first time buyer looking for advice

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TangoApple

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I am currently looking for a new horse & am viewing one this weekend.

I understand the basic questions to ask & see it being caught, groomed, ridden before I ride etc. but do you have any major pointers?

What happens if I want to buy this horse? I will tell the owner I will call them once I've thought about it but then what? Do I organise a vetting? Or pay for the horse first?

Advice for a confused first time buyer appreciated

Thanks :o
 
Do make sure you try it properly, go in a field, down a road etc make sure you feel it is the right one, if possible go back for a second try to really test anything you could not do on the first visit..

If you do want to go ahead, it is usual to make an offer subject to it passing the vetting, a deposit can be left to show you are serious but do not pay in full until it has been vetted. Payment can then be made, either cash on collection or bank transfer are normal ways to pay.
 
I have a full 40 point list of questions that I ask the seller over the telephone which if the answers are acceptable and the manner in which they are answered I feel comfortable with then I arrange to go and view.

I always turn up with a friend (who can witness anything that has been said and also observe) 30 minutes early for a viewing as it is intesting to see what one may find!

I always insist on picking out the feet, groming the horse and tacking it up myself.

I ask to see it ridden in a field or menage and then if I feel comfortable ride it myself.

I then ask the owner to see it ridden down a road preferably as heavy traffic as possible.

If I like the horse I then state that i would like it vetted and give the owner a returnable deposit (if it should not pass the vet). Ask for a written receipt stating this.

When I have it vetted I always take the risk of bringing the cash balance with me and my transport so that if all goes well I take it away there and then.
 
How exciting!

A few pointers . . .

1) Take someone with you . . . it's always good to have a second set of eyes and ears . . . also, see if said person can video the horse being ridden by the seller and by you so you can review later

2) If you can, catch the horse yourself . . . and, yes, see it tacked up and ridden before you even think about getting on it yourself. If you are at all unsure, don't hesitate to walk away . . . without riding it yourself.

3) Ask to see its stable . . . you can learn alot from seeing how the horse is kept . . . if it's kept on paper rather than shavings/straw, ask why . . . horse may have a problem with COPD.

4) See it worked on the flat and jumped and hacked before you try it yourself.

5) Find out what the horse is fed . . . if haylage rather than hay, ask why (again, is it a COPD issue), if soaked hay why, what supplements, what hard feed?

6) Ask how often the horse is currently worked - and what type of work . . . if you buy a horse that hunts twice a week and is schooled the remainder of the week and you only plan to pootle about, you'll need to make other adjustments in terms of hard feed, etc. so that you don't end up with a super-fit, bored nutjob.

7) If you like the horse and you live near enough, go back and see the horse a second time (and how up early) just so you can confirm your first impressions.

If after all that, you really like the horse negotiate an offer with the owner dependent on the horse passing on whatever stage vetting you decide to have. I would generally recommend asking the vet to take bloods at the vetting (just in case the horse was doped) and, if horse passes - and dependent on what the vet says about the horse - then you can make a firm offer/put down a deposit.

Remember that a vetting assesses the horse for the job you want it to do . . . Kali may have failed the vetting had I said I wanted to take him eventing to three star . . . but he's perfectly fine for our purposes of general riding, low level dressage, some affiliated eventing to Novice and perhaps some hunting.

Good luck!

P
 
Hi ..so glad you've made the big decision to buy your first horse. Its an extremely mixed emotional time, as you have so many questions that you need to ask, and in the right order, so you end up with the right horse.

I have 2 mares, one of which i have recently acquired so I am riding most days, or at the very least, i'm with my horses every day in some form or another, and if i'm at home, I also now work on my website, full of information..take a visit, you may pick up some tips from other visitors..

if you are looking for tips on what to look out for in any potential horse, you may find if useful for helping you make your decision. Look out for the 'potential horse buying list' where you can tick off all the things you are looking for in a horse, each one you visit. GOOD LUCK! and :) let me know how you are getting on! X :) www.stable-antics.com
 
Make sure you don't buy on impulse. I learnt a valuable lesson when buying my first horse. I went to see one and I am so impatient I just wanted him. I went away and planned to go back a few days later and whilst I knew he wasn't right for me and I'm pretty sure he was drugged I still planned a second trip. Any way something in my spirit said 'noooooooo' but my impatience was saying 'yeaahhhhhhhhhhh'. Eventually I went with my noooooo despite my frined saying he was amazing and if I didn't buy him then I was stupid. He was on the market for a long time aft I almost bought him and I just know I made the right decision because when I went to see Bella it felt so right. I just knew. It was almost like buying a house and despite having no experience buying a horse and no one with horse experience with me, I put a deposit down on her.

I would really recommend a five star vet check. They are expensive but the vet I went with was amazing. Bella passed with flying colours but I found the vet so helpful because we were able to talk about what I wanted to do with her beforehand and what it was exactly what I was looking for in a horse so she had that in her mind when she was doing the test.

Make sure you go back a few times to ride. I got to ride both alone and in company and I even had a lesson on my horse just to make sure. Stay for a few hours as well. The owner should be happy to let you do most things if they are genuine.

