minkymoo
Well-Known Member
I know that Timewasters are a contentious issue here, I am starting to look for a horse and was wondering if anyone had any does & don'ts while viewing?
Viewing a Horse - Does & Don'ts anyone?
- Thread starter minkymoo
- Start date
ihatework
Well-Known Member
Do have a list of questions to hand and ask them on the phone before viewing
Do have the full funds available and if you don't (for whatever reason) make the seller aware before wasting their time
Do turn up, and if for any reason you are delayed phone to let them know
Do check for signs that the horse has been exercised already that day
If you know the horse isn't for you once you are there, make a polite and hasty retreat.
Don't exaggerate your own abilities
Do see the horse in as many different situations as is possible (e.g. left in stable, in the field, catching, loading, hacking etc.)
Do have the full funds available and if you don't (for whatever reason) make the seller aware before wasting their time
Do turn up, and if for any reason you are delayed phone to let them know
Do check for signs that the horse has been exercised already that day
If you know the horse isn't for you once you are there, make a polite and hasty retreat.
Don't exaggerate your own abilities
Do see the horse in as many different situations as is possible (e.g. left in stable, in the field, catching, loading, hacking etc.)
abb123
Well-Known Member
Make sure you have a list of questions and note the answers down. When I was looking I used to describe what I wanted from the horse and ask the seller if they thought the horse was suitable. Good luck!
Judie
Well-Known Member
Don't - get on the horse before you have seen it ridden by some one else, don't fool for 'oh I'd rather not get on I've got a bad back'!
I_A_P
Well-Known Member
ask plenty of questions on the phone and write down answers.
and ask for photos...a few i rang up were very dodgy when i asked for photos-so i left those
dont tell the people exactly what you are looking for unles u have asked all your questions and found out about the horse enoughotherwise they are likely to say yes he will do this that and all the rest, just to please you.
all the above is good advice
and ask for photos...a few i rang up were very dodgy when i asked for photos-so i left those
dont tell the people exactly what you are looking for unles u have asked all your questions and found out about the horse enoughotherwise they are likely to say yes he will do this that and all the rest, just to please you.
all the above is good advice
the watcher
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Make sure you have a list of questions and note the answers down. When I was looking I used to describe what I wanted from the horse and ask the seller if they thought the horse was suitable. Good luck!
[/ QUOTE ]
and if you end up buying the horse keep those written notes - they could come in useful if the horse turns out to be not as described
Make sure you have a list of questions and note the answers down. When I was looking I used to describe what I wanted from the horse and ask the seller if they thought the horse was suitable. Good luck!
[/ QUOTE ]
and if you end up buying the horse keep those written notes - they could come in useful if the horse turns out to be not as described
JessPickle
Well-Known Member
Also if you choose to buy a horse if it is claimed to be viceless it is always worth getting the owner to sign something comfirming this, it will always come in useful if the horse isnt as described
FestiveFuzz
Well-Known Member
A list of questions to ask when viewing a horse
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
pinkcatkin
Well-Known Member
Take somebody with you and ask the seller face to face "Has it ever bucked, kicked, reared, etc etc., so that somebody else witnesses what they say. Make a list and don't feel you are being pedantic to ask each question and note the reply. Don't be scared to dig a little deeper if you feel you are getting a "generalised" reply.
All sounds very cynical doesn't it, but sadly people selling horses are notoriously untruthful. I was lucky, I bought my mare from the most honest girl in the world and every single thing she told me about my horse has been true, and I have had her for 8 years and adore her.
Good luck.
All sounds very cynical doesn't it, but sadly people selling horses are notoriously untruthful. I was lucky, I bought my mare from the most honest girl in the world and every single thing she told me about my horse has been true, and I have had her for 8 years and adore her.
Good luck.
jumpthemoon
Well-Known Member
Make sure you see the horse ridden from a 'cold' state - if you get there and it's already in the school looking shattered, alarm bells should start to sound!
And don't listen to any excuses - 'oh, he's only putting his ears back because his neighbour has gone out' - see it when it's neighbour is in - don't take their word for it (example!)
And don't listen to any excuses - 'oh, he's only putting his ears back because his neighbour has gone out' - see it when it's neighbour is in - don't take their word for it (example!)
minkymoo
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
A list of questions to ask when viewing a horse
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you princess_gem I have copied them into a spread sheet!! Thanks for all your help!
MM
A list of questions to ask when viewing a horse
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you princess_gem I have copied them into a spread sheet!! Thanks for all your help!
MM
miller
Well-Known Member
Watch out at this time of year for the "I've washed is legs as he was muddy" - possibly truthful, possibly hosed due to problems - I'vve had that one and after speaking to someone else who knew the horse it had had a torn tendon that strangely wasn't mentioned.
