what are the top 1o questions i need to ask when looking at a potential horse?

[nat wood]

i am looking at a irish sports horse on sunday to share.
i haven't ever gone down this route before so i need to ask lots of questions?
are there any questions that are not the obvious. it has no vices is good for novice riders, 16hh.
any advise please send it my way
x

 

[Booboos]

Well sharing is a bit different from buying as you can always give up if the horse is not suitable, but it all depends on what you want to do with the horse.

Ask questions about general handling: is he good to catch, bring in, tie up, do feet, groom, tack up. Is there anything you need to know, e.g. does he kick, is he scared of anything?

Ask questions about ridden work: what is his level of schooling? How sensitive is he? What kind of bit is he ridden in? What is he like to hack? Is he good in traffic? What is he like in open spaces? Has the owner ever fallen off him or had problems?

Ask questions about his care and what the owner expects: Will you need to muck out? Do you have to pay anything towards his costs? Will you need to help with farrier/vet visits and bills? How often can you ride? Are there other people to hack out with? Can you compete him and is there transport to shows?

Make sure the owner rides him first to check he is safe and pop on him in school or small enclosed field first to make sure you get along with him.

Good luck!

 

[BFG]

Ask about insurance and make sure it is written into any contract who is responsible for insurance, if the horse is injured whilst in your care, if you are injured by the horse or if any third party gets injured by the horse.

Are you responsible for morning and evening feeding routine etc.

How much notice do you give each other to end the agreement?

 

[nat wood]

hi,
thanks for both ur replies they have helped no end, i am going to see the owner tomoz and i will put all those questions to her.
thanks again
nat x