What questions when answering an advert

sally87

sally87

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What questions should you ask when phoning up about a horse advertised for sale?

It *might* be relevant tonight...

Thanks

Sally
 
This is what the advert says, not mine so not advertising!

natured cob gelding, nice paces, jumps with scope, Hacks out both alone and with others very,very good in traffic.Will take the lead or go at the back.

Super fun cob with alot of potential. We really like this cob! He is very willing and trainable. Ridden in a french link fulmar. A pleasure to work with and have on the yard.

Please no beginners.

MicrochippedPassported/worming (had worming injection) farrier newly shod 13.09.2010 good to hot shoe)

Open to any vetting. No lumps or bumps. Riding Instructors Trainers most welcome
 
Just going to add a few suggestions for questions otherwise ill be here all night!

Age and height!

What traffic has it seen? Very good in traffic could mean its only seen cars!

Flu/Tetnus vacc?

What height jumping? Seen fillers? Water? Ditches?
 
Age, height, experience? What has he done, to what level? Forward going? (Why "no beginners"?) Colour, how long have they had him, ridden by whom, why selling? Any previous health/lameness issues? What is like to handle/ in the stable? Any vices?

If they haven't had him long, what is his history, and why did they buy him?

Some questions may seen very obvious, but I would want to know so much more than the advertisement! Having said that, I've probably forgotten something REALLY basic ;)
 
Why is he being sold?

Has he lived in or out?

Has he competed?

I'd want a life history really, what's he been doing up until now? They could say he has nice paces and jumps with scope because he displays both of these qualities at liberty, but he could have never actually popped a pole ridden, let alone gone out competing. Obviously he could also be competing 2'6 classes and doing prelim dressage tests, and the description would still be accurate
 
Is it sound (wind and limb).
Does it have any vices/nap/buck/rear.
Does it have good stable manners - good to shoe, clip, load etc.
Why are you selling him - do they know his history - has he been to shows etc if so what was he like?
Does he live in or out? What is he like with other horses when he is turned out (bullies are a nightmare!).
Is he good in all traffic - ie buses and articulated lorries - and is he spooky out hacking? (He may be traffic proof but will he jump into the path of No.76 to avoid a leaf at the side of the road!

Basically - you need to decide what is important to you - and ask questions that will help you decide if this horse is suited to you and your situation. Then you are not likely to waste your or the sellers time trying something that isn't suited to you!!
 
All the questions the others have listed and:

Why do they say no beginners? (is he not a novice ride? If so why not? What does he do?)

Why are they selling him? (can be a good clue as to what he is like, or it might be due to uni/finances/baby/ill health. I've been told things like needs more work than I can give him or he's too big for me and they can be quite telling)
 
Is it this horse?

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all_rounder_horse_5_yrs_14_2_hh_blue_roan_south_yorkshire/advert/125223

He looks a nice sort. However, it is a trade advertiser so reasons for sale go out of the window for that. You may want to ask how long they have had him and who had him before/where they got him from. Judging by the video he looks fairly green still which is probably why they say no beginners. Remember that the person riding probably rides day in day out and loads of different types. Can't put my finger on it, but not sure about the trot action, but that may just be the angle and you would be able to see better in real life. If you do go and see him, make sure you take someone experienced with you. Good luck!
 
yes thats him. sorry missed out height/ age/ colour bit of the ad! small piece of vital info! thanks for the ideas, some i had thought of, others not. the no beginners thing did stand out for me, but i suppose there is no harm in going for a look & then deciding if it is too much for me but i should ask first because if its a regular bucker or bolter i dont want to waste the petrol! I would definately take someone more experienced with me before i bought, & get vet to look too. ooo im excited!
 
bertthefrog said:
They might be dealers - or have bought him to sell on, which may have implications with the sale if you like him.
Click to expand...

can i ask what implications these are? i think it is a dealer

also nikicb do you think his trot is indicative of being unsound or just not a particularly well striding horse for no underlying reason? i think his trot looks short striding but i would get the vet to check anyway
 
sally87 said:
can i ask what implications these are? i think it is a dealer

also nikicb do you think his trot is indicative of being unsound or just not a particularly well striding horse for no underlying reason? i think his trot looks short striding but i would get the vet to check anyway
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Ok, please understand I am no expert, just someone who has had horses for a long time, but these are my thoughts.....

There is nothing wrong with buying a horse from a dealer, but bear in mind that is how they make money and they will want a sale. You will obviously come across good dealers and bad dealers. I have no knowledge of the dealer selling this horse and I have no reason to believe this dealer is anything other than genuine, but you could ask if anyone else does know of them and ask them to PM you with any details. Always go in with your eyes open, make sure you take an experienced person with you, try the horse on more than one occasion, and be very strong about walking away if it is not the one for you. A good dealer should help you and while the horse you go to see may not be the right one, they may be able to find another that is.

Also be aware that anyone riding the horse for you before you get on board is experienced in presenting a horse for sale and will be able to cover up any quirks etc. far better than most private sellers can. In fact in my experience, most private sellers will be as concerned about checking you out in terms of being the right home as you are in making sure that the horse is right for you.

In terms of the trot, I don’t really know, but to my eyes it just looks a bit ‘stuffy’, not even sure it is unlevel, but the ‘rhythm’ just looks slightly off in front. It may because it is a cob (sorry not much experience of cobs, don’t dislike, just never had one), or the surface, or the video. It certainly looks fine in walk and canter and he has a nice ‘pop’ on him. I’m reluctant to pass judgement on such a short piece of film, but I would advise you to have any horse you buy vetted (5 stage). Nothing beats seeing the horse in real life, and if you are serious about buying, you need to get out there and see what’s on offer.

I will say that he does still look quite green (understandably as he is only young), and I think from your previous posts you were looking for a confidence giver as you have spent some time away from horses/ownership. You may want to look at something with a couple more years’ experience. If I was nearer to you I would happily come along with you – nothing better than horse shopping especially with someone else's money!
 
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I would be looking out for the bit choice.

Is he leaning? Why the fulmers? How much does he set his neck and tank off when he fancies it??

I only say that, as my girl is in a french link fulmer for Hunting as she has a habit of leaning occasionally and turning away from what she fancies cannn be a problem (Thank fully i intersperce it with a loose ring french link sometimes) Mind you - French link on my girl because of her fleshy mouth - so it might not be a leaning thing!

I would ask if he has seen hounds - (he might be a bit young) - Did he come from ireland or anything??

Ask if he is lunged with any 'gizmos' - Be it a pessoa, side reins, or chambon - Might give you an idea.

Good luck!
 
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