The numpty guide to basic checks when buying a horse.

TrasaM

TrasaM

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Here goes.

After my first foray into horse buying..or attempt to buy :o I was wondering what the most important checks are, if you are looking at a horse you are thinking of buying..possibly even in a car park somewhere lol.
Situation to imagine is you, plus friend, and not a huge amount of equine knowledge about correct conformation etc.between you.
My event was both eye opening and amusing but one friend later commented about how she had just looked at her's and though it was pretty and bough him! lol..shed gone to buy some brushing boots and ended up with a stroppy cob! I did a bit of research beforehand and some great advice from Christmas sparkles and Faracat. So...what's the very least you can check for if you've not got a vet or expert with you at the viewing?
 
Four legs which look like they should be and all facing the right direction
Two clear bright eyes
Two ears free from mites and dirt
Clean, well shaped feet with no heat in or around the lower leg
Good weight
Decent looking teeth

Oh and breathing .. they must be breathing, i think thats very important!

So thats just to start .....
 
Even before the viewing, google the horses name, the person selling, the email and phone number. Just to see if anything comes up.

At the viewing I would want to see:
Brought in /turned out (both ideally)
Behaviour in stable
Feet picked up
Tacked up
Ridden by seller (w,t,c and jump)
Hacked out alone.

If you get a good vibe about the horse and want to buy then I would always get a 5 stage vetting, that way the vet will pick up anything you may have missed if you arent experienced.
 
My only FWIW tip -
wait until you are no longer a numpty with horses BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT PURCHASING ONE.
Its hard enough to look after horses when you know what you are doing - and a million miles from learning to ride on seasoned schoolmasters or plods.
Its also unfair for horses to be handled and ridden by novices. Most horses lose confidence sooner or later - and they are often blamed and then labled unsafe!
So- keep having lessons, help out,beg borrow or steal any ride - but dont go to buy your own without a deeper understanding or what s involved. Or at the very least have an experienced person as your mentor - because you ll need one!
Horses are very cheap to buy at the moment-but expensive to keep .
 
Never believe the person selling the horse until you have seen it for your own eyes. Take out for a hack yourself on a road with traffic. If its for jumping, jump it. Passport matches horse, no passport walk away, never believe it will be sent later or the line that someone is coming to view this afternoon. They might be but don't put yourself under pressure to decided that instant. If the horse is well loved you would also be vetted by the owner. Never pay in full there and then, put a returnable deposit down subject to vetting.

If its just had a vetting ignore that and get vetted using an independent vet.
 
Find one that you like spending time with. See and do all of the usual things you would normally do as previously suggested- tack up, turnout, catch, load, groom, see how it is around dinner times etc.

You will get a good idea from doing that. Horses have their personalities like people so important to find one you click with.

Take someone with you, if you find one you like get it vetted and go with the vet and see that done (this can be very educational).

Don't be downhearted by people saying you're novice - we all were novices once upon a time and it's a learning curve alright. surround yourself with knowledgeable, helpful and kind people and you will have a lovely time.

Good luck :-)
 
I agree make sure you are well informed and ready for the complications of owning a horse or pony
Once confident that you are then make sure the advertised animal is the correct height, weight and age.
Make sure it is ridden, caught and loaded if possible If claimed to be good in traffic make sure it is by getting the seller to ride it on the main road.
If supposed to be good to clip make sure clippers are run near it at least.
Then have a good look round it for bumps lumps and blemishes and ask about any A good horse should fit in a box when stood up correctly from any angle any dips or out of alignment need investigating.
Then ride the horse yourself in all paces and popping a jump doesnt have to be big but you need to know if it is forward and willing or nuts as jumps sometimes have a nutty effect on horses. Hack out alone and ride on the road.
A vetting is a good idea but I wouldnt take too much notice of flexion tests as they are unreliable at best
 
If there water in the stable when you arrive if the horse is loose .
If the horse is tacked up or tied up when you arrive beware , withdrawing water is an easy way to make a sharp hot or silly horse feel very quiet.
Try to buy a horse that has been doing the job you want him to do eg if you want to hack a lot the horse ought have being doing that job.
Trust nothing you are told goggle names ask people you know research well.
Look at the horses passport when you view and contact previous owners before
Always get a five stage vetting.
 
Check horse has access to water in field or stable. Denying a horse this can cause it to become dehydrated and therefore very dopey. If its a gelding that its willy is not hanging out and its legs are splayed - another attempt at trying to dope a horse!

