Questions to ask horse sellers!

[Katrina]

Hello everyone,
I was wondering what questions I should ask the seller over the phone about a horse for sale, to try and save time going and looking at horses that aren't suitable.

Thanks

Katrina

[lauren]

Hi,
I've been looking for a horse so I think I can help you out on that. You should ask them obviously colour, height, breed, age, any problems with horse eg. windsucking, crib biting, kicking ...etc. Ask them what the horse can do eg. dressage, jumping, equitation etc. Ask them why they are selling. And if the price is very high or just high, ask them why and ask them if it's registered or it's foals have been registered. Sometimes you can get the price down by asking those sort of questions. Then if the horse sounds right to you go and try it out. Hope this advice helps.

Lauren

[Mossy]

Add to that if the price is very low ask why.
Often what a seller does not say is more important than what they do. Ie "good to shoe, box etc" may mean it is a swine in traffic. Or "unspoilt" may mean untouched and wild. Depending on the accommodation available it is worth knowing whether it lives in or out. It may not be happy living in at night if all it's fellow herd horses are out.
Does it crib, weave or wind suck? Sweetitch can be a curse and you will not know unless you ask.
My suggestion for what it is worth is write a list of questions and work down it on the phone. Write down the answers. That way you will not forget anything and you will have record.
If you get as far as seeing the animal,ask the same questions again. The answers may well be different. If so beware. It is a minefield out there. Good luck