Looking at a new horse

J

janeydoll

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28 March 2007
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I am looking at my first horse on Sunday, and the person I was taking with me cannot come. I have been riding for 20+ years and have a good idea what I want and don't want. I have been reading all my books and have a long list of questions and know about vetting etc.
I am so so excited but nervous at the same time. I have asked for the horse to be turned out when I get there so I can see him being caught.
I will not be parting with a penny until I am sure, and he has been vetted.
Has anyone got any other advice and tips? I need to start looking so I can gain more experience.

Mx
 
ask to see him being loaded into a horsebox/trailer, tied in there, and then led out again.

Ask to see him having clippers run in the stable and on him

Whats he like to shoe?

Has he ever napped?

Ask to hack him out with someone else, then if you like him come back on another day and hack him out on his own

Does he have any vices? cribbing?weaving?box walking?wind sucking?

Whats he like alone in a field?

Does he mind being in a stable alone if other horses are being turned out?

What competitions has he done? Proof of results...

Does he come with tack and rugs?

When was his back and teeth last done?

When was his saddle last reflocked?

Was his saddle made to fit? Who buy?

Whats he like to hose down? Ask to see him having his legs hosed.

Whats he fed?

Is he a good doer?

Hay or Haylage?


im sure il think of some more in aminute!!
 
I would always want someone else to ride the horse first prior to me getting on. I might also want to see the horse lunged too.

PG has done a good job of covering anything else I might think of.

Hb

ETS I waould also look closely at the horses tack, snaffle? Flash? Does the saddle fit?

Last jabs
Last wormed
Last back teeth check ...
 
You say he has been vetted? Im assuming this wasnt by you?

If you want to get a horse vetted make sure you get your own done and not by the horse's vet.

Ask to see the owner ride the horse before you ride him.

Try him in as many situations as possible, as many of the things you will be doing with him, hacking, schooling, jumping etc.

Good luck!
 
Also make sure you have a definite clear idea of what you want him for (eg hacking - must be good on roads, jumping - has he been out and done it) and what are no - no points for you (so you don't waver cos he has a nice face and buy him even though he has sweet-itch, weaves or anything else that might be a deal breaker) PS those ones were just off the top of my head - I'm sure people own super horses with lots of things that others might call "problems" but are not to them
 
I went horse-shopping recently, without the very experienced friend I have always depended on for decisions!

If possible take someone with you, even a non-horsey person, just so you have someone to talk to and to witness anything the owner has said about the horse.

I made a list of things the horse MUST have/do, and things it absolutely MUST NOT do, and took it with me and kept looking at it to keep my excitement in check!!

Make sure you see it being caught, lead, groomed, feet picked out, tacked up (if possible do these things yourself)...and make sure you see it being ridden before you get on.

Don't be afraid to ask endless questions, even about tiny things, and above all trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right/look safe, don't feel you have to get on...you can just politely say you don't think the horse is what you're looking for and you wish them all the best with selling it and walk away.
 
Yeah, I agree with asking if they'd offer a short trial. If not, dont be put off though and automatically think they're hiding something! I will always ask if Im looking at a horse, but take it as a bonus if they allow a trial. However I wouldnt allow any of my horses out on a trial!
 
If you like him go back with your friend.

Also if you hack him with another horse ask him to go out the front on the way out for your hack before you turn for home.

Also when you get back to the yard ask him to keep walking past the gate and not turn in.
 
Thanks for all your advice. I have spoken to my friend who I have my riding lessons with, and she says she will come with me. Two heads are better than one!
This horse was bought from www.bomb-proof.co.uk last year. Has anyone had any dealings with them? I've been on the website, it looks ok but I can't be sure.

Mx
 
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for all your advice. I have spoken to my friend who I have my riding lessons with, and she says she will come with me. Two heads are better than one!
This horse was bought from www.bomb-proof.co.uk last year. Has anyone had any dealings with them? I've been on the website, it looks ok but I can't be sure.

Mx

[/ QUOTE ]

Stay clear, heard nothing but bad things, do a search for previous posts on them.
 
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