I personally prefer to see them from the field and ask if possible they are out when I arrive
Don't be afraid to ask any questions as daft as they may seem - it's your hard earned cash buying the horse and the buyer, if genuine, should answer any queries.
I personally prefer to see them from the field and ask if possible they are out when I arrive
Don't be afraid to ask any questions as daft as they may seem - it's your hard earned cash buying the horse and the buyer, if genuine, should answer any queries.
FestiveFuzz
Well-Known Member
No worries! I have it saved on my desktop as I always seem to forget the vital questions to ask when viewing a horse, I just tend to get caught up in the moment!
Good luck
Good luck
JamilaParr
Well-Known Member
don't tell the person too much what u want cos then they could say 'oh yes he'll exactly do that etc etc'' i'd say more what do u think this horse could make etc-
lol soz thats such a random suggestio0n but everyone else has covered the rest xxxxxx
lol soz thats such a random suggestio0n but everyone else has covered the rest xxxxxx
Bananarama
Well-Known Member
This is rather specific but at this time of year Id watch for sweet-itch sufferers, ask that question directly as in Jan they may show no signs of it, thats what happened to the people who owned my pony before me, he is a SI sufferer obviously lol. Also if possible see the horse on several occasitions and get it vetted! Never believe the owner saying oh he hasnt had anything wrong for the 6years Ive owned him!
Daisychain
Well-Known Member
Check it doesnt napp! this is the worst habit in the world especially if it is established, i hate nappers!
TarrSteps
Well-Known Member
All good replies - basically make sure the horse fits your shortlist before you go, do not "be polite" or "hope for the best" if it's not for you when you're there, be honest yourself but if other people are telling you EXACTLY what you want to hear assume they're not necessarily telling you the truth.
What I might disagree with, though, is the advice about not telling people what you're looking for. If I'm selling a horse or buying for a client it helps a lot if the seller can be specific about what they want the horse to do NOW. If you want a schoolmaster jumping 3' say that's what you will want the horse to do when you see it. If the sellers only have a jump or two at home decide in advance if it's still worth it or if there is the possibility of another arrangement. Don't say you want a horse to hack around on then be annoyed when there's not a full course set up.
NO ONE can tell you the future. And no one selling knows anything about your ability to ride/produce a horse so stay away from "I want a horse that can do X at some point in the future." If you say that sort of thing you are asking people to put the best possible spin on things, even if they aren't technically being dishonest. Anyway, if you know enough to be sure of getting to that level then you'll know enough to judge when you see the horse. So go for basic criteria, narrow it down, then judge for yourself.
What I might disagree with, though, is the advice about not telling people what you're looking for. If I'm selling a horse or buying for a client it helps a lot if the seller can be specific about what they want the horse to do NOW. If you want a schoolmaster jumping 3' say that's what you will want the horse to do when you see it. If the sellers only have a jump or two at home decide in advance if it's still worth it or if there is the possibility of another arrangement. Don't say you want a horse to hack around on then be annoyed when there's not a full course set up.
NO ONE can tell you the future. And no one selling knows anything about your ability to ride/produce a horse so stay away from "I want a horse that can do X at some point in the future." If you say that sort of thing you are asking people to put the best possible spin on things, even if they aren't technically being dishonest. Anyway, if you know enough to be sure of getting to that level then you'll know enough to judge when you see the horse. So go for basic criteria, narrow it down, then judge for yourself.
PennyJ
Well-Known Member
Be aware that for every one honest seller, there are possibly nine dishonest (well, economical with the truth) sellers out there. And I didn't go anywhere near a dealer!
As someone whose hopefully just sold a pony (well he passed his vetting earlier today) I would say, attempt to make friends as it were with the horse first, don't just go and grab a leg and lift it's foot up. That really irritated me, and she was a Parelli Queen too!
As someone whose hopefully just sold a pony (well he passed his vetting earlier today) I would say, attempt to make friends as it were with the horse first, don't just go and grab a leg and lift it's foot up. That really irritated me, and she was a Parelli Queen too!
katie_southwest
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Check it doesnt napp! this is the worst habit in the world especially if it is established, i hate nappers!
[/ QUOTE ]
Ditto...I bought a Horse without trying her out on her own as I didnt have a clue where I was..took their word for it..got her home and 4 months later still hadnt got further than about 300 metres on her own! Eventually got hold of her owner before the one i bought her off and apparently she used to do it then aswell! You have to be so careful..not excited and stupid like me
Check it doesnt napp! this is the worst habit in the world especially if it is established, i hate nappers!
