Advice for a newbie first time buyer?

A

ake

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Hi, I am starting the hunt for my first horse (buying or lwvtb) and was wondering if there were any pearls of wisdom out there that you guys could pass on to me. Im also a newbie to the H&H forum :)
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I was sharing a horse for the last couple of years and am now looking for my own, so I have a got a good yard lined up and already have had good advice from friends there.
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However it would be great if there were any questions that you think I need to ask when viewing any potential horses (you always think of these things in hindsight!!). Obviously there are key things (history in terms of health, past owners, what work they have done in the past etc) but it would be great to know if there are any other things that I should be aware of, look our for or ask that you guys have come across as horse owners!

Thanks for any help or advice!! Alex :)
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When you go to view, make sure you are there when it is being groomed, tacked up etc- be wary of a horse that is standing there fully kitted out ;)

Will it stand to be tied?
Is it happy to lift its feet?
Does it pull any 'interesting' faces being tacked up / when girth is being done up (which could suggest pain)? - Is it generally happy to be tacked up?
What is its general demeanour and stable manners like?

Of course the seller should ride it first, this way you can get an idea of how it moves etc.

If possible see it being caught as well.

Just a few thoughts. There's obviously loads more but my brain is not yet on. Think also about the kind of vetting you would like to have done.
 
You need to ask if it has any vices - it's a really important question to ask. And obviously make sure you have the horse vetted.

Will you be taking someone with you when you view?
 
at the risk of sounding cynical -
1. unless you see the horse [ or have recent vid/pic evidence] actually do something - assume that it cant - dont take anything said to you as gospel - ask for proof - so see the horse load, clip, hack alone etc
2. google the seller & pos the horse [ people can be very indiscreet about posting on forums about problem their horses have]
3. be VERY wary if the owner wont ride the horse - what ever the reason they give
4. dont be pressured into making a decison - if you want a 2nd viewing & the seller says she has someone coming to see the horse later today -accept that the horse might sell or that the mythic other buyer may not exist
5. make a clear list of what you want from a horse [ i have a "must do this/would be nice if it did this" shopping list] - dont be swayed by a pretty face
6. check what it comes with - a horse with nothing has reasonably high set up costs - remember to factor those into set up costs
7. listen to the little voice in your head - if you feel a niggle or a doubt - walk away - there are lost of horses out there

good luck with it all - can you tell i hate buying horses:)
 
I always feel that if I like the person selling and that they are open with their answers to questions that helps,if I feel they are unwilling or evasive that they may be hiding something.
If you like one go back and try it a second time dont be pushed by the "I have someone else interested" excuse.
Do take someone with you even if they are not experienced it is good moral support and they can help with your list of questions.Make a list and keep notes if it helps,useful to go back to later.
Video it if you can,again a good thing to look at later if you are unsure.
Ask the seller if it has ever lived in a similar situation to wherever you will keep it ,if currently out 24/7 will it be happy in at night if that it how you will keep it.Some will not be happy if moved from private home to big yard,others will not live alone.
You can only find out so much and whatever you buy may be very different when you get it,the more you can find out about it will help you buy the most suitable horse for your requirements.
Lots of waffle but it is a big decision and gut instinct plays a big part,if it doesnt feel right,walk away.
 
Don't be afraid to ask to see things if you are unsure of whether the horse will do them. I asked to see mine shod before I bought as I knew she was funny with her feet and I wanted to be sure I was going to be able to get her shod.

Get a couple of recommendations of good vets from horsey friends. Ask the seller who their vet is and use a different practice. NEVER EVER use their practice no matter how convenient it seems, if a seller tries to persuade you to use a certain vet exercise extreme care as this is almost certainly dodgy.

Be there for the vetting, you can learn a lot by watching and it helps you to be sure of your decision if there are any questions raised. Watch how the horse reacts to the vet, remember that you will need the vet for routine matters and you need to be able to cope. But also just because the vet finds something don't automatically discount the horse, it may still be suitable for the work you plan to do.

Get the vet to check for a microchip at the vetting and also to give any vaccinations that are required while they are there.

Negotiate price before booking the vetting but if the vet finds anything don't be shy of renegotiating.

When the horse arrives don't leave it for ages before starting work with it. If you can't ride straight away lunge or do groundwork so that it is working and knows you are boss. You don't want to ride the horse for the first time after a lengthy break when it might be exciteable.

Take things slowly when you get the horse home, don't expect too much and build up gently with lots of help from a good instructor.

Find a yard with lots of support, a complete DIY yard is not the best place for a new owner. Livery services and experienced staff are invaluable.
 
What everyone else said. Plus bring an instructor or very experienced friend with you. They might be able to see flaws in the horse that you might miss, or judge more objectively if the horse is suitable to your experience and ability.
 
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