I do think that god had his hand on the whole situation because since I bought her two years a go I've heard so many stories about people being ripped off or whatever that I'm kind of glad I didn't have a clue. Lol

Good luck with your search and some great advise on here.
 
I've just bought my first horse (had ponies as a kid and a part loan). The person i bought my horse from us friends with someone on my yard so its always worth asking round to see if any one knows of something suitable.
Def take an experienced friend with you, mines a super star and knew exactly what i was after.
If you don't feel comfortable riding the horse then don't, i went to see a mare who had been out of work for years and had only recently been brought back into work by being led round on lead rope! I was after quiet hack, no major project so turned done the offer of a ride.
Fingers crossed you find your perfect horse soon.
 
Exciting! This thread has been useful to help me make a list of questions too. I'm buying my first soon, sharing one now. Do you have an experienced person to go with you? I don't as none of my friends are horsey (apart from share owner).

How much do the vettings cost roughly?

What do you guys think about buying a horse from far away? I had assumed I would go quite local but most of the ones I have liked online are like 4 hours away, can it be done? I would probably have to pay someone to transport the horse anyway unless seller can deliver, don't know how much that will cost it may not be worth it!
 
Great piece of advice that may seem so obvious but make sure he has good feet. You know the saying 'no foot no horse' it really is true and you don't want to be spending extra money on frequent shoeing (mine has to be done every 5 weeks with wedges In the heel) which is an unneeded expense. Just be careful and good luck
 
mandwhy said:
Exciting! This thread has been useful to help me make a list of questions too. I'm buying my first soon, sharing one now. Do you have an experienced person to go with you? I don't as none of my friends are horsey (apart from share owner).

How much do the vettings cost roughly?

What do you guys think about buying a horse from far away? I had assumed I would go quite local but most of the ones I have liked online are like 4 hours away, can it be done? I would probably have to pay someone to transport the horse anyway unless seller can deliver, don't know how much that will cost it may not be worth it!
Click to expand...

I live on the Hampshire/Berkshire border and Kali was just south of Hereford - a good 3 hours away . . . so, yes, it can be done :). We only tried him the once b/c he was so far away, but we made sure we did everything we could possibly think of with him. I had him five stage vetted and talked to his existing vet. I can't remember how much the vetting was - probably a couple of hundred pounds . . . and then I paid another couple of hundred to have him picked up/transported (I went too) . . . wouldn't do that again as I now have loads of friends with horseboxes and trailers ;).

P

P.S. I bought Kali from a private home . . . I presume if I had bought from a dealer then I could have negotiated delivery in the price.
 
PolarSkye said:
I live on the Hampshire/Berkshire border and Kali was just south of Hereford - a good 3 hours away . . . so, yes, it can be done :). We only tried him the once b/c he was so far away, but we made sure we did everything we could possibly think of with him. I had him five stage vetted and talked to his existing vet. I can't remember how much the vetting was - probably a couple of hundred pounds . . . and then I paid another couple of hundred to have him picked up/transported (I went too) . . . wouldn't do that again as I now have loads of friends with horseboxes and trailers ;).

P

P.S. I bought Kali from a private home . . . I presume if I had bought from a dealer then I could have negotiated delivery in the price.
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Oh that's about what I thought for the vetting :-) Yes it's a shame I don't really know any other horse folk! I feel it would really help in the buying process! I'm sure there are probably good horse dealers near me (newmarket maybe) and would probably be easier the first time but I think a private home might be nicer and more genuine?

Roisinfox - it's things like that that I worry I might not know enough about on my own :-/
 
mandwhy said:
Oh that's about what I thought for the vetting :-) Yes it's a shame I don't really know any other horse folk! I feel it would really help in the buying process! I'm sure there are probably good horse dealers near me (newmarket maybe) and would probably be easier the first time but I think a private home might be nicer and more genuine?

Roisinfox - it's things like that that I worry I might not know enough about on my own :-/
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Do you not have an instructor you can ask to go with you? Ideally you want someone who not only knows horses in general and spot dodgy conformation, etc., but also someone who knows YOU and your abilities.

Good luck!

P
 
Totally agree with the above post. You need an instructor who understands your needs and the horse itself, paces and conformation. Try getting in contact with your local riding school or BHS approved centre to look out for horsey advice/instructor personel? Finding horses by word of mouth is always better than over the internet too! Maybe they'll be something in your local riding club up for sale that has worn the t-shirt. Just keep your eyes peeled and don't buy the first you see, make sure you look at least 5-10 before making a decision and also go ride it again a second time to double check your 100% as having a horse is a lot of comminment and dedication. It can also become a chore if you don't buy the right one
 
Don't make any snap on the spot decisions. Try horse several times and do different things with it. Tack it up and lead it on the second time.
If you like it enough to buy after several tries on it, then phone the owner and talk price. Arrange vetting before you part any money. A trial would be best (a month) but they might not agree to this. Take someone experienced with you to see and try horse too. Keep your eyes wide open and listen to your head!
Hope this helps. Good luck!
 
if you have only ridden at a riding school then remember they are ridden for a good few hours a day totally different to getting and looking after a horse on your own.