[/ QUOTE ]
Ditto...I bought a Horse without trying her out on her own as I didnt have a clue where I was..took their word for it..got her home and 4 months later still hadnt got further than about 300 metres on her own! Eventually got hold of her owner before the one i bought her off and apparently she used to do it then aswell! You have to be so careful..not excited and stupid like me
Forget_Me_Not
Well-Known Member
Most has been said but...
Remember to ask why he's for sale.
Have a very decent look at his passport, study his jabs, make sure there up to date, you can also find out where hes from, how many owners etc. Also check carefuly the markings drawn. I've had horses not match 'their' passport.
I like to see the horse trotting up striaght from the stable when I arrive. It tells you a fair bit, soundness, movement, and most of all tempterment.
Get a very good reciept, that states how they have described the horse, maybe write the advert into in. Basicly make sure your backs covered if it turns stickly.
See how they react to vetting, and don't let on to much about what your after, so they can't sell you something, but be honest.
GOOD LUCK. ENJOY SEEING LOSTS OF LOVELY HORSES
Remember to ask why he's for sale.
Have a very decent look at his passport, study his jabs, make sure there up to date, you can also find out where hes from, how many owners etc. Also check carefuly the markings drawn. I've had horses not match 'their' passport.
I like to see the horse trotting up striaght from the stable when I arrive. It tells you a fair bit, soundness, movement, and most of all tempterment.
Get a very good reciept, that states how they have described the horse, maybe write the advert into in. Basicly make sure your backs covered if it turns stickly.
See how they react to vetting, and don't let on to much about what your after, so they can't sell you something, but be honest.
GOOD LUCK. ENJOY SEEING LOSTS OF LOVELY HORSES
cavalo branco
Well-Known Member
Having had an owner try to cover up the fact that the potential horse had a serious veterinary history, I'd say - ask for the veterinary/ insurance exclusion record. If they are less than forthcoming then walk away!! It may come out in the vetting but who wants to waste that money? Veterinary history became a top priority when I was looking for my lovely boy, along with conformation. Vet's bills are very unfunny after all!! Good luck in your search.
burtondog
Well-Known Member
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A list of questions to ask when viewing a horse
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not a member of saddle up can somebody please copy and paste the txt of this questions list into here ???
I'm going to see a couple of horses on Friday so they might be helpful.
Thanks
M
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A list of questions to ask when viewing a horse
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not a member of saddle up can somebody please copy and paste the txt of this questions list into here ???
I'm going to see a couple of horses on Friday so they might be helpful.
Thanks
M
minkymoo
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A list of questions to ask when viewing a horse
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not a member of saddle up can somebody please copy and paste the txt of this questions list into here ???
I'm going to see a couple of horses on Friday so they might be helpful.
Thanks
M
[/ QUOTE ]
I have made this into a PDF, so if anyone wants a copy, PM your email addy & I'll fire it over.
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A list of questions to ask when viewing a horse
http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=154
Thought they might help
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not a member of saddle up can somebody please copy and paste the txt of this questions list into here ???
I'm going to see a couple of horses on Friday so they might be helpful.
Thanks
M
[/ QUOTE ]
I have made this into a PDF, so if anyone wants a copy, PM your email addy & I'll fire it over.
minkymoo
Well-Known Member
And thank you everyone for your replies, I feel so nervous about it!
I've found a potential near B'ham, but can't get to see it until after this weekend & then I bet it has gone
I've found a potential near B'ham, but can't get to see it until after this weekend & then I bet it has gone
AmyMay
Situation normal
When I was looking recently I had a list of questions that I asked prior to seeing the horse. I also told the seller what I was looking for (specifically an all rounder that I wanted to do a bit of everything with, which included riding club etc) and did they think it would suit.
I was lucky - I found my horse on my third attempt.
Horse no. 1 was not as described - didn't ride it, stayed all of 5 minutes.
Horse no. 2 was not for me I decided after riding it.
Horse no. 3 liked everything about him from the moment I saw him and rode him.
Good luck, always take someone with you and don't buy the first one you see
I was really lucky - my horse was and is exactly as described, and I couldn't be happier.
I was lucky - I found my horse on my third attempt.
Horse no. 1 was not as described - didn't ride it, stayed all of 5 minutes.
Horse no. 2 was not for me I decided after riding it.
Horse no. 3 liked everything about him from the moment I saw him and rode him.
Good luck, always take someone with you and don't buy the first one you see
I was really lucky - my horse was and is exactly as described, and I couldn't be happier.
susan_w
Well-Known Member
When you go to see a horse, make sure it hasn't already been exercised. I know some dealers who will ride a horse for an hour before someone comes to see it, so that it's so tired, it wouldn't do anything.
