Just saw an ad on a local pony~when I talk to the owners, what should I ask?

Question

I have called already & left a message. The ad says 12 yo, gelding, gentle, quiet, rides well, great kids horse. Here's my questions I've thought of to ask.

Is it for a beginner?

Good feet?

What they feed him.

Any special needs or ailments?

Has it ever had founder issues?

Any buck or bite?

"Bomb proof" (or close anyway)

Bad habits or vices

Barn/buddy sour?

Does he stand well for saddling/mounting/bathing/farrier?

UTD on vaccines and deworming and farrier?

Is the price negotiable?

That's all I can think of. Is there anything else I should ask before considering the 3 hr drive to try the pony?

Thanks!

Answer 1

How about if they can email you pictures or a video?  The best way to find things out about a horse is to go look at it.  So ask all these questions and hopefully the person will be honest with you, however you will not know most of things for sure until you have seen the pony.  See if they will let you take the pony on trial, offer to put insurance on it to cover if anything goes wrong.  A trial is the best way to determine the stregths and weaknesses of a pony.  Ask about injuries, has he ever been vetted before?  Does he have any x-rays or radiographs?  If you look at the pony and decide he is the one you want have them release his vet records so you can see if he has ever had any injuries or issues that required vet attention.  Has he ever been shown?  If so is he in the ribbons?  If he is a hunter pony, is he stronger on the flat or over fences?  Don't ask if the price is negotiable until after you have looked at the pony, this turns buyers off and makes them think you are not as intrested.  See if he will work out before you worry about haggling the price.    

Try to sound proffesional on the phone and confident.  Don't give away that you are extremely intrested or disintrested by a certain answer the owner gives you.  No matter what the price of the pony is have a prepurchase done, it will safe you pain and heartache in the end if there turns out to be something wrong with the pony.

Answer 2

Hi there. Don't forget to ask

How he loads and trailers?

Easy to catch?

Stand still for mounting?

Easy to deworm?

Answer 3

Are the children able to handle the pony on their own, can he be easily caught, tied up, groomed and feed tended to.

Does he shy at things.

When was the last time someone fell off this pony - people are surprisingly honest if directly asked. What caused this etc.

Does he tie up well, will he tie up to the float if you take him out.

Does he ever rear up - even if it is only when trying to get on a float it would still show a tendancy to pull back and rear if pushed when ridden.

What height, what weight rider has he been carrying (clues if only little riders are riding him, he may have back issues).

How old were your children when they started on him and finished.

Feet in good condition.

Does any gear come with him.

Take all the children if you go and look, he needs to be quiet for the whole family, lead him past things that you think may be scary. Get another rider to ride him first. Try going down the road, if its quiet enough or lane etc. Take him past a parked car etc.

Best of luck, I just sold a beautiful little man in the weekend. Still heartbroken today...

Answer 4

Something I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is where you will keep him. Is he kept out in a pasture or in a stall? Does he do fine in either, or does he act up in a stall, get nervous in pasture ect.

Answer 5

Has he ever raced? (racing can lead to arthritis)

Is he on any supplements?

Is he allergic to anything?

See if they have any videos so you can watch him

Answer 6

Ask if he will  load and travel well?  Easy keeper?  Too easy of a keeper?(big problem with ponies)  Has he been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome?

I'd prefer one that does go on leg cues...far superior and less likely to be a problem with reining...all horses should respond first to legs, and then to reins.  Your kids should learn some horsemanship if they are going to ride, right?  Anyway, yes neck reining would be a good thing as well...take an experienced rider/owner with you to evaluate the pony.  Ideally, have a pre- purchase exam done as well.  It is worth every penny.  How experienced are you?  A pony is not like a kitten...someone should have some knowledge and experience before putting children on one.

Answer 7

I would ask them how long they have had him, what they have used him for and why they are selling him.

good luck!

Answer 8

Is he pushy when you are going through a gate

Does he crib

How is he with outher horses

How is he with puttig blankets on

Does he go in a stall

Does he pick up his feet when asked

Does he move around a lot when you are grooming

Does he mind Clippers

Does he cross ties

Does he mind having his feet  picked

Does he mind balankets or a saddle being put on

Does he mind Baths/water being on him

Does he mind being sprayed with stuff

Is he pushy when walking him...

That's all i could think of for right now