People who have bought lots of horses please give the rest of us...

metalmare

metalmare

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A step by step guide to what you would be looking for in a photo in a horse advert before you bothered ringing including conformation, handlers, tack, etc...

Yes we've all read them in the books but that is more when you actually go to view the horse rather than from pics.

Am I allowed to provide some pics for analysis or would that be defam-whatsit?
 
I'll start from the top and work downwards

1) The head- See that is looks the righ proportion to the rest of the body. I don't like horses with a deep jaw. An alert expression, intelligent eye.

2) At the top of the neck where the head meets I don't want any extra flesh or muscle. I prefer med/shorter necks that are not weak but nothing to cresty. I don't touch horses with a large dip before their withers at the nape of their neck.


3) The angle of the decline from the withers down the back shouldn't be to severe. I prefer straighter backs but not roached. A smooth transition to the croupe and a good solid back end.

4) The back end is the power house and I look at the back end first! I stay away from horses with hardly any substance there.

4) Short Couple, clean looking legs. Forgiving the occasional feather
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there should be now lumps and bumps other than the chestnut- No nobbly knees.

5) Do not touch a horse who seems to have flat, severe slopeing or just hardly any hoof wall. Untold problems there.

6) Take a step back and then have another look- does the horse have the look.
 
It all depends what sort of horse you are looking for! If you want to SJ, a picture of the horse jumping would be good, if want to dressage - a good outline under saddle, etc., etc. I like to see a picture of the horse ridden and one without tack. If the rider looks happy and relaxed and the horse is in simple tack and is standing looking relaxed with a kind eye, that is the sort that would appeal. If the rider is obviously tense and the horse has every bit of tack on it known to man, then that is one I would probably avoid!. A good picture with no tack is a must. Also have a look at what is in the background of the picture - it is surprising what you can learn. You can only tell so much from photos, I have to click with a horse, and you can only do that in person. Good luck with the horse hunting!
 
Yes, I agree - I have to click with a horse, too. I find it depressing working with a horse I don't get on with. My old loan horse was an angel but I never clicked with her because she was really aloof and unaffectionate and a bit lacking in the character dept.
 
Don't look at a horse with a poor outline whilst being ridden and think eeerghh, no. Try and look for what the horse could be with schooling. Make sure the basic confirmational attributes are there but you are looking a canvas plus even if the horse was working well that could be a single shot fluke.

Keep it basic. Some of the best horses aren't from the best background- so forget how the owner rides or the location. Just keep it simple.

If you don't like a horse then seeing it won't suddenly make him have a great improvement.
 
I buy youngsters so obviously they are sometimes a bit gangly at this stage. They are always bum-high and they generally have no muscle-tone. You have to look beyond all of this!

I look at legs, legs, legs ...... and then the back. I'm not greatly bothered about heads or necks at this stage. If the horses have clean, well shaped legs and nothing obviously wrong with their backs, then the call is put in and I arrange a viewing.
 
I also usually buy youngsters. I try to gauge the horses temperament from the photo - for example, if it looks happy jumping etc. Temperament and attitude mean the most to me when buying a horse. I have bought horses who have been real ugly monsters at first, but like Tia, you have to look through this if its things you can change (like thin horses etc.).

TBH Ive never been hot on confirmation. Yes, sure I look at their general shape etc. and check for usual blemishes / problems but I couldnt care less if the horse is short in the back etc.!
 
Good stuff - thanks guys. Obviously as I'm not competitive soundness is my main issue along with a good temper and the potential for lots of fun with the whole family.
 
Metalmare you seem to want your new horse for exactly the same reasons as me. Im looking to get my first horse probably next year. Seems a bit of a minefield!! Will be looking for someone experienced to come with me!!
 
Sadly I can't buy a horse for about three years yet, when I finish uni and get a full time job (and that will be after moving in and getting married).

But I want to use that time well to improve my riding, improve my theory and management and keep an eye on what's on offer on the market.

The last horse I bought was about the worst possible choice but it all worked out okay in the end
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The best person to come with you is your instructor I would say because not only do they know horses they also know you and your ability!
 
gut instinct is very important. that feeling of just knowing something is right or that feeling of 'something isnt quite right here'
 
The photos should be clear
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One 'in action', either trotting or jumping (depends what you want the horse for), one of him standing on level ground, preferably with no tack on, and one of his face.
 
i actually prefer i really good shot of it standing side on so i can see how it is put together (thats after going to see so many that look lovely under saddle or jumping and then when you stand them up and look at them you realise they put together all wrong, but thats proberly me being a little odd
 
I went to a really good presentation the other night organised by the BHS which was a talk from a vet and a lawyer about buying horses, what to ask and potential pitfalls. I made lots of notes so when I get time this week I will write them up and post them here. There were some really good pointers
 
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