Laurenm01
Well-Known Member
I am going to view a mare today but have to go alone. If I like her I'll get a full vetting done..but what do I need to look out for?
Help needed - viewing a horse for the first time
- Thread starter Laurenm01
- Start date
soulfull
Well-Known Member
always hard when going alone, NEVER RIDE unless you see ridden first and you feel 100% about doing so.
Look for
lumps bumps
that she is reasonably put together
stiffness
lifts all feet up nicely
has a nice eye
good condition as if poor may change temperament
is she a nice person
That she moves straight
his happy both around the stable and being tacked up ridden
See how good you think the rider is compared to you. as that could make a difference once you get her home
What tack she has on including bit
Gosh there is so so much I just can't remember it all.
Most will tell you to go by your instinct.....not always right.. my first reaction to Micah was to walk away. Wasn't until I thought about it later I realized he was what I wanted. But then I'm odd lol
Look for
lumps bumps
that she is reasonably put together
stiffness
lifts all feet up nicely
has a nice eye
good condition as if poor may change temperament
is she a nice person
That she moves straight
his happy both around the stable and being tacked up ridden
See how good you think the rider is compared to you. as that could make a difference once you get her home
What tack she has on including bit
Gosh there is so so much I just can't remember it all.
Most will tell you to go by your instinct.....not always right.. my first reaction to Micah was to walk away. Wasn't until I thought about it later I realized he was what I wanted. But then I'm odd lol
Booboos
Well-Known Member
Ask every question you can think of about handling, turning out, riding, loading, competing, health history, hacking, vices, etc.
What do you want the mare for? If you want her for hacking, see her ridden by the owner in the school, if you like her ride her yourself in the school, if you like her ask to take her for a hack. Ditto with jumping or whatever it is you want to do with her. If you want to compete ask for her competition record and ideally ask them to load her onto their trailer/horsebox.
What do you want the mare for? If you want her for hacking, see her ridden by the owner in the school, if you like her ride her yourself in the school, if you like her ask to take her for a hack. Ditto with jumping or whatever it is you want to do with her. If you want to compete ask for her competition record and ideally ask them to load her onto their trailer/horsebox.
Laurenm01
Well-Known Member
Thanks both! I've managed to get a friend to come with me tomorrow so fingers crossed. I'm just looking to hack and pop the odd jump so i'll ask to do both!
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
Write down a list of all question you can think of before you go, and have a quick read before you get out the car, or even take it with you. It's amazing how you completely forget to ask sensible questions when veiwing horses
A while ago i went to try loads of horses for myself and for friends. I also sold a horse. I tried to keep a structure to the veiwings as it's amazing otherwise how many people have no idea what they're trying to show you and get all flustered.
Personally I'd ask for her to be outside when I arrived so I can see her caught, led in, tied up, groomed, tacked up etc. I'd expect the owner to do that for me so i can watch. Ask sensible questions about her handleing and manners as they work: is she ok with the farrier? Vet? Does she tie up ok?
See her ridden by the owner first then get your friend to ride. Whilst she's riding ask the owner all the ridden questions: what's she like in traffic? Does she buck/bolt/rear etc
Get on and have a go yourself. Make sure you walk trot and canter her on both rein and jump her over a couple of different heights and types. Also ask to take her out in traffic for a short hack. Your friend should be chatting about the horses, getting an idea of what she's like, whilst you ride.
Once you've ridden, take her back to the yard and untack her yourself, asking her to pick her feet up and move over etc so you get an idea of her handleing and manners yourself.
Then, if I liked her under saddle, I'd want to see her trotted up for lameness (obviously you need to be good at spotting lameness otherwise it's pointless!) then a prod and poke whilst asking all the medical questions (lameness/illness/allergies).
Finally, as she's put back out in the field, ask anything you think you've forgotten. Does she come with tack and rugs? What tack (not always those you've seen!). Will they deliver her? Open to vetting?
Once you're done you have a couple of choices:
a)tell the owner no thanks, she's just not for me (try to give a sensible reason)
b) you'd like to come and see her again as you didn't get to try somethings (i.e couldn't hack because of the weather) or she wasn't being herself (i.e due to being in for 3weeks - rearrange once she's been out for the day)
c) you really liked her but you're going to discuss it on the way home with your friend and you will phone her in 2hrs (pr however long it takes to get home) with you're decision.
It's never a good idea to say yes there and then unless you are 110% sure she's absolutly perfect!
Good horses sell quickly - you are unlikely to get a second chance to make your mind up and if you tried everything you were meant to you should know if she's the right horse or not. If you DO want a second veiwing it will need to be asap i.e the next morning!
A while ago i went to try loads of horses for myself and for friends. I also sold a horse. I tried to keep a structure to the veiwings as it's amazing otherwise how many people have no idea what they're trying to show you and get all flustered.
Personally I'd ask for her to be outside when I arrived so I can see her caught, led in, tied up, groomed, tacked up etc. I'd expect the owner to do that for me so i can watch. Ask sensible questions about her handleing and manners as they work: is she ok with the farrier? Vet? Does she tie up ok?
See her ridden by the owner first then get your friend to ride. Whilst she's riding ask the owner all the ridden questions: what's she like in traffic? Does she buck/bolt/rear etc
Get on and have a go yourself. Make sure you walk trot and canter her on both rein and jump her over a couple of different heights and types. Also ask to take her out in traffic for a short hack. Your friend should be chatting about the horses, getting an idea of what she's like, whilst you ride.
Once you've ridden, take her back to the yard and untack her yourself, asking her to pick her feet up and move over etc so you get an idea of her handleing and manners yourself.
Then, if I liked her under saddle, I'd want to see her trotted up for lameness (obviously you need to be good at spotting lameness otherwise it's pointless!) then a prod and poke whilst asking all the medical questions (lameness/illness/allergies).
Finally, as she's put back out in the field, ask anything you think you've forgotten. Does she come with tack and rugs? What tack (not always those you've seen!). Will they deliver her? Open to vetting?
Once you're done you have a couple of choices:
a)tell the owner no thanks, she's just not for me (try to give a sensible reason)
b) you'd like to come and see her again as you didn't get to try somethings (i.e couldn't hack because of the weather) or she wasn't being herself (i.e due to being in for 3weeks - rearrange once she's been out for the day)
c) you really liked her but you're going to discuss it on the way home with your friend and you will phone her in 2hrs (pr however long it takes to get home) with you're decision.
It's never a good idea to say yes there and then unless you are 110% sure she's absolutly perfect!
Good horses sell quickly - you are unlikely to get a second chance to make your mind up and if you tried everything you were meant to you should know if she's the right horse or not. If you DO want a second veiwing it will need to be asap i.e the next morning!
CBFan
Well-Known Member
I think Kallibear has covered everything! Don't be scared to question anything and even ask to go back for a second time to try her again so that you're sure she's for you- especially if she behaves impecibly!!. If you have any doubt in your mind though, walk away.