I'm going to look at a horse tomorrow - what questions do I need to be asking?

Question

She's a 3 year old cob who has been backed and then turned away for a few months. I already have a big list of things I want to ask such as previous illnesses/injury's, the level of her schooling to date, vaccines, etc.

She's going to be my second horse (I had a bad accident with my first - a rescue tb who ended up being well beyond me). On my own I wouldn't take on a youngster but I have several very experienced friends and my sister is going to help and school her for a few months for me and then teach me with her. I'm happy that with the support and help of friends I am able to safely take her on.

Anything else I need to be asking when I go to see her tomorrow?

Answer 1

Why are the current owners selling her? After spending a lot of time and money on raising and training her it seems odd that just as they can get something back from her she is to be passed on. Or are they dealers?

Make sure when trying you see her being tacked up and led away from the stables. Ask for her to be ridden alone and in company, and watch as the accompanying horse is taken away. Ask to see her in traffic.

When you get her vetted, also get a blood test done just to be sure she's not on Bute or is under mild sedation. If you are getting her on loan the sedation part is not a problem as this would wear off after a while.

Ask to see her being led an loaded. Pick all feet up and scratch her under the belly. Throw a rug over her - everything you can think of to test her temperament.

I can understand your hesitation on taking on a youngster, but very often it is better to have a slightly raw baby as an older animal that has already developed bad habits.

Good Luck and I hope you get a little sleep!!

Answer 2

Don't forget to ask if it has been regularly wormed, and when it was last wormed. Check hooves and feet and legs to make sure there are no foot problems, in particular look for any swelling of the legs, and how the horse stands, make sure there is no resting of the feet or legs, as this could show the onset of laminitus. Make sure that the horse is not overweight especially if it has been turned out. Make sure too about its temperament, and that it is not headshy.If it is headshy it could well indicate that it is not used to having its head collar on, this will make it difficult to catch, and that it may not have been treated correctly. Take note of the way it is run up. Ask the owner to run it up to see what its gait is like, and to make sure it is not lame, and whether it dishes or is cow toed. Dishing is not too bad, but it does cost more in shoes if you are going to do road work with it in the future.

Answer 3

these aren't necesarily questions to ask but these are a few tips for when you go to see her. sorry it so long.

1. when you're done trying her out/riding/whatever ask to take off her halter. untie it but don't take it off her head. if she stands there then she like humans and has been well treated. if she pulls away she is probably the opposite and you will likely have some problems with her listening to you or catching her from a pasture.

2. to make sure she isn't drugged when you first meet her walk around her or ask someone with you to randomly wave their hands and see if her eyes follow you as you walk or if she watches the person waving their hands. this isn't as sure as getting a blood test but its easier, cheaper, and quick.

3. i don't know if you would have the time but while she is at her owners house (so shes used to the evironment) try teaching her some new simple skill, such as a different method for backing up. this will test her smarts as well as her methods of showing anger/confusion. if she is ussually asked to back up by say pushing on her chest then try pushing on her nose. watching how she responds can give you excellent insight into her personality and compatibility with you.

4. simply ask to walk her around. her behavior is important but more important is if you feel comfortable. my mom had a bad fall too and when we were looking for a new horse she simply didn't feel safe near some of them, she would start to get tense and stuff. they were great horses but she had confidence problems. we finally found a gelding that she felt confident with. if you don't feel completely confident with this filly don't be too quick to write it off to other things. its a big decision to make and you should be absolutely sure about it. if you dont feel right at home with her than i wouldn't get her.

5. ask the owner what her biggest problem is or was (and in that case what he/she did about it).

6. explore the land where she was kept. checking the stabling and fencing, it can show how much the owner cares about and treats their horses.

7. because of her age this probably may not apply to her but it is very useful. gently rub your hands under and to the sides of her mouth. it should be soft. if there are calluses than someone used to (or still does) use a bit hard when they are riding. Calluses can mean you will have problems with riding.

hope this helped and goodluck!  

Answer 4

Be sure to ask about all vices!..and be specific, if you ask, they have to tell you. Ask if shes registered and if she will be coming with the papers. Ask if she is girthy or cold backed, or if she has any other "quirks". Ask how she is for vet, farrier, clipping, pulling mane, etc... you want to make sure she doesnt have to be sedated for simple tasks. Be sure you brush and tack her up yourself (so you can see how she responds to you, plus notice any sensitive spots on her). Be sure you pick up her feet and such. Make sure someone else rides the horse before you, then try her out yourself.

You'll also want to make sure you get a prepurchase exam!!!

Good Luck going to look at her!!!

Answer 5

you must ask if she has ever given birth/bred.

You should also make sure if she has any papers to get them

good luck!

Answer 6

I think you need to be extremely candid about your experience level and ask honestly if they would find the horse suitable for their daughter, if she had your level of experience.

You should take your experienced friends with you for the trials, and your sister.

It's very, very easy to fall in love with a look or a story and end up way over your head, as you well know.

Good luck and don't be afraid to take advantage of the experience to which you have access.

Answer 7

Sorry its long but its worth asking for more details if you think they dont give enough.

Age?

Temperament?

Height?

Cost?

s*x?  

Colour?

