Viewing a horse - how many times?

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My daughter is in the process of finding her next horse to event. We tried a lovely one yesterday and she had an excellent trial in the school,with guidance from the owner's instructor. This horse is a big step up for my daughter but she knows what she's looking for and is very realistic about her ability. There are several other viewings arranged for this horse but the owner has said she will let my daughter have time to think and let the other people who are viewing know this. My question is, should we ask for another viewing to confirm the suitability of this partnership. I don't want to seem like a pain, especially as we've had one good viewing, but we can't afford for this not to be right. The flatwork has been covered and the showjumping, but she hasn't had chance to jump a xc fence or hack and I don't know whether this is even feasible. Thoughts from the more experienced please.... btw this is an adult daughter, not a child!
 
I've seen all the horses I've bought twice, once with parents/friends and once with my instructor. It would be good if she could hack the horse, I would probably be slightly suspicious if you asked and they said no. XC is a bit more difficult, I have been able to take my last 2 horses XC before buying them but it's not always possible depending on trial facilities...
 
i would personally want to see what the horse is like xc. it should be simple enough to arrange to meet them at a hired xc course close to them and try the horse there. I wouldn't buy an event horse without seeing its attitude/bravey xc
 
As long as you can see the horse within a reasonable timeframe, and accept the possibility that someone else may beat you to it in the meantime, I would arrange a second viewing. 2 viewings is quite normal, any more is not.
 
Saw one once and bought him, had transport bring him following week. The other I picked up so I saw him twice, but he was unbroken so viewing wasn't as extensive anyway.

Some people buy unseen, and I've heard of people veiwing 3 times before coming to a decision. A second viewing may be appropriate for you, but I don't think I'd ever view something more than twice.
 
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it seems sensible to view and ride twice. I've never done so myself because air was too scared someone would beat me to it!
 
It's perfectly reasonable to try it in different scenarios but I wouldn't hang about in case the horse is sold to another person. Figure out what you want to know as in hacking and x country and call the owner and arrange to try the horse again. I sell horses as an agent and this is standard, the owner should be happy to facilitate you in all that you need to know, so that you can be comfortable enough to buy. And I'm sure this isn't a cheap horse so they will understand that your mind needs to be put at ease by eliminating any doubts you may have.
 
In your case then its probably better if you do ask to try the horse again, at least hacking. Im not sure if everyone would be happy to let a stranger trial their horses over XC fences (too much could go wrong and they'd be left with an injured horse potentially), but have you seen video of it doing XC (or results?). Are they taking it to any events coming up? Perhaps you could go and watch it?

Ive only ever tried all my horses once, but then I usually buy young 4yo types who are unbacked or very green still. Hence I dont expect much! It would be different if I were buying a proven competition horse like you, in that case Id probably try it twice in different circumstances.
 
When i brought my horse i went and did dressage and sj, loved him and came back a week later and did xc and had a canter in an open field, he was on livery with a top event rider so it was very helpfull to be taught by her ans she had been riding him
 
Go for a second viewing, don't overlook little things like make sure it catches in field safely. This will prob end up sparking a debate..but a professional seller with nothing to hide and wants the horse to go to a good home will let u try as often as u want until you r satisfied. Obviously there will be some "buyers" that may take the mick but that's part and parcel of selling in any trade not just horses.
 
Its a good time of the year for XC facilities to be open, so I'd get in contact with vendors this evening to hopefully arrange to meet at a local XC this weekend. Hopefully you could hack down the road from there as well, and tell them that you will give them a yes/no answer directly afterwards so they can proceed with other viewings if necessary.

Even though I've never actually had a second viewing with any of ours (all youngsters), I can understand why you would want to, and it won't take long I imagine to assess the horse to make sure he will jump small ditch/water etc and isn't too strong in the open.

We pulled out of buying a childs pony when the vendors not only reneged on their initial agreement to give a trial, but also refused to bring the pony to an XC venue for us to try it in the open.

FIona
 
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