| More questions!! This time to ask the owner over the | | | | with these bad habits. |
| phone. Things to find out are: | | | | * Any fears ie dogs, bicycles, cars. These aren't ideal |
| * Whether this horse is suitable for a beginner. Most | | | | either. |
| people will be honest here, not wanting to endanger | | | | * Any health issues. So you can research if an issue |
| someone. | | | | would be a problem for you. |
| * The horse's age, height and build. Does it match your | | | | * Any soundness issues or physical limitations. A vet |
| criteria? | | | | check will show these up, but why visit a horse that is |
| * Color and markings, if these are important to you. | | | | known to be very lame? |
| * What sort of temperament he/she has. Quiet, calm, | | | | * What the horse has been trained and used for, now |
| bombproof, gentle. | | | | and with previous owners. Has the horse had |
| * If she is a mare, what to expect with any mood | | | | experience in what you want to do? You'll have a lot |
| swings, if any. | | | | more fun on a horse that can teach you rather than |
| * The suitability for your chosen horse activity. This is | | | | the other way around. |
| an opinion only, and should be taken with a grain of salt | | | | * How long the horse has been in work (ridden |
| unless there is a solid reason for that opinion. For | | | | regularly) and has it been in work recently. Some |
| example, if you wanted a horse for jumping and the | | | | horses aren't trained until later in life. Sometimes horses |
| owner advised you this horse always refuses... | | | | are trained and worked and then put in a paddock and |
| * Any vices or bad habits. Charging, biting, kicking, | | | | left for years. |
| bolting, bucking, rearing. Any of these and you can | | | | * Any quirks of personality to be aware of. Just so |
| thank the owner for their time and end the call. | | | | you know. |
| * Easy to catch and shoe and trailer and worm? A | | | | * Why it is being sold. You may not get an honest |
| horse that won't do these is a pain in the behind and | | | | answer, but it's worth asking anyway. |
| you should consider carefully if you want to put up | | | | |