Buying a Horse

Lesson 2: Buying Your Horse

Question Checklist

The most important information about the horse you want to buy will come from the owner. Now while most owners won't out-and-out lie, they might omit some details that could prove potentially problematic in your future relationship with the horse. It's best therefore, to know ahead of time what questions to ask. Print out this question checklist and try to get as many answers from the owner as possible.

1. How long have they owned the horse and why are they selling him?

2. Does the horse have any current health problems or any past health problems that might return?

3. Has the horse ever had colic, ever foundered or ever tied up?

4. Is his temperament stable? Or does he have a changeable mood?

5. Does he have health papers?

6. Does he have a regular vet and would they mind you talking to the vet?

7. How old is the horse?

8. What has he been used for? Is he trained for a particular type of discipline?

9. Are his vaccinations current and has he been de-wormed?

10. Does he mind being de-wormed?

11. Does he have any vices, such as cribbing? Has he ever kicked or bitten anybody?

12. How does he get along with other horses, both in the pasture and on the trail?

13. Has he ever bucked a rider off or ran away with a rider?

14. How does he act if he's ridden without another horse on the trail? Is he barn sour and eager to get home?

15. Has he ever been shod and how does he respond to the farrier?

16. When were his teeth last floated?

17. How does he bathe and clip?

18. Is he registered? You can ask to see the papers.

19. Does he have a current Coggins test?

20. Does he need a special diet? Some horses founder on rich alfalfa hay or grain.

Also look at his general condition, his coat, how well he looks and how his feet look. If they've maintained his feet, that's a good sign.

So you've ridden him, you've had some positive answers from the owners. The next important step is the vet check.

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