Horse viewing hints and tips

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missshell

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Im viewing a potential new horse this weekend. An experienced friend is coming with me but any hints and tips would be great. I have asked the seller several questions and the horse sounds ideal for me :) Any viewing advice would be great :) Thanks
 
I'm sure you'll get loads of tips on here, but just a few from me to start:

When you get there and approach the horse in its box, see if it shies away from you and makes faces, then check over the door to make sure its had water in the run up to you seeing it.

I ask for it to be trotted up in hand, and turned in small circles on a flat surface if poss. Check out is confirmation, examine its feet and legs. Run your hands all over it.

Then I ask to see it being ridden (if appropriate) by someone else. I don't get on it if I don't like what I see!

Take a list of what questions you want to ask, write down the answers you get. If the seller is evasive - push harder.

Ask to see its paperwork - check vaccs are up to date, always interesting if you see the previous owners / how often it has changed hand. Make sure it is the horse you are looking at!

If the owner is not there I ask if it would be possible to speak to them, and to the horse's vet (the seller has to give their vet permission to discuss the horse's records with you and/or your vet).

Ask if the horse is insured and if any claims have been made for it.

Some of these questions come up on second viewing obviously, or when finalising a purchase, and I would definitely always have a second viewing. If the sellers says 'oh no, we've got people viewing all weekend' then that can push you into a corner and then you have to take a gamble on whether you are being played or if you are ready to go ahead with it anyway.

If you do decide to buy GET IT 5* VETTED WITH BLOODS!

In general, ask questions, make notes, be thorough, and don't do anything you aren't ready to do!

Good luck with it all!
 
if it looks like too much of a machine or sports model for your abilities say thank you but i think he might be too much horse for me! better than crying over spilt milk! sorry if you are very experienced but so many people think they can cope with more than they actually can!
 
and if you buy the horse get a 5 stage vetting and bloods and be there so you can see and discuss findings with vet! time very well spent.(and you get to see him again is he the same? same tack ? same rider? same attitude?) and try it twice before you vet. good luck hope he is the one
 
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