Viewing a young horse (not broken)?

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Walrus

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Eeek! So I'm off to see a horse in about 45 minutes. Unfortunately I have to go on my own as I literally don't have anyone I could take (well, my dad offered to come but his limit is identifing that it has a head and 4 legs!). The horse in question was broken in about 18 months ago but hasn't done anything since as it has been shown a little in hand and also been up for sale before, I think the idea was to leave it for a new owner to start from the beginning but they couldn't sell it. Horse is only 4.5 so not a worry.

So, remind me what to ask (as it wont be being ridden) - they are leaving it out so I can see it being caught and then I'm thinking handling, leading, tying up, trot up, brush and generally handle and pick feet up and out?

Questions: travel, temperatment, dentist, farrier, veterinary history etc.

First horse I'll have viewed as I'm not in a rush but this chappie appeared on horsemart and looked rather nice. Been waiting to do this since I was 8 (I'm now 25) - help!

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Not sure, I will be asking that very question. It's not the most popular type of horse and combined with the recession it could be that - however yes, I will ask about that.
 
i would want to see its reaction getting tacked up as could well be a problem horses. i bought the sweetest horse you could ever imagine that was unbroken and it has turned in to a nutter trying to back it. i know they are not all the same but you do get them
 
myself,i believe nothing anyone says,
i stand back and have a really good look,if my eye is drawn to anything in particular then it may be a fault,and important for me,is it a `nice` person.
 
I bought one of those a few years ago. Was riding him in a week, he was a poppet, and a totally genuine situation. HOWEVER
I saw him trotted up in hand, lunged (sort of) in an open space, turned tightly both ways, tied up and walked-away-from, caught, groomed, feet etc. led away from friends, everything I could think of so that if I'd seen a hint that there was a "reason" I could walk away.
Above all, I wanted a kind eye and a nice person to handle as I figured that would be intact however long a break.
Good luck, you could find a gem!
 
I know it's a bit late as you've already gone but I'd echo the above... I'd waant to see him groomed and handled, walked and trotten about the yard and I would want to see him lunged on both reins in Walk trot and canter, preferably in full tack and at a minimum a bridle, roller and sidereins...

Hope it goes well for you!
 
I am also a bit late but do not believe people that don't ride them and say they are not backed . I have seen a few people buy these to find out later that they were started and had problems and turned away. If it is your first horse I would buy something older .
 
Usually if i was looking at a young unbroken horse I would want to see it free schooled over a decent sized jump (as thats what Id want it to do), possibly lunged on each rein (but often loose schooling would do for me if i was getting it vetted later), trotted up in hand and turned tightly each direction. Im not bothered about seeing it being handled, i prefer them with minimal handling .
 
Thank you for your advice. Pony was very nice and people seemed genuine as to why his ridden education hadn't continued. Have lots of thinking to do now and consultation with friend who has more of a clue than me and is offering advice remotely!!
 
I would strongly recommend taking someone knowledgable with you for a second look if you are still interested in this pony.

We back our youngsters at 3 and then turn them away for the winter. When we restart them when they are 4 it usually doesn't take more than a day or two of lungeing before riding them again. I am surprised that the sellers feel unable to restart the pony as it would make him a more saleable prospect unless they really have no rider to help.
 
It's OK everyone - I have booked my very experienced friend (and old riding instructor) to come and see pony tomorrow. I like him but there is no way I'm trusting myself with just my opinion! There is also a slight question mark over his size, he'd carry my weight easily but I'm quite tall and he is not so she can also be honest with me about that.
 
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