Ask specific questions when you are looking at a horse.

Buying horses is a difficult process. Trying to find the right match can be tricky. There are so many unknowns. It is similar to buying a used car. How long will this horse hold up for? Are there past injuries that I don’t know about? Is the seller being honest? Is this horse sane and safe? Sometimes, sellers are very dishonest whether they are lying by omission or just flat out telling a lie. Other times, sellers just cannot think of everything to tell you. Coming up with specific and direct questions can help you better understand what that horse is like. Here are some examples of vague questions with a list of more direct/specific questions that should help you determine if the horse is a good match for you.

Vague Questions – Can you describe the horse’s personality on a number scale?

Vague Answer – He is a 3 out of 10.

Specific Questions – Can the horse be ridden by himself? Can he be put in a stall without other horses in the barn and still remain calm? Does the horse holler for other horses if they are not around. Do they stand still in the cross ties and wash rack?

Vague Questions – How does the horse do being handled?

Vague Answer – There are no problems.

Specific Questions – What happens if he stays in his stall for a day? Can he be handled or ridden on limited turnout? Has he ever kicked or bitten anyone? Can he be put in cross ties for the farrier or does he need to be held?

Vague Questions - How is the horse in the trailer?

Vague Answer – Good, he walks right on.

Specific Questions - Does the horse load without a chain over his nose? Can one person load and unload the horse? How is the horse when it is being hauled?

Think about what is important to you when you are loading or trailering the horse. We all obviously want the horse that will self-load and never moves a muscle when being trailered. What are your deal breakers?

Vague Questions - How is the horse when it is off the property?

Vague Answer – Good

Specific Questions – Does the horse eat normally when it travels to a new place? Do they scream and holler for other horses? Can you safely ride them without lunging them? How long does it take for them to settle into a new place? Do they crib or pace the stall?

When it comes to riding, it really depends on what you like and what type of riding that you do. I tend to like a horse that is more forward and sometimes a little hot. I’d rather have a horse that goes to quick than one that I have to constantly kick to get it to move. Everyone is different, so you need to think about what those specific questions look like for you. You can always ask your trainer to help as well.

Conclusion

You should not feel bad asking a lot of questions. Many sellers do get burnt out by people who are “tire kickers,” but that is not your problem. If a seller is upset with the number of questions you are asking, it might be a good idea to pass on that horse. You are purchasing something for a decent amount of money. You will be putting a lot of time and commitment into it. Take your time and list out questions that you want to ask. See how specific you can get those questions and determine what matters to you.

If you are looking at a project horse, check out this article: Buying a Project Horse