What should i ask when i go to see my maybe new share horse?

Question

im going to see a horse on friday, he is 14years old gelding and the advert made him sound really good. i will be sharing him 3 days a week.. but when i go on friday to make sure i like the horse and the owner likes me are there any questions i should ask? please help!

Answer 1

the other answers are great if you are going to buy a horse but you are going to share somebody Else's horse so how often he has seen the vet may be irrelevant.  first of all is he fully insured ask for a copy of the insurance so you can look at it in detail.  how much will you have to pay toward his keep and what does this cover. list everything that it covers and what it doesn't. what are the limits of use what days can you have him, will the owner be around or will you have full control on your days. how much notice will either party have to give to terminate contract. who is responsible for accident vet bills and are you responsible for illness vet bills. will you have use of his tack or will you have to get your own.  is it only you that can ride him and can you have lessons on him.  what routine does he have and will this fit in with your life.  what happens if you are ill or cannot make it for a valid reason.  then just make sure that the horse is good to handle and ride in all situations and that you get on with horse, owner and yard owner as you could spend a lot of time with them all. if this isn't the right horse or owner then keep looking lots of people need help.

Answer 2

It depends what you are going to want to do with him (or what you are allowed to do with him) but some things I ask when I've been to see horses are:

what level rider does he need?

is he good to hack out?

is he good in heavy traffic?

has he got any vices?

has he ever bucked or reared?

does he jump?

what is he like to tack up? (you will probably be able to see the owner doing this)

how long have you had him?

do you take him to shows? and what is he like there?

what are his stable manners like? (you will probably see this too)

when did he last go to the vet? and why was that?

Have a check over him for lumps and bumps...if you're really not sure about what to look for as regards to his health, take a vet or someone who does know to make sure that he is in good health.

You really need to check out whether he does the things that you want to do - if you want to go out hacking a lot, make sure he's good at that. If you like riding in the arena and doing schooling or jumping then ensure that he can do that.

Always try him before you say you will share him...if you darent ride him first, get the owner to ride him and watch, then have a go yourself.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

I would ask about the horse's background, any lameness issues, or health issues in general?  

See what your boundaries with the owner would be.  Are there things the owner absolutely doesn't want you to do with the horse?

Ask the owner what he/she would like to see happen with this partnership, is there anything they would like you to do?

Are you willing to help out with the horse?  Are they willing to let you help?

Would they be willing to allow you to take the horse places?

Stuff like that.  Good luck!!

Answer 4

Yes.  First, get a vet to check to horse over, and ask about any problems that might uncover.  Ask what the horse was previously used for.  Ask if he ever had lameness issues.  Ask what they have done with him previously, and if there is anything you cannot do with him.  Ask if you can take him to shows or on trail rides.  Ask why they are considering sharing him.  Go rub your hands all over him, and see how he responds.  If he doesn't move or act all skitterish, even on touchy spots like his back legs, you know he either A. He has a laid back personality, and won't get spooked easily or B.  He has been well trained to accept new and possibly scary things.  If the owner allows you to (if not, ask why not) bring a plastic bag and see how he responds to it (make sure you are in a fairly large area for this, in case he spooks).  See if you can take him on a test ride, and judge how well he responds to your cues, as well as how smooth his gaits are.  Ask any questions that come to mind.  Good luck!