What questions too ask about seeing youngster

B

brown tack

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 February 2011
Messages
1,121
Visit site
Well I'm off to view a youngster tonight, and just thinking of some questions to ask.

I'm thinking what's he like to
Pick up feet,
Lead
Load
Stable
Rug
Has he seen traffic
Breeding
Exact age
Estimated height
Height of dam, sire
Farrier

This horse is 2, and I've been told that he hasn't been bitted, or and equipment hasnt been used on him yet. So is a real blank sheet, just what I'm after.

But anything else to add?
 
Also (very important) what worming programme has he been on - some friends of mine paid a lot for a very well bred welshie only to have him die later from problems caused/exacerbated by the damage caused by a massive early worm burden.

Also any stable vices (if ever stabled) and any problems like mites/sweet itch/lami. Probably not but sellers only have to tell you the truth, not volunteer the info. Same question re the dam and sire.

Also what its been eating to date.
 
As far as I'm aware he has been thrown out with a small group of youngsters all summer, unsure of what the winter arrangements were. I did a drive by (allowed too) and they all seemed very well mannered, and in good condition,no obs conformation faults.

I know there was something to add, worming, sweet itch, stable vices must remember that.

Ohh and jabs too.

Anything else?
 
lachlanandmarcus said:
Also (very important) what worming programme has he been on - some friends of mine paid a lot for a very well bred welshie only to have him die later from problems caused/exacerbated by the damage caused by a massive early worm burden.

Also any stable vices (if ever stabled) and any problems like mites/sweet itch/lami. Probably not but sellers only have to tell you the truth, not volunteer the info. Same question re the dam and sire.

Also what its been eating to date.
Click to expand...

That's sure a shame for your friend, poor pony!
 
BigRed said:
Ask to see his passport.
Click to expand...

Yes, thank you.

I generally forget to ask one or two things, then call up as soon as I've left! Hopefully I won't have a blonde moment tonight :D

I think it will help that I've already seen him so got a few questions in mind already that I've mulled over, when nornmally I'd ring back about them.
 
Write yourself a list and take it with you. Ask to physically see the passport and make sure the breeding they are claiming is actually recorded in the passport. Make sure he has been chipped and ask to see the paperwork.
 
BigRed said:
Write yourself a list and take it with you. Ask to physically see the passport and make sure the breeding they are claiming is actually recorded in the passport. Make sure he has been chipped and ask to see the paperwork.
Click to expand...


If it's only two and actually has a passport then it should have been chipped at the time the sketch was done and this will be marked down in the passport with the barcode as passports can't now be issued without a chip done at the same time. If it's not, dodgy.

Ask to see it free, gives you a far better idea of conformation and movement than if held on a rope or lunged.
Note its general demeanor, is it kind or a barrel of nerves. You can forgive nerves if it's not used to being handled but you shouldn't forgive a dodgy temperament.
 
Ears.

My new boy is very nervy about you touching his ears. His breeder stated that this was because the Vet who microchipped him, ear-twitched him. This is not a problem because you can headcollar him if you are careful to not touch his ears. It could have been a big problem if I hadn't been made aware of it and accidently touched an ear when doing up his headcollar. I'm sure that with patience, he will come round in time.
 
def see it loose and being caught also have a good look at confirmation and temperament. ask to see passport and also dam if it has been homebred and dam is available. taker it for a wee walk in hand yourself and it will give you a feel about it manners etc. i wouldn't expect it to have done much like bitting traffic etc unless it has been shown in hand. pick up its feet
 
annaellie said:
Whenever I've gone to look at youngsters I've always asked to see them loose in the school to get an idea if movement.
Click to expand...

Lol - if you were coming to see my youngster you have to ask to see him chased as he doesn't really volunteer movement of anykind except to follow me about ! Loose in the school = just more standing about - he's supposed to be a sports horse, he's just very laid back
 
When I saw him yesterday he well in fact they all were very relaxed, and well mannered. Could touch ears etc and when sat on gate he came up be me and then came up aside me, as if you were getting on. I lent over and rubbed his back, put a little weight on. It didn't bother him. Seemed to be more intrested in my coat, which was on the gate.

I'm really exited about the viewing. He seems a lovely sort.

He came to call too. Just hope I don't find anything wrong tonight

Do you think it would be ok ask him to come away from his peers, if h hasn't been away from them all summer?

Don't know if that is too much of a ask of him being so young. But I don't want a horse that gets attached to easily. Done that, got the t shirt, hat and jumper!
 
I would also ask about what his parents have done and their previous history in competing/tempremant etc. I would also ask if they can show you any pictures of sisters/brothers half brother/half sisters, this is only a rough idea as I know they can all change!

I'm glad the first viewing went well and I dont think its too much to ask for him to be taken away just take this viewing with a pinch of salt as it may not always show their true colours if he hasn't been away form them all summer or it could show you how relaxed and chilled he is if he doesn't bother! If he does react it will also allow you to see how he is being handled or how he will react to the people around him when highly strung.

Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top