meet potential buyers is to make sure it is healthy. Scheduling a veterinary exam before the meeting and addressing health issues is important. Next is grooming to ensure that the horse looks its best when people come to see it.

Step 4 - Meet With Potential Buyers

When you meet the potential buyer, you should be prepared to answer any questions related to the horse. Therefore, it would be a good idea to collect information about the horse from the trainer or from documentation related to your horse, like medical records or performance history.

Step 5 - Show Your Horse

When the time comes to show your horse, it should also be ready for a ride because, aside from the horse’s appearance, the buyers will want to know more about his behavior. The buyer can try the horse if they know how to ride; otherwise, the owner or their trainer will do so instead.

Step 6 - Negotiate With the Buyer

If everything is in order, then the next step is to negotiate the price with the buyer. It is important to be ready for compromise but also stick to the minimal price you are willing to accept. Try to highlight the horse's good sides and support these claims with documentation if possible.

Step 7 - Prepare the Documents & Execute the Transaction

When conditions are accepted and the price is agreed, then it is time to prepare documents and execute the transaction. They should first acquire the horse bill of sale, fill it out, and sign it. The seller should also provide registration papers and medical records.

Step 8 - Finalize the Sale

When the horse bill of sale is signed and the agreed price is paid, then it is time to finalize the sale. Additionally, the bill of sale can be signed in front of the notary public for extra protection, but it is not always mandatory.

How to Fill Out a Horse Bill of Sale Form

Filling out a horse bill of sale form is a simple process that we will explain in the following steps to prevent any misunderstandings related to the purchase.

#1. Add the Date and the Parties’ Information

The first thing to do when filling out the horse bill of sale template is to add the date of when the document is being created. This date is important to establish a timeline in case of any future disputes.

Also, the full names of both the seller and the buyer must be provided to state who are parties involved in this transaction. They should add their contact information too, such as their current living address, email address, or telephone number.

#2. Describe the Horse

The seller now needs to describe the horse and briefly state its current condition. This includes the horse's name, breed, gender, and date of birth. They should also provide a registration number or serial number marked or braided on the horse.

#3. Disclose the Price Information

In the next step, it is necessary to disclose the price information agreed upon by the seller and buyer. Special attention should be paid to the accuracy of the price because it must be taxed, and any malpractice is punishable by law.

#4. Enter Security Deposit Information

The buyer should enter security deposit information if he is leaving a deposit or state otherwise. It is usual practice to leave a security deposit before paying to secure the purchase and state an intention to buy the horse.

The buyer must wait for a veterinarian to do a medical examination and make sure that the horse is healthy before finalizing the purchase.

#5. Sign & Notarize

Finally, if everything is in order, both parties can sign the document and finalize the purchase. The horse bill of sale can also be notarized to authenticate the signatures and add protection to both parties involved.

Horse Bill of Sale FAQ

Yes, you can sell or buy a horse without a bill of sale, but it is not considered a good idea. A bill of sale serves as proof of the transaction and offers protection to both parties in case ownership of the horse is questioned.
To determine the price of a horse when selling it, you should consult professionals such as trainers or breeders, or look for similar breeds of horses online.
To get ownership papers for a horse, you should submit a registration with the Breeding Association and a horse bill of sale with payments completed.
Yes, a veterinarian should be involved when selling a horse. This way, the buyer will be sure that his new horse is healthy, as stated by the seller.
Usually, the seller is responsible for providing a horse bill of sale along with other necessary documentation.
Yes, you can make your own horse bill of sale. Additionally, you can hire a professional horse salesman or a lawyer to do it for you. Or you can download a printable horse bill of sale from our website.