What questions to ask when enquiring about horses?

[Coffee_Bean]

So far:
How long have you owned him?
When was he broken?
Have you had any lameness problems?
Have you had any ridden issues?
Does he hack alone/company?
What work is he currently doing?
Is he good go clip/shoe/catch/load?
Has he got any vices?
Has he got a sensible attitude?
Is he difficult to keep weight on?



What else?

Thanks guys

 

[KatB]

Tbh, I don't have a set list, as you can end up forgetting to ask important things if you are looking at lists and can not take in what they are saying! I just started the coversation with dead open question, such as "what can you tell me about them" and go from there. You can normally pick up a lot from what they don't tell you

Good luck! How exciting

 

[fourpawswhite]

Medical History (anything other than lameness, eg colic, etc)
Does he stable/turn out alone
Current feed/turnout regime?
Is he a good doer? (just opposite of your weight on question)
How is he in traffic

Good Luck, x

 

[agreenhalgh]

In addition to the above...

how does he travel?
what is he like to be shod, with the vet etc?

 

[BroadfordQueen]

Is he open to a vet?
any confo issues? lumps/bumps?
Does he load in trailer/lorry (delete as appropriate depending on the transport you have!)?

ETA: Most importantly, "are you flexible on price to the right home?"

 

[Coffee_Bean]

Thanks everyone

and ahaha good one BQ

 

[Ashleigh_]

hang on hang on...
Right i have located my big list!

1. Current vices? any in the past?
2. Good with other horses, clingy/dominant?
3. How high is he/she currently jumping (assuming broken in etc)
4. How long ago was he/she broken?
5. What level of schooling is he/she at?
6. Suitable for.. list your needs ability...
7. Previous owners?
8. Good to catch, wash, box, clip, farrier, go through water, load?
9. Prone to colic/lameness/mudfever/sweet itch etc you know the list!
10. Good in Traffic, Hacking alone/in company, and in open spaces/forests?
11. Ground manners?
12. Wormed, vacc. any on going medication? Any allergies?
13. What feeds currently on? Any feed that has caused any problems before?
14. Passport? Microchipped? Freeze-marked? Registered?
15. Shoes? any lameless with barefoot? special shoeing requirements?
16. Type of bit currently working in, how is it going for her/him?
17. Last had teeth done? well behaved when having teeth rasped?
18. Any ongoing injuries, tendon problems back problems etc?
19. Bite, kick, bolt or rear?
20. How long ago gelded?/ behavior changes during season?
21. Ever been successfully covered? any problems...?
22. Travel alone in box and trailer and in company too?
23. Hay or haylage?
24. Any on going wariness of particular horse eating monsters?

Don't feel like you are bombarding with questions, its buyer beware and i would rather come away feeling like i've grilled them and come across a bit OTT than be mugged over.

Also if you want i can pm you the contract that i got drawn up for buying my first horse after i got mugged over by a well known dealer here in sussex...

If you ever want to have a look at it and change it to fit you then just PM me

 

[exracerfan]

Does he have any allergies - e.g. can he have dry hay, or does it have to be soaked, or does he have to have haylege, does he have sweet itch? Any sarcoids? Will he tie up ok - nothing worse than a horse that constantly breaks away. Will he stay in a field, again one that jumps out or goes through fences can be a real problem. Has he good feet, no foot, no horse and does he keep his shoes on ok.

 

[Coffee_Bean]

Thank you again

 

[kbsaff]

Why are you selling him?

I appreciate that, of course, most people have completely genuine reasons for sale, but I've had some cracking answers in the past varying from "He's a nutter" right the way up to "He hasn't been turned out for three weeks as i can't get close enough to catch him"

 

[Dubsie]

If you always ask open ended questions - those that start how? what? where? when? why? you'll get more information than 'does he?' eg what does he spook at?

 

[Keltic]

Are you looking for something to bring on still? I saw one yesterday advertised and thought of you! let me know ill try find the link

 

[spotty_pony]

Sorry if these have already been said, I haven't read all of the replies!

- What did he do before you owned him?
- Where did you get him from?
- Could I have the previous owners contact details?
- What is he fed on? why?
- What is his daily routine?
- Is there anything he really doesn't like?
- What do you like best about him?
- Why does he have that bit/noseband/martingale?
- What's he like around other horses?
- How does he react at competitions/hunting? (if you are planning to compete/hunt)
- Is he happy to live in or out?
- Any previous medical conditions?

That's all I can think of at the moment. Hope this helps.