Viewing youngster's

[Vodkagirly]

Help please! I've only ever bought horses that are already broken in before but at the weekend I'm viewing a 2 year old. Obviously at that age its going to be gangly and bum high and unridden, so what should I look for?

 

[Casey76]

Conformation and free paces. Good manners and a good attitude. Good feet!

 

[windand rain]

Fit in a box all directions conformation with exception of possible bum high. Quality clean limbs with flat bone good feet and neck well set on. Not fat although might be a bit bigger due to time of year. Not gross though. Nice temperament and kind well filled eye

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

As above - thats what I did when I bought mine as a yearling - good conformation & paces, good limbs & most importantly a good attitude & temperament. I bought on that basis without a vetting as I knew he'd just been given the once over by a vet for heart, eyes & wind. Good luck!

 

[blitznbobs]

All 4 feet pointing in the same direction too… sounds daft but its amazing how many horses this isn’t the case

 

[PSD]

Good feet, a well set neck and clean limbs. Temperament is always key for me too, a kind eye sells for me!

 

[Trouper]

Stand quietly and see if he comes to you at first - ie how curious and confident is he in his personality - or is he a bit of a nervous nelly.

 

[ycbm]

All 4 feet pointing in the same direction too… sounds daft but its amazing how many horses this isn’t the case

With the exception that the front feet can point mildly outwards for me, always providing the legs are straight, because as the chest widens when the horse comes into work they will then normally point forwards.
.

 

[Vodkagirly]

Thanks, all common sense replies got myself in a fluster last night but feet and attitude are most important!

 

[exracehorse]

My two year old was a funny thing. Long legs. Bum high at times. I became friends with the seller through this very forum. I bought unseen. She’s just turned four and was backed last month.

 

[daydreamer]

Lots of very sensible replies! I knew what breed I wanted and went to visit a stud to learn more, wasn't really intending to buy. Saw a foal that was sleeping when we got into the field and had to be prodded to stand up. He was very friendly and I just liked him. I didn't look at conformation (don't know enough about it in foals anyway), feet, movement or anything. Bought him when he was advertised for sale a few months later and he is now 3. Very happy with my purchase and still really like him!!