You never know what they mean by being ridden though, they may of just plonked a wee little kiddy on its back for 5 minutse and walked it around on head coller, not saying that's right at all but its very common in the some of those gypsy type dealers yards.
I doubt if they mean more than just literally sat on a couple of times. Just so he thinks its no big deal. I doubt he has really been ridden. And its probably just kids too sitting on him handling him etc.
If he is owned by gypsies or travellers, please remember many of us have bought very good, well manners sane horses from them, mine came from the gypsies and he is fab I know a lot of people who have done so also.
Many Gypsies and traveller folk know what they are doing passing on their methods from hundreds of years ago when Gypsies originated from Spain and were travelling circus people and horses were a large part of their lives.
Have you ever seen a gypsy break a horse in one quick session, well I have and he would knock Monty Roberts and all that lot into a cocked hat!
poor little chap, although if he's just been sat on by a kid for 5 mins i suppose it's okay.
at least he hasn't been broken to harness and raced up the roads yet...