Ask to see the horses usual stable and see if its been crib biting. Be suspicious if the horse is tied up in the stable when you first see it - this could be because it has a terrible temperment and will try to kill you when you enter its bedroom!

Check that the horse doesn't have loads of winnings either dressage or showjumping. If these have been affiliated winnings and there are a lot, then you will be seriously hampered if you want to jump unaffiliated at low level. This rule sticks, don't take any rubbish about being able to downgrade, etc. It doesn't always work like this!

Have a conversation with the vendor where you ask if the horse is good to hack, load (trailer and lorry), shoe, catch, etc, etc. Itemise each thing even if this takes you all day and if you can ask the vendor these questions whilst you are filming it being ridden (take a friend) all the better. If the vendor has already told you all this within five mins of you arriving, just plead stupid and say as an example "sorry I can't remember what you said, is the horse good to load?" whilst filming it being ridden. There is no rule about this being inadmissable as the vendor will be aware his voice is being recorded whilst you are stood next to him filming his horse being ridden.

If there are no papers/passport for the horse why? If the vendor says it can jump four foot ask if this is over a course and be suspicious, no horse will be jumping unaffiliated over a four foot course. In which case it will be registered which will lead you back to paragraph 3!!

And always, always, always get your potential horse vetted.
 
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cornbrodolly said:
My only FWIW tip -
wait until you are no longer a numpty with horses BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT PURCHASING ONE.
Its hard enough to look after horses when you know what you are doing - and a million miles from learning to ride on seasoned schoolmasters or plods.
Its also unfair for horses to be handled and ridden by novices. Most horses lose confidence sooner or later - and they are often blamed and then labled unsafe!
So- keep having lessons, help out,beg borrow or steal any ride - but dont go to buy your own without a deeper understanding or what s involved. Or at the very least have an experienced person as your mentor - because you ll need one!
Horses are very cheap to buy at the moment-but expensive to keep .
Click to expand...

Whoa there girly, at what point did I say I didn't know how to look after a horse? Or that I couldn't ride.? True, i dont own a horse because i was busy doing all the things that you've so wisely advised for the past two years.:)

The above post asked a particular question. I was not requesting nor do I need horse care tips.least not at this moment in time. It is also in the light if my recent experience meant to be LIGHT hearted. FWIW I did have a very experienced friend with me and I wouldn't dream of taking on a horse if I did not have the knowledge, support and money , oh and time, to make sure it was well cared for. I do however appreciate what you are saying is correct. AND I also have a major issue with ppl getting horses when they cannot provide correct care for them or buy a totally unsuitable horse which then then proceed to ruin.
So please, read the post..answer it or not but I hope this has cleared up any misapprehensions anyone might have.
 
Leg_end said:
Even before the viewing, google the horses name, the person selling, the email and phone number. Just to see if anything comes up.

At the viewing I would want to see:
Brought in /turned out (both ideally)
Behaviour in stable
Feet picked up
Tacked up
Ridden by seller (w,t,c and jump)
Hacked out alone.

If you get a good vibe about the horse and want to buy then I would always get a 5 stage vetting, that way the vet will pick up anything you may have missed if you arent experienced.
Click to expand...

This but brought in (or at least caught) again after turn out (I don't want a horse that is uncatchable the second they go back out)

I'd also want ridden in school/hacked out in company too. As known some who were impossible this way round.

Also hang around and watch it in a herd. Know if you're getting a herd leader or bottom of the pack. Is it sociable etc.
 
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Oh dear :( all a far cry from Co Op car park lol. Just as well I didn't ask the chap if it could jump because he'd probably tried to leap a parked car.

Seriously though..
I checked..
Being ridden bareback! Trot tense and stride short. No I didn't accept an offer to ride!

Walk towards me in walk....legs straight stride correct.

Ears, face body tail legs- all ok to touch n pull.

Lifted feet. Problems with BR and FL.. Heat in tendon on front left plus didn't like knees touched or pressed
BL ..swollen above hoof..really didn't want touching.

Skin..rough and dry beneath quite good but dull coat.

Nose.. Snot snot and more snot ..uuuugh. Think this was wiped before we arrived as his nose was clean then

checked it's undercarriage as the rider referred to it as her..wanted to make sure there was a willy ;) that was well tucked away:)

Slightly camped under behind ( correct term ?)
and fronts a bit close set and feet very slightly turned out with some
irregularity in hoof shape.

