Questions to ask at viewings

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blood_magik

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My forum search didn't go as well as I'd hoped so..

I'm off to Ireland on Monday to look for my new horse. There are two that I'm interested in, having seen videos of them. Other than that, we're supposedly going round the various dealers to see what's on offer. :o

My criteria:
16hh +
approx 10yo (say 8-12)
competing at foxhunter, scope to 1.30
gelding only due to yard rules
WB preferred :)

Questions:
any vices?
good to shoe, catch and box (clipping not really an issue)?
what's his temperament like? easy to handle?
laminitis-prone?
live in/out?
good in traffic?
any major injuries/illnesses?
experience at shows?


So.. Have I forgotten anything?
I'll have my instructor and an equine agent with me :)

I'm so excited :D
 
As you are looking for a SJ horse you really need to check its record, ShowjumpingIreland will let you do this online and will give a full record free.

This will give you more info than the seller might do, its easy to check then if they have a gap in their record, possibly indicating time off through injury, you can then ask questions based on info in front of you.

Other questions are really all the usual, if you want to hack how is it in traffic is my first, will it go out alone the next.

Enjoy your trip:)
 
I would also check what feed and any supplements its on, and always remember to ask if there's anything else you should know- if you don't ask then they won't tell. Good luck, sounds exciting :)
 
remember vices are normally taken to be behavioural eg crib biting, wind sucking
so ask specifically about bucking, rearing,bolting, biting
and also about sweet itch, COPD
do they box walk, eat their bed
hacking - are they happy to hack alone (some people say good to hack when they have only ever taken them out in company)
field manners with other horses
field - does it trash fencing or go through electric fencing
 
Does he have up to date vaccinations and have a passport?
What type and how much exercise is he getting at the moment?
Is he ridden/schooled by competent riders?
Worth asking if there's tack/rugs included in the sale (and if the saddle's fit has been checked by a professional)
Travelling well in horseboxes and trailers?
Any known past/recent injuries?
 
I forgot to add : good luck, hope you find exactly what you're looking for!
Let us know how it went please :)
 
Just off the top of my head, hope I don't repeat anyone

How is it to handle? (V v v important in my experience!) Both at home and at pony parties.
How is it with other horses?
Any strong fears/phobias you should be aware of
Does it have separation anxiety?
What the horse has done in the last 24 hours (eg - stood quietly in the field or been galloped up hills in the hours running up to your arrival to try and knacker it enough to ride)
How are they to bath / clip
Competition history

And some great advice someone gave me when I was searching for a horse - ask "on the horses worst day, what's the absolute worst thing he could do?!"
I asked this when I went to view my mare - they told me "you're about to see it" (she was at a dealers yard and very unsettled) - damn right I was! Still ended up bringing her home with me, haha :D:rolleyes:

When I was horse searching I stumbled across this, it's American but obviously still has the same sort of questions you'd need to ask! - It's designed for you to bring with you, I found it quite handy (but have to admit, didn't take it with me as it's quite long and I thought I might look a bit odd filling in my checklist! Could be good to fill in after a viewing though, in the car?)
http://www.equinelegalsolutions.com/assets/HBC.pdf




(Edit! ; oops, bit late with the link - that'll teach me to type slow)
 
Ask them if there is anything that it doesn't like, or you should be aware of. No horse is 100% perfect, even if it is a dislike of cows or donkeys.
 
wow, that checklist is mahoosive :o

I've got a notepad and a video camera so I can keep track of the ones I'm interested in. I'm hoping that after the first 2-3 days we'll be making a short-list of the ones to view again before we head back up to Larne :)

Is it wrong that I'm practically in love with one of them and I haven't seen him yet? :D
 
if anyone is interested, here's a quick update.

I've got 3 horses to see today and 4 tomorrow. Wednesday will be reserved for seconds viewings :)

off to meet dermot Lennon :D
 
Loads of good questions and advice so far so rather than repeat stuff,
Id ask if its warranted and try to include that, getting it in writing for a defined period, although their sj record should show what its done, horses can go sour and switch off, just because they did it doesnt mean they still do.
Dont just take their word for it, see it running up the ramp etc and if you can have a look at its passport for past owners, then speak to them as well.
Good luck i hope you get a good un :D
 
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