Ethical Horse Buying and Selling Requires Integrity, Transparency, Detailed Information, and Value

At Crossroads Ranch+Honeysuckle’s Ranch Academy, we believe honesty isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of animal welfare and ethical horsemanship. We approach every sale with integrity, transparency, and verifiable information so that buyers can make confident, educated decisions. Many clients come to us after difficult or disappointing horse experiences — horses that weren’t represented accurately, or that had behavioral or health issues no one disclosed. We’ve been there too, and we built our entire program to prevent that from ever happening again.

Below are common buyer challenges — and exactly how we solve them.

• Problem: Horses today often have little real value for the money they cost. Solved: We add measurable value through a structured program that improves each horse’s behavior, health, and performance — turning potential into proven reliability.

• Problem: You need a Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE). Solved: All horses are vetted before they are listed for sale.

• Problem: You want full health records. Solved: Buyers receive public online access to complete records for every listed horse directly through our website.

• Problem: You want to ensure genetic soundness and suitability. Solved: Many of our sale horses undergo Etalon ProPanel DNA testing, screening for congenital diseases and traits related to color, temperament, speed, and endurance.

• Problem: You want to know what breeds make up your horse. Solved: We use Etalon Ancestry DNA testing to identify 100% of a horse’s breed composition — giving you a clear understanding of what disciplines they’re best suited for.

• Problem: You need reliable behavioral, conformation, and performance data. Solved: Every horse enters our system with a full behavioral, health, conformation, and performance assessment. We use this data to design a customized training, health, and nutrition plan. Horses that pass all final assessments are listed for sale. Final reports are made publicly available online.

• Problem: You need help with shipping or delivery. Solved: Crossroads Ranch provides delivery within 600 miles of Monroe, NC for $2.50 per mile (one way). We can also recommend trusted commercial shippers we’ve personally used.

• Problem: You need temporary boarding or training. Solved: We offer both short-term board and customized training programs to help your new partner transition smoothly.

• Problem: You want insurance protection for your new horse. Solved: Our horses are insured through The Baldwin Group. Contact Emily Ayres, Relationship Manager, Private Risk Management. License #18018547. O: (937) 688-1992. E: emily.ayres@baldwin.com. Mention Crossroads Ranch when you call.