My feelings...Loved him but much Pity that he was in such a poor state and being squashed by a heavy bloke when only 2 years 6 months.

After the snot incident we made out excuses and left. am planning a much longer check list next time..thanks for all the great replies so far :) keep it coming.....
oh..took pictures which I can't post as mobile won't link to iPad.
 
cornbrodolly said:
My only FWIW tip -
wait until you are no longer a numpty with horses BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT PURCHASING ONE.
Its hard enough to look after horses when you know what you are doing - and a million miles from learning to ride on seasoned schoolmasters or plods.
Its also unfair for horses to be handled and ridden by novices. Most horses lose confidence sooner or later - and they are often blamed and then labled unsafe!
So- keep having lessons, help out,beg borrow or steal any ride - but dont go to buy your own without a deeper understanding or what s involved. Or at the very least have an experienced person as your mentor - because you ll need one!
Horses are very cheap to buy at the moment-but expensive to keep .
Click to expand...

Agree with this basically.

But if still determined to go ahead:

- Remember the "good in traffic" description may be just on a quiet road - it may not be able to deal with buses, lorries, quad bikes, aeroplanes, boy racers etc etc. Here we have to hack over road-bridges & beside dual carriageways, so KNOW mine are "traffic proof".

- NEVER EVER get on it yourself unless you're 101% happy. Ask to see it ridden first. Walk away if at all doubtful.

- NEVER go to see something by yourself. Best person to take is your instructor.

- Look for good feet and a nice eye; don't buy anything with too much white in its eye.

- Always get it vetted.

- If they said its good to load then ask to see it loaded in both a lorry AND a trailer (some horses will load in a lorry but not a trailer). Then you/your instructor try to load it.

- Get to the place 15 mins before you're due; you might just see it being lunged/galloped to get the fizz out of it. If you are shown it in the stable and its got a cooler rug on and/or looks damp, walk away.

- Ask them not to bring it in from the field coz you'd like to see it caught, groomed, feet picked out, saddled up from scratch.

- Ask them who their farrier is (and if you know the farrier ring them up and see whether its OK to shoe).

- NEVER believe anything you're told about the horse! Always make your own mind up.
 
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I'd buy in different circumstances too (last purchase was unhandled out in herd and 3yo so saw her do nothing!)
But I knew this ahead and accepted the risks accompanying it and I was prepared to pay the asking price.

For a ridden horse that is said to be '100%' or 'novice ride' or 'jumps Xm' or 'good to catch'.
I'd expect to see all of these traits on the day.

I'd keep company/phone check for viewing. Not for the horses sake (you can take instructor if you click for second viewing, I personally wouldn't bother for a first as I'd be dragging them out lots for horses I wouldn't even sit on after watching the owner!) but for safety. Someone always is with me or knows where I am viewing as you are still meeting strangers (in car parks!)
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Agree with this basically.

But if still determined to go ahead:

- Remember the "good in traffic" description may be just on a quiet road - it may not be able to deal with buses, lorries, quad bikes, aeroplanes, boy racers etc etc. Here we have to hack over road-bridges & beside dual carriageways, so KNOW mine are "traffic proof".

- NEVER EVER get on it yourself unless you're 101% happy. Ask to see it ridden first. Walk away if at all doubtful. Agree 100%. Better for seller not to be messed around if not interested and buyer to walk away in one piece.

- NEVER go to see something by yourself. Best person to take is your instructor.

- Look for good feet and a nice eye; don't buy anything with too much white in its eye. Can I ask why? I've had friends with 'googly eye' horses who have hunted and competed with no detrimental effect and not been the nutters that seem to come as reputation. I'd be far more concerend about cloud or mushroom in eye that large whites. Or is there a medical connection?

- Always get it vetted.

- If they said its good to load then ask to see it loaded in both a lorry AND a trailer (some horses will load in a lorry but not a trailer). Then you/your instructor try to load it.

- Get to the place 15 mins before you're due; you might just see it being lunged/galloped to get the fizz out of it. If you are shown it in the stable and its got a cooler rug on and/or looks damp, walk away. This. Early is always good!

- Ask them not to bring it in from the field coz you'd like to see it caught, groomed, feet picked out, saddled up from scratch.

- Ask them who their farrier is (and if you know the farrier ring them up and see whether its OK to shoe).

- NEVER believe anything you're told about the horse! Always make your own mind up. It's never done that before ;)
Click to expand...

...
 
