Going to see a pony... tips please!!

[Katie__Connie]

I'm horsey shopping atm and I'm going to see a pony...
I'm not particularly experienced in horse buying (so am taking instructor!

)
But some general tips from you lovely knowledgeable lot would be great!!

If it makes any difference i'm after a PC/allrounder/competition pony...

Thanks guys and choccy bickies for all!

 

[molly7886]

Leave your heart at home & rely on your common sense head!! Easier said than done.
Ask lots of questions & be prepared to read between the lines (quite often its what people don't say that reveals the most!)
Always go back for a second look at anything you like but don't dismiss something on looks alone.
Have a clear idea before you go of things that are definate 'must haves' eg good in traffic, easy to load etc & issues that you can live with & stick to it!
Always have them vetted & be suspicious if owners make excuses for anything (although there are very honest sellers out there whose horses do throw them a curve ball when they are being viewed just to make us look stupid/a liar !!)
Good luck

 

[simplyhunting]

take note of what tack its wearing , and how it reacts to people as you approach it. ..see someone ride it first if pos, then try it yourself... see how it goes and ask if you can ride it out hacking maybe alone ? a pony that goes on its own is rather nice thing rather than having a nappy one! maybe jump it see if is capable for what you want to do, remember to be realistic, if it doesnt suit the bill then your not under any obligation to buy it! lol no matter how tempting it may be!!
good luck!!

 

[Waterborn]

Take a checklist of what you want and if it doesn't tick almost all the boxes, leave it with your heart. There are good ponies out there, just make sure you pick one that suits you. There is nothing worse than becoming attached later down the line, only to find the pony doesn't suit the rider. Heartbreaking

Good luck

 

[joseyjo88]

Be complimentary to the pony and the owner- if you do want the pony you'll get a better price, and if you dont want ti they wont feel as put out. If you decide its obviously not for you let the seller know as soon as possible, or if you get on and it feels wrong etc, dont waste time riding round and round, just thank them for their time and go home!
Im selling my 14.2 at the moment and the amount of time i have spent showing him is incredible. i know as soon as some of the people have got on he is not what they want/ expected, yet they still want to ride for 20 mins and make me stand out in the rain!