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SOME KEY POINTS AND QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK WHEN BUYING A HORSE OR PONY.

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Finding a sound horse or pony suitable for the rider’s ability and aspirations is seldom stress free. I hope the following points will help you ! They say there is no such thing as a perfect horse but so many become that special horse or pony. Proceed with caution and hopefully you will have a lovely new horse or pony to enjoy. Go well – Jeanette

These questions do need to be asked of the seller. Many of them can be asked over the phone – it might save you a wasted trip to view an unsuitable horse.

How much is the horse or pony? Are you negotiable? What comes with it - a cover saddlery maybe?

Temperament.
The horse’s temperament is most important; it must be suitable for your rider’s temperament and ability. Safety is paramount!

Can you catch it easily? Will it be happy living by itself or does it need company in the paddock? Does it travel well in a float? What about in a truck? Does it load easily? Is it good to shoe? Who shoes it now? Is it well behaved in traffic and in the company of others? Any thing I need to know? Can it be ridden along roads happily on its own? Does it get excited when turned for home? Does it need to be ridden every day to keep it quiet? Does it tie up perfectly? Has it ever pulled back? Why?

History.
How long have you had it? Who did you buy it from? Why are you selling?
What has it done? e.g. Dressage/jumping/hunting/trekking/pony club/games etc
What would be the worst thing about it? What bits do you use on it? Who do you have lessons with? May I phone her? What pony club do you go to? Who else can I ring? Has it ever been lame? Why? When?
Is there anything else I should know about this horse?

Going to see the horse or pony
Go early to have a look! Check its conformation & action. High wither? Bad feet?
Check its reactions to everything. Watch it being groomed/tacked up. Always ask to see it ridden before you ride it!
What does it eat? Is it a “good doer” or a “poor doer”. Is the horse fed any additives? Can you drench it easily? What product? When did it last have its teeth checked? Think of your own riders’ interests, their goals, their expectations.
If you can, take an advisor with you. Someone experienced who will be totally objective.
Ask for a trial - (you most likely will not get one.) Take your video camera with you, film everything. Go home and contemplate. Don’t take a horse float with you when you go to see the pony first time. Don’t be pressured by the seller. Will the seller let you get a vet check on the horse? Look at its dressage test sheets. Has it ever ‘tied up’ - had azoturia?
If you are a beginner or novice rider try to avoid an ex racehorse - thoroughbred or standard bred many are not so suitable.

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