Ask if you can come back and see it a 2nd time - ring them 10 mins before you get there to say that you are on your way.
Be honest about your abilities - don't big yourself up - you could end up with something totally unsuitable.
If you change your mind, let them know that you are not coming.
Make sure you are sure of your budget and never tell the dealer what your budget is.
Good luck
Ask if you can come back and see it a 2nd time - ring them 10 mins before you get there to say that you are on your way.
Be honest about your abilities - don't big yourself up - you could end up with something totally unsuitable.
If you change your mind, let them know that you are not coming.
Make sure you are sure of your budget and never tell the dealer what your budget is.
Good luck
Bert&Maud
Well-Known Member
Make sure the vet checks re head shaking as well as sweet itch if buying in the winter, the vet who did my new horse a month ago states in his report that he has asked the vendor if the horse is a head shaker. Also, take the weather into account when you are trying a horse. I tried my new 5 year old in torrential rain and strong winds on his own in a 50x100m outdoor arena and he was a star, I figured if I liked him in those conditions we'll be storming by summer!
PennyJ
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
and don't buy the first one you see
I was really lucky - my horse was and is exactly as described, and I couldn't be happier.
[/ QUOTE ]
So's our one and he was the FIRST ONE we went to see! (but I was incredibly lucky with him, he was one of those "fate" ponies you're meant to have. I'm soo glad I trusted my instincts and bought him)
and don't buy the first one you see
I was really lucky - my horse was and is exactly as described, and I couldn't be happier.
[/ QUOTE ]
So's our one and he was the FIRST ONE we went to see! (but I was incredibly lucky with him, he was one of those "fate" ponies you're meant to have. I'm soo glad I trusted my instincts and bought him)
SouthWestWhippet
Well-Known Member
A few more
> don't ask questions for the sake of it, it is such an obvious sign to a dealer (in particular) that someone is inexperienced if they ask a massive list of preset questions that aren't really relevant to the horse. For example: if you want a happy hacker, it really isn't that relevant what his breeding is - epsecially if you don't really know about breeding and the answer won't mean anything to you! Likewise don't look at his teeth/run your hands down his legs etc unless you know what you are looking for.
> I always like to tack the horse up myself as I think you can get a good idea of temprament and how easy he is to handle. Lots of dealers will get a groom to tack the horse up unless you specifically ask to do it yourself.
> If you don't like the horse, don't feel obliged to stay and try him out - just politely say that he isn't for you. Nothing is more annoying that spending 45mins with someone riding a horse that you KNOW isn't going to want to buy him
> Accept the fact that no horse is perfect and think about the things that you definitely WOULDNT accept (I can't bear bolting for example) and ask specifically about the existence of these vices/problem behaviours.
> Personally, I always feel that the 'does he buck/rear/nap etc' question is a tad unfair and many horses will do these things <u>on occasion</u> but there are many levels of napping, bucking and rearing! Obviously if the horse turns himself inside out everytime you pass a tractor or he broke his last owner's back going over backwards, you need to know but if you phrase the question a bit more carefully, you will get a much better picture of the horse's true behaviour whilst being fair to the seller.
Just my thoughts though
Have fun, I love horse shopping.
> don't ask questions for the sake of it, it is such an obvious sign to a dealer (in particular) that someone is inexperienced if they ask a massive list of preset questions that aren't really relevant to the horse. For example: if you want a happy hacker, it really isn't that relevant what his breeding is - epsecially if you don't really know about breeding and the answer won't mean anything to you! Likewise don't look at his teeth/run your hands down his legs etc unless you know what you are looking for.
> I always like to tack the horse up myself as I think you can get a good idea of temprament and how easy he is to handle. Lots of dealers will get a groom to tack the horse up unless you specifically ask to do it yourself.
> If you don't like the horse, don't feel obliged to stay and try him out - just politely say that he isn't for you. Nothing is more annoying that spending 45mins with someone riding a horse that you KNOW isn't going to want to buy him
> Accept the fact that no horse is perfect and think about the things that you definitely WOULDNT accept (I can't bear bolting for example) and ask specifically about the existence of these vices/problem behaviours.
> Personally, I always feel that the 'does he buck/rear/nap etc' question is a tad unfair and many horses will do these things <u>on occasion</u> but there are many levels of napping, bucking and rearing! Obviously if the horse turns himself inside out everytime you pass a tractor or he broke his last owner's back going over backwards, you need to know but if you phrase the question a bit more carefully, you will get a much better picture of the horse's true behaviour whilst being fair to the seller.
Just my thoughts though
Have fun, I love horse shopping.