Also if your a first time owner try and pick a livery yard with people who will help you out.

Find out what tack the horse comes with as well.
 
Yeah I think I am going to have to find an instructor! I don't have one now because I have a share that I just hack and is quite old(ish) and don't think she would like being in the school much even if there was one nearby (OK to be honest I don't like it much either!).

Part of the reason I want my own is because I want to progress and be able to do the odd show and see where it goes, so will be getting lessons once I have one, but maybe I can have some lessons somewhere, they can help me find suitable horse, and we can continue :-) heck I guess I could pay them to come with me and do a lesson on it if need be?

Sorry for hijacking your thread OP :-D
 
Try and ask as many questions on the phone to save wasted time ie is it good in traffic(dont just accept it has seen traffic or lives on a farm etc) Remember the seller might tailor answers to what you want to hear as well.

If you think they are telling porkies then they probably are and what else are they telling porkers about(sorry to sound so negative)

When you get there and clap your eyes on it if you dont like the horse say so. Just say its not what you are looking for etc ie it might be too small etc or not like in picture.

But otherwise if you like it and want to buy take a pen and paper to do a sale receipt /agreement subject to passing a vetting etc Just make sure you get receipts etc Ask what is included in price ie tack /saddle etc you could ask if they will deliver for you.
Take a deposit with you ie £100 should hold a horse but be 110% sure.
Make sure you see the passport too and this is the owner.

Do everything you want to do with it ie take it out alone/in company/on road etc etc
 
Wow thank you so much for all the detailed replies!! This has really helped me and I feel a lot more confident about visiting this horse at the weekend.

I may be able to get my friend's instructor to come with me, I will give my friend a call. I haven't ridden since I was a child so no instructor at the moment although I have been luckily to catch a ride on my friend's horse now and again to keep me in the loop.

Thanks again for all the advice. You are a friendly bunch :)
 
I think pretty much Everything has been covered in previous posts...

I would also ask

1) how is horse to wash- wither with bucket or hose pipe- I have been Very surprised to find a pony or 2 who climbed fences to get away from water!!

2) What feed is horse on ATM-

xXx
 
Kaylum said:
if you have only ridden at a riding school then remember they are ridden for a good few hours a day totally different to getting and looking after a horse on your own.

Also if your a first time owner try and pick a livery yard with people who will help you out.

Find out what tack the horse comes with as well.
Click to expand...

This. All of it.

When we first bought Kal, although we had shared a couple of mares for a year before, we were utter novices in terms of ownership. We did the right thing by having him on full livery to start with - the help/support network was so very useful. I did, though, underestimate the difference between a happy, laid back cob/a RS horse in hard work and a hunting fit sport horse with attitude/personality to burn ;).

And, yes, find out what the horse comes with . . . we were very lucky that Kal came with headcollar/leadrope, saddle, polypad, bridle, girth, stirrups/leathers, leg and tail bandages and multiple good quality rugs (stable and turnout) . . . helped defray the initial cost hugely.

Another tip . . . if horse comes with a saddle, once you get horse home have the saddle checked by someone knowledgeable . . . it isn't a given that the saddle will fit the horse (I speak from experience).

P
 
Purple Duck said:
I think pretty much Everything has been covered in previous posts...

I would also ask

1) how is horse to wash- wither with bucket or hose pipe- I have been Very surprised to find a pony or 2 who climbed fences to get away from water!!

2) What feed is horse on ATM-

xXx
Click to expand...

This too . . . not so much the water issue but defo find out what the horse is fed . . . soaked hay should ring alarm bells about possible COPD and/or laminitis issues. Also find out if the horse has any food intolerances you should be aware of . . . Kali is a fruitloop on molasses (as an example) . . . some horses are cereal and/or oil intolerant . . . some can't have ANY sugar (never mind molasses) - which would mean no carrots/apples, etc.

See if horse has hay or haylage and why.

Does horse suffer from sweet itch or any other allergies? What about sarcoids? None of them necessarily deal breakers, but good to know about nonetheless so you know how to manage. e.g., Kal has seasonal allergies and wears a nose net from about now (when it's not raining like we're about to have to build another ark) until the autumn.

Does horse have any conformational faults (e.g., Kal has a slightly clubbed foot) and does this need any particular management such as remedial farriery?

P
 
Some really really good advice on here.

Maybe go with friend initially, if you like what you see then take instructor with you.

I personally wouldn't buy a horse on first viewing, some would but I do not have the experience, I like to see horse as much as possible before buying (within reason).

When helping a friend recently - she listed a mass of questions for over the phone, then used the advert to construct more questions for the visit.

Would always have a vetting.....find out how much horse has been in work recently? is horse currently fit? you cannot always see problems when a horse is in light work or been in field for months untouched!

Lastly - think about where you will keep the horse i.e stabled or out 24/7? mixed herd or not? how much you can ride it? the terrain you will be riding on etc etc?

Good luck...I would get intructor for 2nd viewing if you can.
 
I think too that apart from someone dishonest taking advantage, I know I for one wouldn't be happy selling someone their first horse if I thought they had no experienced back up to call on for the horses sake, & i'm sure others might feel the same way.
 
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