Need information, please

[Bob & Amber Roberts <mlaboure@flash.net>]

We live in Texas and are seriously considering buying a horse that lives
in Minnesota.  That is a long distance to drive up to see him and
transport him home.  If we pay a shipper to haul him here, that would
add a considerable amount to the purchase price.  Then we would have a
horse here that we've never even seen before.  Maybe we could find an
endurance rider who is hauling a horse south and could hitch a ride and
meet them somewhere?  How do you all handle this?  What would we do
about a prepurchase exam?  Would we have to find a vet in MN?  If we
take him to our vet in TX, what happens if he doesn't pass?  Who pays
for the exam and the transport back?  I feel sure that some of you have
faced this situation.  How did you handle it?

Thanks.

Amber