Dos and donts

[Elno]

Do feed for the amount of work the horse actually does, not what you think, or hope that it does or may do in the future.

Do bring someone you trust and who has more experience than you and knows what suits you when viewing a horse (like a trainer, mentor).

If possible view/ test ride multiple times in different settings.

Do ask to be shown the level of the horse that is stated in the advert. It can jump houses? Good, make them show you that it can. Certain level dressage? Good, make them show you the movements. Bomb proof to hack? Hack it out and see. Don't assume that people always tell the truth.

Don't narrow in on colour or breed. Good horses come in all colours and breeds.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

"Don't assume that people always tell the truth" is excellent advice!

We have had great fun over the years spotting the inconsistencies - the best of all was the mare who had several small scabs, especially on her legs, who had 'been kicked in the field' and yet had 'only been out on her own'. The scabs looked as if she had fallen off the ramp - we guessed that she had been bought at auction - she wasn't suitable for what we wanted anyway so it didn't matter that the dealer took her out of sight to mount.
We didn't buy the Appaloosa that the private seller took out of sight to mount either, in part because it appeared that she wouldn't go anywhere without her pony companion, despite being 'good to hack alone'.

 

[paddy555]

assume everything you are told is a lie until you have seen and satisfied yourself it is true.
Write a list of every single thing you are going to be studying when you go to see the horse. It is so easy to be talking to the owner/dealer and to realise they have just by passed a stage. You missed it. I bet they didn't.

Bear in mind pictures or videos of the dealers staff riding will not be reality. They will be able to make it look easy and the perfect horse.

Trawl through the old threads on here of people who wanted to return horses for refunds and see what mistakes they made. If a dealer find out who owns the horse. Are they selling for someone else.

Make sure the vet you use is not only an experienced horse vet but is used to handling them and understands exactly what you want to do and your level of experience. Go to the vetting and discuss as you go along how the horse is reacting to the various stages of handling. Expect them to point out to you if the horse looks to be difficult to mount, girth or anything else. Go for a 5 stage vetting.