Questions to Ask when Buying a Horse

Each horse is unique and has its own temperament. The same can be said of humans. Therefore, when considering the purchase of a horse, the characteristics of the potential new owner as well as the horse should be considered. When looking for a horse, remember that the ideal animal does not exist. The key is to find one that you like and who has flaws that you can live with.

  1. Before You Buy

    • Buying a horse can be as difficult as buying a used car. The seller may be genuine or he may be trying to sell you a lemon. A car can be fixed to seem to be what it is not. So can a horse. For instance, if a horse is difficult to manage, it can be drugged so that it remains calm during your visit. Such actions may seem unlikely, but it is generally good practice to be somewhat skeptical of the seller's claims. Some background checking or Internet research can prove helpful.

    Questions to Ask

    • The buyer should definitely ask why the horse is being sold, the horse's age and how long the owner has had it. Some other basic questions include whether the horse has any medical problems, whether it has ever been lame, whether it has ever hurt anyone or if it has been trained. What it is fed, the type of riding that it has been used for and how it is kept -- alone, in a paddock or in a stall -- are also good questions.

    Other People Whom You Can Ask

    • It is unlikely that the owner is the only person who has ever handled the horse. Therefore it may be useful to ask the owner, or find out, who else has handled the horse, such as a trainer, farrier or veterinarian. The buyer should try to speak to others who know the horse because these individuals have little or no reason to deceive the buyer. They can be asked the same questions as the owner and may be able to provide additional information about the animal.

    Additional Questions to Ask the Owner

    • The person buying the horse should ask the owner to show them what the horse can do. The owner should also be asked to pick up the feet and to generally touch the horse, for example inside the ears, above the tail and the flanks. Another recommended practice is to ask the owner to get on the horse and to look at the reaction of the animal when it is being ridden.