| Helpful Hints & Tips On Buying A Horse | | | | horse, not all turn out to be as nice as they look. |
| There is a lot to take into consideration when looking | | | | Remember presentation is everything when selling, so |
| the the right horse for sale. Novice and inexperienced | | | | the horses for sale you go to view will be done up to |
| riders should always seek expert, unbiased advice | | | | look the best. Look past the horses' appearance, the |
| form a qualified professional. The standard of the rider | | | | horse may look brilliant but can it do the job you want? |
| and their amount of experience looking after horses | | | | Always see the horse or pony untacked and untied in |
| and ponies must be taken into account. Assessing the | | | | a loose box. You will be able to start to determine the |
| rider's capabilities and needs is essential as this should | | | | horse's temperament. Make sure the horse is happy to |
| be used as a guide to find a horse or pony for sale | | | | be groomed, tacked and untacked, remember to touch |
| that meets with the requirements and needs of the | | | | his face and pick up his feet. When taking them out of |
| rider to find a potentially well matched partnership. | | | | the stable watch as you do not want a horse that |
| Finding the right horse | | | | pushes you out of the way and runs off. Watch the |
| Be prepared to travel. | | | | owner turn the horse out; make sure you are happy |
| Recommendation is always a good way of sourcing a | | | | with the way he behaves. Ask the vendor to ride the |
| quality horse, remember not all horses for sale are | | | | horse for so you can assess the horses' way of |
| advertised. Go to competitions if you see a horse you | | | | going. If suitable, try the horse. Ask for the horse or |
| may be interested in don't be afraid to go up to the | | | | pony to be ridden out of the yard alone, and watch |
| owner and ask if they would be interested in selling. Be | | | | him being hacked alone and in company. (You can |
| prepared to approach a horse producer who | | | | follow by car) You will be able to assess how the |
| specializes in the type of horse for sale you are | | | | horse behaves on with traffic, and you can see how |
| looking at. (If you do turn to a horse producer make it | | | | well the horse hacks alone and with company. If the |
| clear on what you do and what you don't want.) When | | | | seller does not have the facilities you require to try the |
| replying to adverts find out some information on the | | | | horse or pony out arrange to meet at an equestrian |
| prospective horse or pony to determine their suitability. | | | | centre that meets your needs, for example if the seller |
| How old is the horse? | | | | doesn't have access to a set of show jumps, or a |
| Does he have a passport? | | | | cross country course. If the horse or pony meets your |
| What type of temperament does the horse have? | | | | requirements arrange for a second viewing. |
| Does the horse bite or kick? | | | | Buying the horse |
| Does the horse have any vices? | | | | Never buy if you don't feel safe and comfortable on |
| Is the horse calm or buzzy to ride? | | | | the horse as this feeling won't go after you have |
| What bit is the horse ridden in? | | | | purchased and you won't enjoy your time with the |
| Does the horse hack out alone and in company? | | | | horse. Never be pressured into buying a horse. Always |
| Does the horse have any behavioural problems? | | | | have a potential horse vetted. When buying your horse |
| Does the horse have a dust allergy? | | | | you must have something in writing which states the |
| Has the horse had any health problems? | | | | horse is up to the job you want it to do. If the horse |
| Are the horses' vaccinations & worming an up to | | | | has any problems (for instance the horse may crib) So |
| date? | | | | that there is no confusion on the horses capabilities |
| What is the horse fed on? | | | | and behavior. Having a receipt / bill of sale which has |
| Does the horse live in or out? | | | | this information is essential. If you brought the horse |
| Does he need any special care? | | | | and it does not do what it should and you have nothing |
| Tips on viewing a horse | | | | to prove any difference there is not much you can do, |
| Don't fall in love with the first horse you see, it is | | | | but if you have something in writing then you can |
| unlikely the first horse you see will be the one for you. | | | | prove you were sold a faulty horse and should be able |
| Try not to be influenced by a flashy / good looking | | | | to return it. |