What to look for?

[inthesaddle]

Hi,

I am just in the middle of arranging my first viewing hopefully for tomorrow and would like to ask what I should be looking for? Is there some kind of checklist?

All advice really appreciated. :)

[mikh]

if u do a search on this there are tons of threads :)

[Clava]

Only what you want from the horse.

Mine would be...
1. Is he good in traffic.
2. Hacks out , alone / company.
3. How long have you had him (alarm bells rings if it is not long)
4. Good with farrier....make sure you can pick up all feet.
5. Good in company in a field - not good with mares / geldings.
6 Any ailments while they have had him.
7. Any injuries.
8. Does he come with tack?
9. Lives out / in / what is he fed?
10. Competed?
11. Boxes?
12 What have they done with him while they have had him.
13. What is the worst thing he has done.
14. Does he crib bite, windsuck etc.
15. Has he been vetted recently?
16. How are his feet? Keeps shoes on / off?
17. Good to tie up, handle?

Most of these things you should learn during the visit, but always ask questions, because it is what they don't say which will be the problem. Good luck!

[*Soph*]

Hi, I'm also going through the search process at the moment and I think the most important thing to remember is not to compromise on what you want as your prefect horse is out there somewhere.

I always check legs, teeth, eyes and back first
Pick up it's feet, play with it's tail, generally touch all over to see what it's comfortable with
Always see the horse ridden before you hop on
I have a list in my handbag, which I look over on the way, of things I want from a horse and I stick to it

[inthesaddle]

Thanks Clava and Soph for your advice

[StephyB]

The thing to remember is that although the horse your looking at might not be the one for you, its a worthwhile process so that you can understand what is important to you and also what you need to ask.
There will always be a question that you will forget to ask - there always is!
Just enjoy it and have fun trying to find your new best friend!
I cant wait to find mine, still on the look out... x

[colettybetty]

Look at the feet before you look into his eyes. No foot, no horse.

[Clava]

Agree with other posts. Everytime you look at a horse you will learn a little more about what you want. It is very personal and must be right.
Safey wise - Do not get on first ever! and wear a body protector. While viewing horses I have seen them rear and buck like broncos (and , of course, they have never done that before!). Do check the feet, be aware of how others handle him, look for them being careful of kicking etc.
Look for a gentle and kind eye and expression.

[jaydevon]

if it helps.. as i seller, i always leave the horse in the field so people can see it with other horses and to catch etc, i alway ask if they want me to groom /tack up or if they want to, i always offer to ride, also i take them on the main road, (nasty road most wont ride on it)

my general point is you want to see as much of the horse as possible not just get on and ride, ask to see it lunged etc, in the stable for a bit... if it has any vices a few mins in a stable will normally show this up, ask to see it with food, youd be amazed at how many horses get grumpy over dinner!

basically cover everything, so you have no nasty surprises when you get home.

ALSO ask about previous illness, and wether they would be happy to give you consent to discuss the horse with its current vet,

when people sell horses not all are honest, ask outright what the horses faults are however small, a lot of sellers will be taken back by this question, BUT do tend to answer honestley, if they say it has a fault... ie doesnt like to be groomed in a stable, ask to see it groomed in the stable so you can see how bad it is...

if they say its a good loader, if possible ask to see it loaded..

i hope that makes some sort of sence.

[cassie crazy]

If the horse seems jumpy/nervous (the ones I see always seem to!) try sharply raising an arm up - if the horse responds badly, ie jumps, looks scared, then the jumpiness will usually be based on fear of humans - this could be good and bad. Bad - they might be nervous in general. Good because you can usually assume that it is not just a fizzy horse.

This helps me but I tend to look at rescue horses and also buy from auctions a lot..