Buying A Horse Or Pony – Questions To Ask & Things To Look Out For

 

Are you thinking of buying a horse or pony soon? If the answer is ‘yes’ then this article is a must-read for you.

When buying a horse there are a number of things you should consider. The first, and most important, thing is to think carefully about whether you can actually look after a horse, financially and physically, yourself and whether you’d be able to give it everything it needs. Have you got land and accommodation for the horse? Do you have experience with horses? Will you be able to pay for everything that the horse requires (wiener, farrier visits, medication, specific dietary requirements are just a few)?В  Of course if you’re serious about getting a horse then the answer to the above questions should be ‘yes’.

Before you go to look at any horses or ponies think about why you’re getting a horse? To breed? Show? Ride? Simply to look good isn’t a good enough answer. The type of horse you get will depend on what the horse is for – different horses are bred for different purposes. Some horses are bred specifically for driving whereas others are bred for specific types of riding (Lippizanas are bred mainly for dressage work).

Looking for a horse:

When you go and look at any horse or pony ask to see the pony in its field and see it being caught. This will let you know how easy to catch the horse is and he or she reacts to people or other horses if there’s more than one in the field.

Ask its owners to walk it about whilst you watch. You want to check he or she walks straight and isn’t lame. Again ask to see him or her go through the various gaits.

Try picking up his or her hooves to see how easy it would be with a farrier.

Questions to ask:
– how old is the horse?
– What temperament does he or she have?
– Why are you selling the horse?
– Does the horse have any problems?
– Does he or she get on with children? Other horses? Dogs?
– Does he or she usually come in at night?

Check all the answers match up with any information you have already found out.

Things to find out:
– Medical history (including laminitis and sweet itch).
– Vaccinations the horse has had.
– Number of owners and where the horse was bred.
– how easy she or he is with the farrier and how often his or hooves are done.

Check the horse is in good health and check the condition of the teeth. A healthy horse has a sleek, shunt coat, bright eyes and non-runny nose and ears. He or she should also be alert and be interested in you.

If the horse is a riding horse there are a number of extra things you’ll need to find out:
-Which bit does the horse have?
-Will its tack and rugs be included in the sale?
– What age was he or she when he was broken in?
– Does the horse ever play up?
Make sure you ride the pony or horse and experience it yourself, this way you’ll likely discover any obvious problems.

This miniature Shetland stallion has excellent confirmation and lineage.

If you’re looking for a horse to breed from find out these extra things:
– find out about its lineage and bloodlines.
– If it’s a mare has she had any foals before? Does she give birth on her own or with assistance? Have there ever been any complications? Dead foals or stillborns?В  How does she treat foals? Is she a good mum? Does she give birth on time?
– If it’s a stallion how many foals as he sired? Has he had a DNA sample and identification number? Is he good with foals?
– If he or she is a pedigree has he or she been registered with the breed?
– Ever won any prizes?
– Ask about the stud the owners run and/or the stud the pony came from.

Always ask to look at the horse’s passport – every horse should have one. Check all the details in the passport are correct.

Get a vet to inspect the horse’s health before you buy.

Research the horse online, check it’s not been stollen.

Always go to see the horse before you buy it.

Never feel pressured into buying a horse – and never buy an ill one – only buy one you are completely happy with.

And remember, ideally horses should be kept with other horses and ponies.

August 4, 2011 В· Maddia (Admin) В· Comments Closed
Tags: , , , , ,  В· Posted in: Horse and Pony Care, Horse and Pony Information