My simple advice would be to believe nothing that you are told and go only on what you can see with your own eyes or in third party competition record. Ask to see/ try it do everything you will want it to inc. catch, lead, be in stable all ridden acivities etc. etc.
If you can get a vetting ask to speak to their vet/ get copy of all vet visits in last 3 years (vets can easily print this for their clients)
Although to be honest if you don't have someone experienced you can ask/ pay to come with you (YO, instructor, friend of friend) then I'd quesiton what you're going to do when you have a problem (as everyone does have) who will you turn to? Even the top of the competitors will have someone help them from time to time.
 
The one thing I would say is make a list of all the things you want to check and questions you want to ask and then work through them one by one. (Take a pen and tick them off or make notes as you go) You'd be surprised how much you can forget to look at or ask about in that sort of pressure environment, when you're excited and/or nervous and trying to take so much in in a short amount of time.

I'd also rank your priorities in order. Work out what you can compromise on and what is 100% necessary. My top 3 were 100% in traffic, a good honest jump and a sweet temperament - I ended up with a slightly older (9 as opposed to the 6-8yr old I was looking for) and slightly larger (16.2 compared with 15.2-16hh) horse than my ideal as the most important things were there.

8 years on my only regret is he now has bad feet so can't jump (maybe due to the slight pigeon toes that I missed as I just forgot to look at them properly, but maybe not - they're only slight and vet who did vetting never mentioned them either!) I nearly dismissed him as too big but was talked into giving him a try as he was fairly local. He rides much smaller than he is as he has quite a short stride and is short in the body. You'll be very lucky if you find EVERYTHING you want, so it's case of deciding what you can and can't compromise on.
 
I've read through all these posts again tonight and compiled a list for future reference.

Pre viewing try to find out as much as you can about the horse and or it's seller.
Have a clear idea about what type of horse you are looking for and what you will be using it for.

1. Get there earlier than arranged. In case horse is being exercised to tire it out..is horse sweating.

2. Take a knowledgable friend along. Helps to have more than one set of ears and eyes.

3. Establish general facts about the horse.. Who rides it what it's done how it loads any peculiarities etc .

4. Check that passport details match the horse. Do they have it's medical history vaccinations microchipped details.

5. Conditions the horse is being kept in..access to water important and check for signs of dehydration ( think I might take bottle of water as a prop)

6. Overall impression of horse.. Eyes, ears, clear nose! Coat condition, skin condition, weight. Teeth.

7. Touch. Is horse ok with being handled. Ears,sides, legs. Is it reactive to sudden movements ie signs of fear.

8. Pick up feet..get owner to do this first.

9. Check legs are smooth and there are no lumps bumps or swelling. Feel for heat or any tenderness.

10. Condition and shape of hoof. ( this needs more detailed list )

11. Overall impression of conformation. Straight legs, 4 of, and one on each corner.. As square as possible. ( helps me here to check if it's square or rectangle. But definitely not a triangle lol)
Back..no sagging.

12. Horses movement. Walk away..walk towards. Is it placing it's feet correctly. Check for lameness.

13. See horse being tacked up and ridden by seller/ or whoever but not yourself!

14. Check all paces with rider on. Jump if required+ Ride on road if you want to check if it's used to traffic.

15. Should have a reasonable idea by now if you are interested. So ride if it's safe to do so.

16. Oops forgot. Can it be loaded and unloaded for example if possible. And how does it behave when it's let back into the field.
:) and then consult with your companion.

How's that folks. Have I done a fair representation of all your suggestions. Please feel free to add in or correct anything I've written.
 
Did I read that right 'it isn't fair for horses to be handled or ridden by novices'? I think my beautifully groomed, well exercised in a range of disciplines, supplemented, fully wardrobed, suitably turned out, steamed hay fed cobalob would like to disagree! :)
 
BillieBlitzen said:
Did I read that right 'it isn't fair for horses to be handled or ridden by novices'? I think my beautifully groomed, well exercised in a range of disciplines, supplemented, fully wardrobed, suitably turned out, steamed hay fed cobalob would like to disagree! :)
Click to expand...

Sigh.. You read it correctly. :(
 
Don't get me wrong, novice owners should buy suitable horses & have back up in place (good yo, instructor etc) & know enough of the basics to provide daily care. But I see no reason whatsoever why novices shouldn't own a horse if done as above. Everyone has to start somewhere. There is a world of difference between a well prepared novice owner & a numpty.
 
cornbrodolly said:
Its also unfair for horses to be handled and ridden by novices.
Click to expand...

