Questions to ask when looking at a horse?

M

monica987

Well-Known Member
Joined
14 December 2006
Messages
7,436
Location
Gloucestershire
Visit site
Sparky left at 8am this morning so I ma now ponyless! I have rung up about a couple of horses and am hoping to go and see one in the next few days. This horse comes from a dealer and I know I need to ask lots of questions etc - so, what do I ask?
smile.gif


Thanks
 
I have a pretty standard list of questions though they are probably more appropriate when buying from a private seller;-
How old?
How long have you had it/why are you selling?
What has it done competitvely?
Is it OK box shoe clip in traffic?
Does it travel OK in trailer and lorry?Any vices both stable and when ridden?
Would you describe it as forward going?
Has it had any illnesses or soundness issues?
Does it have any special requirements re feeding/bedding?
Does it live in or out?
Does it have any quirks?
Is the price negotiable??
When you do buy I always get them to sign a recept saying that the horse is sound and vice free to the best of their knowledge.
Good luck with your search!!
wink.gif
 
Bye Sparky and wish you lots of luck in your new home!!! I would make a note of any questions that come into your head as i know i tend to go blank when i actually get there! I think the above covers most things i tend to ask them to leave the horse in the field as then you can see everything done from start to finish. I was browsing on horsequest the other day and there is a lady near badminton Tina Myles advertising some nice horses ( dont know of her though so might be completely unsuitable)
 
The most important question to ask yourself is does the dealer have a good reputation. If in doubt ask on here about them because there are a lot of dodgy ones out there.
 
Does it hack out alone?
Does it behave well in company?
Is it good in traffic?
Does it nap, rear or buck?
For jumping horses, is it confident with jazzy fillers, water, ditches etc?
How long ago were its competition successes, if any?

ETA: Is the dealer selling the horse, or is he 'selling on behalf of the owner'? Makes a big difference to any come-back you have if horse turns out to have problems.

Also, keep a hard copy of any advert you have for the horse, as this is useful if there is a problem (ie if advert says 'good in traffic' and it dives into the hedge every time a car passes, you have a good case for sending the horse back).
 
[ QUOTE ]
I was browsing on horsequest the other day and there is a lady near badminton Tina Myles advertising some nice horses ( dont know of her though so might be completely unsuitable)

[/ QUOTE ]

She is the one who has the horse I am hopefully going to see. I have heard, as far as dealers go, she is okay.
smile.gif
 
Thanks guys
smile.gif
Dealer in question has already been asked about, and I have asked fellow HHOers
laugh.gif
The hose is being sold on behalf of an olympic rider, whilst he is out there!
 
Her horses look really well presented in the ads, i would just go with an open mind and ask as many questions as you can, i like the fact that if you buy from a dealer there are often a few different horses you can try one after the other to get an idea of the sort of ride you want.
Good luck x
 
Yes I'd say she is pretty truthful and tells you all the good and bad points about the horse. I went with Weezy to view one of the horses she had for sale; Weezy bought the horse and although they perhaps parted company at a later date, I'd say Tina described the horse pretty well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top