Take someone along that really knows horses. I mean you could easily miss a horse that is off in the backend and that will cause you trouble.

Get referrals from friends who have horses. There are alot of good breeders and brokers but there are some that just turn horses for a living. And they are coming in from everywhere.

Granted different parts of the country get better return. But if someone tells you a horse is great and just what you want. Tell them to ride it first. or your friend.

Check the horse if it is sweaty before you get there. They have lunged that horse into the ground. You buy it and when you get it home it might just be rodeo stock!

Anyway hope that helps I could ramble. But we will see what everyone else says.