How experienced is the horse?

Has the horse ever had any injuries/ illness?

Does the horse demonstrate any stereotypical behaviours (I.E weaving, crib-biting, box walking)?

Does the horse have any conformational faults?

What is the horse like hacking, in traffic alone, and in company?

What is an average routine for the horse?

How does the horse behave with other horses, both when ridden and turned out?

Does the horse have a passport?

What is the horse’s breeding?

Is the horse registered/ eligible for registration?

Are tack and rugs included in the price?

Is the horse vaccinated, what with and are these up to date? What is the horse like to load, catch and clip?

How does the horse behave with the farrier and the vet?

How long have you owned the horse?

Where did you get the horse?

Has the horse ever suffered from laminitis or sweet itch?

Is the horse shod?

Is the horse in full work?

When was the last time the horse was ridden?

How does the horse behave at shows/ competitions?

Would you class the horse as a novice/ experienced ride?

Good luck!  :)

Answer 8

Your already doing what is right, by asking all History on this Horse. I actually keep a folder on my horses. Vaccinations, Hoof care. And Health. Age of Birth.

Most important. Behavior Habits. Easy or Hard Keeper.

Does this Horse shie easy. The reason I take on younger Horses, is because I know, that no bad habits had time to settle in, which can help you become the Herd Leader of

your new Horse.

Perhaps you can work on your confidence of riding again. I know because after a Trauma I had from breaking just about every bone in my body, and now disable from a horse that had a Habit of laying on people, which can happen. one in a thousand. I regained my confidence. After much rehabilitation and My Doctors Permission, I am back in the saddle, after my Son bought me a Paint Mare for this Mothers day! It's like being born again, and the Sun coming back out. But Please work on your Confidence. Make sure this is going to be a Gentle and safe Horse, with no bad Habits and you will be the Herd Leader, with a safe and dependable Horse that depends on you. He will be relax and contented, wherever you should ride, after his Training. Because he will rely upon you to make sure he is safe!

Good Luck!

Answer 9

Find out who the vet is and ask the owner if you can speak with the vet...get it in writing because some vets will not disclose information without written consent from the owner.  You can find out more health info that way.

Ask about which farrier is used and talk to him about how frequently he has trimmed the horse, etc. and ask him how the horse stands for him.

Find out what kind of bit she's used to and if she has been ridden English, Western or both.

There are some things you might just want to take note of and not necessarily have to ask about:  if she is already up and ready when you go to see her, it COULD mean she is difficult to catch or to tack up.  This isn't necessarily the case, but I have know sellers to hide how difficult a horse is to work with by having the horse ready to ride when the prospective buyer gets there.

Look at the horse's feet and move on to the ankles and knees if everything is looking okay.  Check for heat in the feet and knees.  See how easily the horse picks up her feet and how well she stands tied while you look at her.

Ride her at least 3 times before buying her if at all possible and drop in unannounced and ask to see her where you can observe the inetraction between the horse and the current owner.

Ask about vaccinations, Coggins papaers and health certificates and find out if she's registered and what you would have to do to transfer ownership.  Sorry, you already mentioned vaccines.

Answer 10

insurance cost a lot of money too look after horse!

Answer 11

Make sure you ask if she has any vices whatsoever.  Whether they're in her stall, on the ground, undersaddle, everything.  Make sure that you check everything.  Pick up all of her feet, rub your hand down her back and make sure she's not sore or anything of the sort.  Do a full inspection to the best of your ability.  Or call your vet and set up an appointment for him/her to come look at her.  If they person you're buying the horse from, doesnt want your ferrier/vet to come look at her then you should be hesitant.

Good Luck! I hope she works out for you!

Answer 12

if it has had any injury's  

Answer 13

What if you and the horse find each other is not a good match a month down the road?  is the seller making any arrangements for such a situation?  (3o day trials, money back, etc)

A 3 year old horse of any breed and discipline is awfully young for any inexperienced rider to take on.  They have the minds of a 10 year old child - not really able to focus for long on one thing, they are still growing a lot physically - all in all, they must constantly be handled by someone who knows all affects of interaction with them.  I would suggest that your friends and relatives who are very good and have experience starting young horses get involved with you and she immediately from the get go - no matter what the seller tells you, the proper thing to do with such a horse is start training from the ground up with join up, ground work and the basics before getting on to determine her mental status.

Watch for a seller to push you, beward of those who tell you only good things about her- they SHOULD tell you both what's great about her and what needs work with her.  All horses, just like people have strengths and weaknesses - you should know both about this prospective horse.

You should be given the opportunity to ride it, be shown what cues it's been given and taught an overview of what it's been taught so far in her career.

Ask about all vetting, what feed and quality hay she gets, has she been trained to accept trimming, bathing, trailering, blanketing, fly spraying?  

Think about what you do every step of the way every day with your current horse - ask all questions about whether this horse has been trained to accept these things or not.  You need to know also whether she will interact well with your current horse(s) - is she dominant or submissive?  Has she been turned out with other horses or kept alone?  Is she herd bound or has she been trained to be a confident horse?  What type of training has she had to build her confidence and belay spooking?

There's probably a hundred more questions that I don't have time or space to list here.  Good luck.