7 Questions to Ask Sellers When Buying a Horse
When it comes to buying a horse, there is no such thing as too many questions. Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced horse owner, it’s always important to ask as many questions as needed from a horse owner so that you are making sure the horse you are considering is the right fit for your needs. The seven sections below encompass the areas of concern that you should focus your questions on when buying a horse.
Health
To start, ask about the horse’s health. Questions about the horse’s age, how long the owner had the horse for, what the horse’s history was before the owner had them, and why they are selling the horse can help give you a fuller picture of the horse’s overall health. Also be sure to ask if the horse has ever been ill or had an injury, and about their vaccinations. While you should always get a vet check before purchasing a horse, it is good to know a general overview of the horse’s history before you spend money on a veterinarian.
Riding
It’s important to make sure that the horse is the right fit for the rider. To ensure this, ask about the horse’s personality and energy level. Ask the owner what type of rider they think would be the best fit for the horse. This will help give you a good feel for whether the horse is better suited for a beginner or a more experienced rider.
Training
Knowing more about the horse’s training history can help you uncover any training issues that might arise later after you purchase the horse. Ask the owner what the horse’s training background was like, who their trainer was and if you can contact them. It is also a good idea to ask the owner if there are any areas that the horse didn’t respond to well while in training.
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Care
Asking the owner about how the horse has been cared for will give you a better understanding of what the horse is already accustomed to and comfortable with. The owner should be able to tell you the horse’s living situation, if they have lived with other horses or how they behave around other animals, how the horse does when getting bathed, how they handle a new environment, and so on. This will better prepare you for when you bring the horse home with you.
Feed
Another way to prepare you for how the horse will behave when you take them home is by asking about feed. Ask the owner what feed and supplements the horse is currently taking, how exactly the horse (alone or in a herd), how often they are fed, and what their feeding routine is. Remember to ask if the horse has had any problems with any particular types of feed in the past in order to save yourself from any future trouble.
Hooves
Taking care of a horse’s hooves can be expensive. To anticipate the needs of your new horse, you should ask the owner how often the horse gets trimmed or shod, who their farrier is, if the horse has ever been lame, and if their hooves require any additional care.
Papers and Registrations
Asking the owner if the horse is registered is important if you plan to show the horse in breed shows. You should also ask to see the horse’s papers and verify that the person selling the horse is indeed their owner. If the name on the papers doesn’t match, more paperwork and fees may be required in order to transfer the horse into your name.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
By asking questions that encompass these seven areas, you will be able to get a clearer picture of the horse you are about to buy. Asking questions can also help clear up any anxieties and future concerns so that you are fully prepared to purchase a horse. Horse ownership is a big commitment so knowing the answers before you buy is an important step.