Everything for
horse & rider

Buying a horse is not like buying a new car, you cannot take it back (or are very unlikely to be able to) if it is not the right horse for you. Therefore, it is essential that you ask the right questions to find out as much as you can before buying any horse. To help you make the best choice for you we have collated a list of important question to ensure you make an informed decision.

 

• How long have you had the horse? – if an owner is selling a horse soon after having bought him it can be a big red warning light that something about the horse is not right i.e. health, unacceptable behaviour in common situations etc.
• Why are you selling him?
• Where did you get him? For experienced horse handlers the prospect of taking on a rescued horse may not be as daunting and they will be aware of the types of behavioural issues that the horse may demonstrate.
• How old is the horse?
• What are his breeding credentials? You may want to take this into consideration if you are planning to breed from this horse or compete in larger competitions.
• What experience and competition history does this horse have? Does he have experience of younger or older riders and how does he react to them? Is he a show jumper or hunt horse or has he always been simply a companion or family pet? This may give you some indication as to how much exercise the horse is used to and requires.
• Does the horse have a current and valid passport?  Ask to see it.  If you are buying from a dealer then make a note of the previous owner’s name and address and contact them. Ask them all of the above questions.   If the dealer is reputable he will not object.

 

• What feed is he currently on and does he require any supplements?
• Does he have any allergies at all? For instance, some horses are allergic to fly bites which can cause severe skin problems if left untreated and the horse is not protected against. This may be a financial consideration you will have to think about if you are on a tight budget.
• Has he ever been lame and if so why?
• Has he ever suffered from conditions such as laminitis, sweat itch or mud fever?
• Has he ever had colic?
• If you are considering buying a mare, has she ever had a foal and what is her behaviour like when she comes into season? Some mares become moody and unpredictable for a few days when they come into season, even antagonising other horses so it is best to be aware of this and prepare in advance wherever possible.
• How does he react to the dentist and farrier?
• When was the last time he had his teeth checked and has he ever had problems with his teeth? One of the first signs that your horse is unwell can be mouth problems for many illnesses and ailments. It is essential your horse has regular dental check ups.
• How often have you had to consult a vet in the last three years and why?
• Are there any exclusions listed on your horse insurance? Ongoing issues with the horse may increase premiums or result in no cover at all for certain conditions which means that you will be entirely responsible for any vet bills relating to these exclusions.

 

• Are there any behavioural issues with the horse? A nervous or flighty horse may not be suitable for an inexperienced rider.
• How does the horse cope with traffic, crowds and loud noises?
• Does the horse travel well?
• How is the horse used to travelling? i.e. lorry or trailer and will he stand on his own and remain calm for the journey? Transporting a nervous horse or one which does not travel well can be dangerous for everyone including other motorists, yourself and the horse.
• How does he cope with being left out for periods of more than 24 hours?
• Is the horse independent or does he require company? Some horses are more social than others and do require the companionship of other horses in order to remain stimulated, calm and obedient.
• Are there any issues when riding the horse? He may not like certain types of bit, for instance, which can affect his concentration and increase irritability.

 

• Does the price include any tack or equipment?
• What bits does the horse prefer?
• Is there any special tack or equipment required for the horse?
• Do you need to wear spurs and can you use a schooling whip on this horse? Some horses react badly to one or both of these being used and so it is best to find this out before you try to use them.
• What is the horse like at competitions?  Some horses find the whole experience of competitions overwhelming and can become spooked with cameras, large crowds etc. In some cases they can even buck, rear or nap and so you might have to work on maintaining levels of calm, gradually building up to the bigger events or working with a horse bahviouralist.

 

Obviously, you will have your own questions that you want to ask any seller but hopefully those listed above will give you some food for thought and help you to find the right equine companion for you!