Questions to ask when calling/viewing a horse

[Sam Wileman]

First things first, I am not a complete idiot, well not all the time anyway

I have been looking for a horse for a while, but I am a complete wally on the phone and when viewing, I just forget what to ask (usually falling in love with completely unsuitable horse). So my very horsey anuty has been phoning for me and coming on viewings with me to keep me in check.

At the moment my aunty is ill and can't phone for me, so I got my paper out to write a list, and my mind is blank! Worst thing is she can't come to view with me and I want to go this weekend because this horse is for loan and I dont want someone else to beat me to it!!!

Hot chocolate and marsh- mellows to everyone who can offer any advice and tips

 

[JessandCharlie]

I would ask (dependant on what you want it for):

- Why it's for sale
- What it's done in the past, competition history etc
- How much work it's doing at the moment
- Health problems?
- Good to do; hack alone and in company, catch, shoe, box, clip etc
- Will it live in or out
- Any vices
- Good with mares and geldings (possibly)
- Any tack included
- Who rides it. If it's ridden by a trainer, I may wonder whether it's any good for a non-professional/hobby rider and why the owner doesn't ride it

Somebody phoned and asked all of the above and finished with "What's her worst point then?" It totally threw me, I couldn't actually think of a worst point, she was a nice horse But it was a good one to ask.
Would also ask to see more videos and pictures

You're all hoping I never phone about one of yours now, aren't you

 

[Splish & Masons mum]

off the top of my head and not necessarily in this order!

Why is it up for loan?
How long would they like the loan to be?
Can the horse be moved from where it's currently kept?
If so, does it travel well? in a trailer or lorry?
Does it have any vices? naps? bucks? rears? cribs etc
does it live out? stable at night?
What experience does it have?
Does it hack out? alone and in company?
can it jump? dressage?
Is it good to catch?
Is it good with the farrier?
Is it good to bath?
is it good to clip?
Does it come with tack/rugs?

I'm sure I'll think of some more!

 

[Sam Wileman]

The next problem is do I wait for my aunty to come with me and risk missing to horse or go without and hope for the best?

 

[Splish & Masons mum]

I'd go and have a look yourself first, make sure you watch it being handled, groomed, tacked up etc.
Watch someone else ride it first before you get on it yourself, there may be no need for your auntie to come with you, you might hate it! However, if you do like it, no owner is going to worry if you need to come back for a second visit with your auntie.

good luck

 

[BonneMaman]

Personally - I would not bother asking any questions because you cannot trust the answers.

Get good photos to check confirmation before you go and video if you can and then take a good knowledgeable person with you and get it 5 star vetted.

good luck.

 

[HollyB66]

How long have they had it
Who has been riding it
Why is it now for loan
What food/supplements is it on ('cos they would expect you to continue these)
Is it on any medication (again an ongoing cost)
How is it shod and how much does it cost to shoe, how often
Are they looking for a certain type of rider
What activities does the horse enjoy
Does it have any particular dislikes (my girl spooks at white lines - although I think she is improving)
I like the question about what is its worst point

Always worth asking questions, you may decide it's not worth a visit because it doesn't sound like your kind of horse.

For example, I wouldn't consider a horse that won't hack out alone, I recently saw an advert that said the horse would not hack alone and the owner said people should not consider it if that is what they wanted to do, because it would not change.

 

[Dubsie]

Always ask open ended questions (what where when why) which require more than yes no answers - all too often folk selling things will woffle and tie themselves in knots and let the truth out if they've anything to hide.

eg 'What sort of things does he spook at?' rather than 'does he spook at anything?'

 

[nosenseofdirection]

Say 'I'm phoning about the horse you've got for sale'. If they say 'which one?' say that you haven't got the ad to hand and ask them to describe the ones they have for sale. If they won't, or there are too many, you know you've got a dealer posing as a private seller...