I would class myself as a novice.
I have sole care of a fresh out of racing-training 5yo and own a tb and a section a.
I think they'd all disagree with you.

Novice doesn't always translate to 'brainless' - whereas your comment does! :rolleyes:
 
Baubles said:
Oh dear :( all a far cry from Co Op car park lol. Just as well I didn't ask the chap if it could jump because he'd probably tried to leap a parked car.

Seriously though..
I checked..
Being ridden bareback! Trot tense and stride short. No I didn't accept an offer to ride!

Walk towards me in walk....legs straight stride correct.

Ears, face body tail legs- all ok to touch n pull.

Lifted feet. Problems with BR and FL.. Heat in tendon on front left plus didn't like knees touched or pressed
BL ..swollen above hoof..really didn't want touching.

Skin..rough and dry beneath quite good but dull coat.

Nose.. Snot snot and more snot ..uuuugh. Think this was wiped before we arrived as his nose was clean then

checked it's undercarriage as the rider referred to it as her..wanted to make sure there was a willy ;) that was well tucked away:)

Slightly camped under behind ( correct term ?)
and fronts a bit close set and feet very slightly turned out with some
irregularity in hoof shape.

My feelings...Loved him but much Pity that he was in such a poor state and being squashed by a heavy bloke when only 2 years 6 months.

After the snot incident we made out excuses and left. am planning a much longer check list next time..thanks for all the great replies so far :) keep it coming.....
oh..took pictures which I can't post as mobile won't link to iPad.
Click to expand...



OK, you might have done all the horse care and riding necessary, but if this lot is true then a bit of common sense is needed.

What kind of ads were you looking at to end up viewing this. Dragon Driving perhaps?

A 2 year 6 month anything is not suitable for a first horse. This guy could not have managed to make this horse look decent (or shown proper ridden pics) for an ad.

To save yourself a lot of time any money, come up with a list of realistic criteria, the first one being age. Ask a lot of questions on the phone if they are not addressed in the ad. If the ad doesn't have pics then insist they send some before you go.

Post a link to the ad and ask for opinions on here first
 
The_angel_littlelegs said:
Don't get me wrong, novice owners should buy suitable horses & have back up in place (good yo, instructor etc) & know enough of the basics to provide daily care. But I see no reason whatsoever why novices shouldn't own a horse if done as above. Everyone has to start somewhere. There is a world of difference between a well prepared novice owner & a numpty.
Click to expand...

Maybe the wrong word for the title then..;) How about 'inexperienced' buyer.:)
Yes. I've taken my time over this decision and courtesy of the awkward gits I'm having to handle and ride have built a really good solid foundation. I'm really cautious by nature so I suspect when the time comes to seriously buy one I will rely on a friend who own a trekking centre and teaches dressage or my RI to help find the correct horse for me. I've seen some really disastrous first buys and I don't want to go there. Horse always comes off worse.

Lol...I've got the words of the ABBA song, Take a chance on Me' running through my head now.
 
rockysmum said:
OK, you might have done all the horse care and riding necessary, but if this lot is true then a bit of common sense is needed.

What kind of ads were you looking at to end up viewing this. Dragon Driving perhaps?

A 2 year 6 month anything is not suitable for a first horse. This guy could not have managed to make this horse look decent (or shown proper ridden pics) for an ad.

To save yourself a lot of time any money, come up with a list of realistic criteria, the first one being age. Ask a lot of questions on the phone if they are not addressed in the ad. If the ad doesn't have pics then insist they send some before you go.

Post a link to the ad and ask for opinions on here first
Click to expand...

Yes..link was posted and discussed. It was a spur of the moment " oh, its just down the road so let's see what it looks like". Quite an interesting day :D and little chap is still in a field it's own behind the car park :(
 
Baubles said:
Yes..link was posted and discussed. It was a spur of the moment " oh, its just down the road so let's see what it looks like". Quite an interesting day :D and little chap is still in a field it's own behind the car park :(
Click to expand...

Oh dear :D, this sort of thing is the reason I now own "The Beast" I felt sorry for her :o
 
ImmyS said:
I'm also curious as to why you say this? Is it due to belief of the old wives tale that white in a horses eye supposedly means it's crazy?
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See I thought that this was due to horses' showing the whites of their eyes when they are scared.. I did find a guide somewhere which said some horses have more White in their eyes than others.
 
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