Ringing up about new pony

jesterfaerie

jesterfaerie

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21 January 2007
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Well I have found a very nice horse and although I still do not know there is any room for it at uni I gathered there is no harm in ringing up about her. I am a novice buyer and do not know any horsey people to take with me if I try her, would this be a problem?
I also want to make sure I cover alot over the phone, I do have an idea of what questions to ask but does anyone have any tips for me.
As I said I don't know anyone horsey so I have to do it all myself and I was hoping someone on here would offer me some advice! I just hope she is still for sale now!
 
Is there anyone on here who could come with you?

If not I'd definately advise getting a full 5 stage vetting done, with a reputable vet (and explain to him you're a novice buyer), and get an instructor to see you ride and come and view any prospective purchases.
 
Are you riding at the moment? Have you got an instructor you could pay to come with you when you look at a horse?

What sort of job do you want your potential new horse for? As you are a novice, I suggest you look for a horse who is currently doing the sort of thing you want to do, with a rider of similar standard to yourself.

Just a sample of the sort of questions to ask:

Has the horse had any health problems at all?
Does the horse rear, buck, bolt, kick or bite?
Has it got any stable vices such as windsucking or weaving?
How is it kept at the moment - is it happy to live in or out?
How long have they owned the horse?
Why are they selling it?
Does the horse hack out alone and is it good in traffic?
What type of bit is the horse usually ridden in and is it strong at all?
Does the horse get excited at shows or when ridden in company?
Has the horse competed and at what level?
 
I don't know if anyone from here would come with me.
I would definatly get a vetting if it came to buying the horse, I would get my vet to recommend someone as they aren't that far away so would probably know someone over there to do it.
I don't have an instructor so will have to find one, if my old instructor still lives local she may help me but I havn't see or spoken to her in like 4 years but worth a try.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Are you riding at the moment? Have you got an instructor you could pay to come with you when you look at a horse?

What sort of job do you want your potential new horse for? As you are a novice, I suggest you look for a horse who is currently doing the sort of thing you want to do, with a rider of similar standard to yourself.

Just a sample of the sort of questions to ask:

Has the horse had any health problems at all?
Does the horse rear, buck, bolt, kick or bite?
Has it got any stable vices such as windsucking or weaving?
How is it kept at the moment - is it happy to live in or out?
How long have they owned the horse?
Why are they selling it?
Does the horse hack out alone and is it good in traffic?
What type of bit is the horse usually ridden in and is it strong at all?
Does the horse get excited at shows or when ridden in company?
Has the horse competed and at what level?

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, there is one or two questions I didn't think of.
I am not a novice rider just a novice buyer and I am just wanting it to be a nice allrounder, something I can school jump hack and have fun with. I am riding at the moment but only my own, not had lessons for a year (had them through college)
 
Is it good to shoe, box and clip?
What sort of things have they done with it?
Ask names of RC/PC/Hunt etc to get references on the behaviour of horse from people involved. We always do this is if they tell us it has done something as quickest way to dig out a liar.
Does it have good feet?
Has it ever been lame, sick or sorry?
How do they keep it? grass/stabled/livery etc
Is it kept with company? Does it mind being alone?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Ask names of RC/PC/Hunt etc to get references on the behaviour of horse from people involved.

[/ QUOTE ] If the relevant RC/PC have a website you can often find the horse's results on there and see if it backs up what they tell you.
 
Thanks everyone. She is only 4 and there is no mention of her doing anything competetive or PC related in the advert but will still ask!

I am a bit stuck what to do if i go and veiw her as I do not have an instructor, I know it would be best if I did and I would prefer it but it may not happen so may have to go on my own with my mum or someone.
 
Ask the seller to ride the horse first. Ask them to ride it out on the road and maybe down a bridleway. Then try it yourself.. but ONLY if you are completely happy to do so.

Go for a second viewing. Ask them to leave the horse out in the field. Then you can catch it, groom it, tack it up etc. Ask if they will ride out with you (hopefully they should have another horse). You'll then be able to see how the horse is with and without company.
Try and ride in an enclosed field, so you can go for a canter and ensure the horse isnt too strong for you, and maybe pop a small jump.
A reputable seller would be happy for you to do this. A reputable seller would also tell you if they don't think the horse is suitable for you.
Ask to see it's passport and check it tallies with what they've told you (age, breeding, height). REALLY grill them! Someone wanting a good home for their horse won't mind you asking lots of questions.
 
Would it be worth asking to see if anyone from the forum would come with me, and for me to give them some money for their petrol? If I were to go try her out
 
Where in West yorkshire are you? When are you going to look at the horse and where is it? PM me if you like as may be able to help out. Have lots of experience of buyin, and not buying when we have looked!
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