Buying first horse...need to know what to look for?

Question

I am going to buy my first horse soon, and I need to know what I should look out for, in case some person is trying to take advantage of selling me one that is on its last leg for a high price. Do I need to ask if its had any shots lately, or anything of that matter? I have riding experience and we have plenty of acres for the horse. So please just tell me what kind of things I should ask the horse owner before I buy it. Thanks!

Answer 1

Definitely ask them about health problems and get a vet to look to make sure he is telling the truth.  Also look at the way he walks and see if he is lame.  Test ride him to see if you like how he rides. You can also hire someone professional to tell you if it is a good buy or not! that is what i am planning on doing :)

have fun with your new horse!!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Well if you can I would ask for a week trial at your barn if possible because some , not all mind you, will sometimes drug a high strung horse so that while you try it out it doesn't look crazy. You should ask for its past medical records, ask if its coggins are up to date as well as its vaccines. If you really like the horse then you will want to have a vet check done to make sure that there isn't anything wrong with the horse. I would also ask people around the barn where the horse is kept how it acts during the day and if they have ever seen it ridden how does it go. If you can't get the week trial at your place then just make lots of visits to try it out. Or just drop by after your first visit and check him/her out. Also if I were you I would ask to be able to brush it and saddle it up yourself so that you learn whether it doesn't like its feet picked up or if it is bad about its girth being done up.

Answer 4

Shots, vet check, teeth floated, last hoof trimming/shoeing.  Ask to see the receipts for these.  When you find a horse that you like and want to buy.  Make an offer conditional on a satisfactory vet check.  Then have your vet (not their vet), check out the horse thoroughly before you buy it.  Make sure they test for lameness, coggins test, check teeth, etc.  NEVER EVER buy a horse without a full vet check first.  It's worth the money.