Viewed horse today but have couple questions.

[Mickyjoe]

Personally, I totally understand the trial rejection (I have learnt the bad way and would also never agree to this). With regard to hacking out alone, hmmm I have allowed this in the past but ONLY down the road as far as I can see them, if they want to go further then Im afraid Id go with them, even if it was just on foot following behind at a distance - its a huge risk to just let a complete stranger ride off into the sunset on your horse! She has no idea what you're like as a rider (or person), you could beat the horse up etc. There's also the fear that you could steal the horse! She has no idea. I do find the lesson thing odd though as that's closely monitored so don't really see the issue with that.

Absolutely!! I can't believe how many people think it's odd that the person has reservations about letting a complete stranger just take their horse out for a solo hack.
I would never, ever let some randomer head alone off on a public road with my horse!! I personally would be annoyed that they even asked.
You really don't have to go for a 30 mins hack to find out if a horse has a tendency to nap. Is there a driveway or anything you can ride him out of to do the test.
As for the trial - again, no way..

 

[showpony]

I think thats a bit harsh!!!! owner is now fine with me taking the horse out as my instructor will be on foot. So you would be annoyed about a perspective buyer wanting to take a horse out on the road ( not a busy one ) to see how they react???? This horse would be accompanying my daughters pony out on hacks so its vital it is well behaved when out. Honestly wouldn't be handing thousands over for a horse I couldnt test on quiet roads before buying.

Absolutely!! I can't believe how many people think it's odd that the person has reservations about letting a complete stranger just take their horse out for a solo hack.
I would never, ever let some randomer head alone off on a public road with my horse!! I personally would be annoyed that they even asked.
You really don't have to go for a 30 mins hack to find out if a horse has a tendency to nap. Is there a driveway or anything you can ride him out of to do the test.
As for the trial - again, no way..

 

[Mickyjoe]

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound harsh, but if you look at it from another perspective, it is highly dangerous to let your horse out of your sight while someone that you don't know is trying it.
There have been situations where certain people have been trying horses and then, whilst out of sight, claimed that the horse bucked them off or whatever and tried to take a claim against the horse's owner, saying it was not as described.
Obviously you are not one of these people, but it's depressing how suspicious and vigilant you have to be now when allowing strangers to sit up on your horse.

 

[Tickles]

Agree with MickyJoe on this one.

When I try horses (to share, not buy... thus far...) I always expect owner/someone they know to be around for any hack be it on another horse or on foot.

I'd also expect to try a lesson with a trainer that knew the horse as different instructors have very different styles and I don't expect to be able to confuse a horse straight away! Not to say it is unreasonable to take own instructor with but I wouldn't expect to have an 'unsupervised' lesson with a trainer the owner didn't know and trust.

Glad things seem to be working out for a ride/lesson that suits everyone

 

[Goldenstar]

Yard owners can impose any restriction they like on owners and it sounds like this one has a thing about strangers on the yard .
If you like the horse then hack it alone from esle where.
Ask the owner directly in front of a third party if there is an issue with the horse leaving the yard I would also ask directly about how the horse behaves in its own stable just in case they are pulling the wool over your eyes.
Have your lesson elsewhere .
You are buying the horse not the owners yard .
So work round the issue.

 

[KVH]

TBH, it sounds to me as if the YO has far too much input into this sale. If it's not her horse, I can't see why her opinion matters to the seller. I wonder if she is deliberately making it difficult for the seller to actually sell the horse. I think I would ring the seller for a bit of plain speaking.

This.
Something doesn't sit right.

 

[KVH]

Oh, I replied before I saw your most recent reply.
Fingers crossed for your ride next week!