What are good things to look for when buying a horse?

Question

I am looking into buying two horses, I've never actually owned any before but i've had quite a bit of experience with them. I was wondering what i should look for when buying/looking for the two horses. I know i should see if they get along well and what but what else do i need to know. What are some good ways to make sure they are healthy and how do i know that they are really "good" horses? are there any good ways to make sure they're healthy and should i try riding them to make sure they are well broke because i would need two gentle horses already broke to ride and that like humans. thanks for your help!

Answer 1

if you have never owned a horse b4 u really should start out with just one as it can be very costly and time consuming.One of the ways to see if the horse is healthy is to do a pre purchase inspection which is done by a vet and they will draw blood and do x rays which r very important!!!! and will tell you if the horse would be prone to future issues.Yes; absolutely ride the horse more than once because u will learn more about the animal the more time u spend with it. I don't know what type of breed u r looking for but that also makes adiiference as some horses are hot tempered and others are not. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Definitely ride first, actually one sure way is to start with a lease, get to know the horse...ask the owner to allow a 30 day lease so that the transition can be positive, the owner gets paid and you get to ride and check out the horse...

Bring a vet by to check the horse out during the 30 days.

If owner says no, maybe there is something they don't want you to see.

GL

Answer 3

if you dont know what to look for then you clearly arent ready for a horse

Answer 4

What you should look for is your trainer standing on one side of you and your vet standing on the other - it might cost you a bit now to pay for their help, but their knowledge will be invaluable! First time buyers get themselves into some absolutely horrible situations and often spend way too much money on totally unsuitable horses. Get help from a professional!

Answer 5

I would hire a local trainer to help you out. There are many things that could be wrong. And make sure to get a good vet check.

If you're going to be riding them, you definatley need to try them out.

It sounds like you should wait a little longer before you buy, it doesn't sound like you know what you're getting into.

Answer 6

can you touch the horse everywhere, in other words does it kick, or bite...ask the owner if the horse had any previous injuries that if you exercised the horse it might be alittle stiff at first...and also ask if it as had any "accidents" like a trailer accident or clipping accident...pretty much ask the owner everything...=D

Answer 7

You should look for:

1.friendly

2.not to lively

3.nice

4.safe

this doesnt really matter but i like cute horses.

Answer 8

1. Good teeth, it help in seeing if the horse is too old, or sick

2. Friendly, you need to make sure that the horses you get, especially if you put them in an outside pen, are good with children since they tend to run up and pet them.

3. Not to energetic. A very energetic horse will be a bit too harsh since they tend to want to gallop, and horse's can get very impatient.

4. Ride them to make sure they are broke, because sometimes a breeder will tell you that they are when they aren't.

5. Good strong back. Horse's with back problems tend to like to buck people off because it hurts too much.

6. Run your hand along the legs, neck, and back. If you feel alot of heat coming from one spot more than other's the horse may have had an injury and mabey unstable to ride. It also tell you that if you can and it doesn't bite, kick or buck, then you can handle it easier.

7. See if you can take a vet or a horse trainer with you. If you can't take someone who knows alot about horses.

8. Never buy a horse from a backyard that's full of; Garbage, p**p, or is over grazed since that indicates that the horse is being under cared for meaing that it is being ignored or not cared for properly so it may have some issues like weak legs, or even a weak back, because it could have gotton into something it shouldn't have.

9. If you come across a horse that is eating or drinking and has stuff coming out of its nose, DO NOT BUY, as it is a medical condition that cost thousands to fix.

10. And if you get a horse from a breeder make sure, that you are not over paying or under paying, for it, a 3-4 year old horse should be around 2 or 3 thousand while a yearling would be around 4 tousand and an older horse would be around a thousand, if you pay over a the amount for it, you are being cheated out of your money, and if you are paying under it will most likely have some medical problems that need to be taken care of.

I hope this helps!!!!

Answer 9

well theres actually alot you need to ask the owner questions like:

Is it compatible with other horses?

Has it had any health problems?

Does is bite?

Does it spook easily?

Does it load in a trailer?

