Im getting ready to buy a horse and I'm waiting for the owner to call me back. What are some good questions?

Question

I know to ask about why they are selling, expenses such as vetting and ferrier, food.
what else should i ask. i know theres a lot more and this is my first time buying. any help would be AWESOME! thanks!

He will just be a trail horse. here is the add if it helps..
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad119441

Answer 1

You are right to ask why they are selling the horse..
does it have any vices?
was it shown?
any special feeding needs?
how long have they owned the horse?
(if not long, do they know it's history)
is it registered? (a GOOD way to go!!)
how does it get along with other horses...animals....people...
don't be afaird to ask a lot and ride it a couple of times before you buy, to have vet check it out and that they have a coggins test that is negitive!!!
good luck!

Answer 2

Ask about tack
history
how is he on the trail?
Does he get along with other horses?
can he side pass and back up?
Does he load and trailer well?
if you have young children is he kid safe?
is he registered?
Is he just trail or has he competed in Endurance races?
Is he easy to handle does he willingly do everything you want him to without resisting.
What kind of bit should he have. Try to find a horse with a soft mouth because a hard mouth will need a harsher bit and be harder to control.
Does he behave for the farrier if he doesn't behave you'll have a hard time finding someone to shoe your horse?
Good Luck and congratulations

I just looked at the ad he sounds great AND he's cute

Answer 3

If possible...
- The horses 'family' history, diseases, life expectancy.
- Has the horse ever been lame.
- Is he current on shots, worming, etc.
- Ever thrown a rider, or nipped.
- Does he spook easily?
- How is he on trails, around children and other horses.

Its also good to have your own vet come out and do a confirmation check if you are really interested in this horse.
Also consider what you plan to use the horse for. Showing? Pleasure? And ask questions appropriate your interests.

Best wishes, there is nothing like owning your first horse!

Answer 4

What kind of problems, if any, have you had with it in the past?

Any medical conditions it was treated for?

Any behavioral problems/vices?

When was the last time it was shod, hoof-trimmed, or had its teeth floated?

Where have you been keeping it? (Stable, pasture, etc.)

How often is it generally being ridden?

How old is it?

Is it registered?

Did you know its parents? If so, are you aware of any behavioral/medical problems that they had?

If you go to see the horse in person, besure to give it a good once over and check for swelling, bruising, heat, lacerations, scratches, scrapes, tons of scars. Have the owner walk/trot/canter the horse around so you can make sure that it's movement is correct. Ask the owner if you can put the tack on, or watch the owner put the tack on. Ask if you or the owner can ride it around. The owner should willingly comply with any demands you may have. If they are hesitant about something, find out why. There may be a problem.

Good luck and I hope you find your perfect horse! ^_^'

Answer 5

Does he neck rein? How is he with having his feet handled? Does he buck, rear, bolt, take off? In addition to the other questions mentioned.

Where is he? I wouldn't buy a horse without riding him first. 18 isn't too old to be dangerous or nasty. If you ride him before buying don't just ride him in a round pen. Try him on a trail. See how he does with scary things, like a flapping sheet, sillly string (just near him, not in the face with these things). Last of all, take an experienced horse person with you and have them check him over too. By the way, the term "broke to ride" often means just broke, not really trained or ridden much. I'm not saying that's the case here, but "broke to ride" to me makes me wary.

Answer 6

First of all if this is your first horse how experienced are you. What are you going to do with the horse. You should ask them if the horse needs a experienced or intermediate or beginner person to handle it. Also ask if they need shoes if they ahve colliced, or any injuries, how they trailer, up to date on shots? does she keep on weight good? Is the hrose atleast 10 yrs old if u are a beginer? and how much are u paying or offering? what else about the horse age? papers? broke green broke advanced? any professional training?kick ? bite? have u rode it? any more questions send me a e-mail [e-mail]

Answer 7

Since this is a pony, and an older one at that, be sure to ask if he/she was ever foundered. Ponies have a reputation for foundering, and once it happens they tend to do it again, especially on new spring grass or feed that is too rich.

Ask if this pony has a negative Coggins --- this is a test for EIA which is highly contagious.

See if you can make an appointment to ride this pony before you commit to a purchase.

That's all I'd like to add to the above suggestions...good luck!

Answer 8

He is a bit on the old side. That is probably why they are selling him.

Ask them if they guarantee his health if you have your vet check him over after you purchase him.

Ponys can get spoiled since the riders tend to be children not adults, so ask if he has been mainly used by children or if adults have worked with him also.

He's a pretty little thing.

Answer 9

oooh! i know how scarey it is buying a horse for the first time.

maybe you should get a book on buying horses. if i had had one it would have made the whole experience so much easier! they have them at any bookstore and they have SO much helpful information on there.

but, if you don't have time, the typical questions are, "does he load? tie? shoe well? buck? bite? health issues? ...... anything you can think of"

good luck and i hope you get the horse of your dreams!!!

Answer 10

Don't even consider until you have a full report from the vet of your choice.