Before enquiring about a horse that is advertised for sale make a list of questions to ask the seller and have this list to hand together with a pen to write down the answers when calling about the horse. This can help to further ascertain if the horse is suitable before arranging to view the horse.
The advert should normally include details of the horse's height, breed, age, sex, colour and price but if any of these details are missing ask the seller when making an enquiry about the horse.
Other questions to ask the seller are:
The Horse's Health
- Has the horse ever suffered any injuries or illnesses?
- Are the horse's flu and tetanus vaccinations up-to-date?
- Has the horse any vices (eg weaving, crib-biting, windsucking or box walking)?
- When was the last time the horse had its teeth checked by a vet or dentist?
The Horse's Temperament
- What is the horse's temperament like generally?
- Does it ever get excitable and if so, in what circumstances?
- Is the horse good to catch?
- Is the horse good to load in a lorry and trailer?
- Is the horse good to clip?
- Is the horse good with the farrier?
- Does the horse get on well with other horses when turned out and when being ridden in company?
The Horse's Care
- Is the horse normally kept at grass or stabled?
- Is the horse kept with other horses in single sex or mixed sex herds when at grass?
- Is the horse shod?
Riding The Horse
- When was the horse backed?
- How experienced is the horse?
- What is the horse like to ride? Is it forward going, excitable, strong or quiet, calm, sensible, etc?
- Does the horse ever nap?
- Would the seller describe the horse as suitable for a novice or experienced rider?
Hacking
- Is the horse well behaved when hacking out?
- Does the horse hack out happily alone as well as in the company of other horses?
- Is the horse good in traffic?
- How often is the horse hacked out at present and is this alone or in company?
Schooling
- How much schooling has the horse had?
- How often is the horse schooled at present?
Competition Record
- What disciplines has the horse competed in and at what level?
- How many times has the horse competed and how recently?
- How many horses entered the classes and did the horse get placed?
The Price
- Does the price include any tack? If not, is the tack available to buy separately?
- Does the price include any rugs and other equipment? If not, is this available to buy separately?
- Is the price negotiable?
Other Questions
- How long has the seller had the horse?
- Why is the seller selling the horse?
- Is the horse freeze marked or microchipped?
- Does the horse have a passport? (It is illegal to sell a horse over 6 months of age without a passport.)
- What is the horse's breeding?
- Would the seller be prepared to offer the horse on a trial period?
Take time to review the answers to the questions before deciding if the horse sounds suitable enough to ring back and arrange a viewing.
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