Can you easily catch it?

Does it kick,buck,rear,fight the bit,turn easily?

and alot more  watch the horse walk, trot, canter, stop, turn, and see if it responds well.

Answer 10

First of all go by your gut feeling when you meet the horse. This always never fails me. Then you have to be practical. There are some other points to be taken into consideration.

1.   How does he react when you go up to him? Does he put back his ears and go to the back of the stable?

2.   How does he look in confirmation? Depending on what your interests are is he able to preform the disciplines you would be thinking of doing. Don't forget in a couple of years you may be thinking of tougher competitions etc. Take someone along with you to judge this if you are at all doubtful.

3.   Has he any vices? Not always a deterrent depending on price but I don't think I would invest in a crib biter as it is harder and more expensive to keep him in good condition. Also it is soul destroying to watch. Things like kicking also I would avoid for obvious reasons.

I have a horse with a whistle when I first bought him and he was scoped but it has never bothered him except when he is too fat and that is my fault. The seller is bound by law to inform you of these things.

4.   When you first go to see them are they tied up or in a stable. If so find out if he can be caught easily. A terrible affliction to have to spend an hour or more attempting  to catch a horse

5. If you like him ask for a trial period so that you can get to know him better. Having a ride is necessary of course but things can change when you move him away from his safe spot.

6.  Is he easy to box? Hack out on the roads? Try tacking up yourself. Don't be afraid of being watched by the seller. You won't look silly.  The seller will probably want someone to show you the horse being ridden to impress you but don't forget this may be a very experienced person who is familiar with the horse riding around a familiar place and jumping familiar jumps. Then ask to ride yourself.   Be confidant and sure. Lead him around for a little then get up. Is his ride comfortable does he feel lame at all will he go forward well. You can school him yourself so don't worry if he can't do movements like half pass just make sure he is not afraid of everything. Try to pass a bag or something on the ground. Ask How is he with dogs? Don't worry about doing too much with him just a walk trot and little canter. you won't even have to jump if you don't feel like it as you probably have already been shown that he can or can't jump. Just make sure that he feels even and comfortable to ride.

7.   Is he healthy? Look at his coat his eyes and his legs. Any bumps of lumps?  Does his coat look a good colour and shiny. If it's winter with you he may have a thick coat and be covered with mud so don't worry about this. Are his ears pricking forward at you / at things / movement in the distance. Does he seem interested in things or afraid? Pick up his feet and examine his hooves. Do they have strong ridges or are they broken up a bit. (Supliments can sort some problems out) How do his feet stand on the cement? Are they even? Is he boxy or too flat?? All this matters for what ever you need him for.

8.  If you decide you like him say you want a week or 2 with him and what is the least he would let him go for. If the seller thinks you are starstruck the price will go up so don't let on you are.

9.   Finally when you have decided get a vet to come and vet him. Do this BEFOre you take him on trial. I know it costs but really if there is something bad wrong you have begun to know him and it makes handing him back so much harder. Find out if he is the age you were led to believe. years ago I bought a horse and was told he was rising 4 when he was 2 &1/2. It is easy at the other scale too to buy a horse that is far too old and you have years of minding him with out the years of fun too. Don't forget that from the moment you buy your horses you can forget having any spare money around unless you are one of the lucky rich horse people!!!

Don't forget if you can't make up your mind if you want to buy him or not you probably shouldn't.  Good luck with your searching. I hope you find the right 2 horses.

Answer 11

You should take someone with you who is educated on conformation, and you should have a pre purchase vet exam done including x rays of hooves and joints, flex tests and watching the horse move on a longe line.  You, or a trainer, should ride the horse and evaluate it before you purchase it.  The money you spend to do this up front is well spent...it could save you thousands over time.

Answer 12

look for solid horses, that dont pin their ears back a lot, with good confrimation. try taking a vet or get a vet check before you officially purchase them. definately ride them first!

Answer 13

a healthy looking animal, be sure to check its teeth so you know its not too old or sick. ask the person seling it if they can trot it around a bit so you can see if it limps or has any walking problems.