I remember many years ago asking my friend Walt, advice about buying a horse to avoid as many pitfalls as possible.
“Well matey, buyin’ a horse ain't like buying a pair o’ boots — it’s more like choosin’ a partner for a long, slow dance. You ain’t just buyin’ flesh and bone, you’re takin’ on years of someone else’s choices, good or bad. So before you part with ya cash, ya better open your ears and eyes. Here’s the kind of questions ya might think about askin — not as a checklist, but as a way to listen better:
First, ask yourself what are ya looking for:
* Why do I want this horse? Is it for companionship, riding, competing, healing, or proving something?
* What am I ready to offer — time, patience, education, care
* What do I feel when I’m around the horse? Is there softness, or trouble under the surface?
Then ask the owner (with a listening ear) about….
History
* Why ya sellin him?
* What’s this horse’s story? How’d you two come together?
* Has he had many owners before you?
* What’s he bin used for mostly — trail, paddock, sport, or just a mate?
Health & Care
* Any past injuries or illnesses worth knowin’?
* Up to date on teeth, feet, vaccines, and worming?
* How’s he do with the farrier, dentist, needles, or being rugged?
Handling & Temperament
* How’s he handle bein’ caught in a big paddock?
* What’s he like in new places - calm, spooky, or somewhere in between?
Training & Experience
* Who trained him, and how?
* What does he know?
* What doesn’t he know best?
* What does he struggle with?
Travel & Change
* How’s he load and travel?
* How’s he handle it when ya take him some place?
Partnership
* What kind of rider does he suit?
* What would you want me to know if I were your kid takin’ him home?
Final bit of advice, matey:
Every answer is important if you string ‘em together. Every answer completes a whole story.
And don’t just listen to the words, watch 'em say it. Notice the feel behind their answers. If they dodge a question or “um and ah” an answer, that’s worth more than a hundred clean vet checks.
Don’t forget to ask the horse too. The answer he gives ya might be different to the one the seller gives ya. He might not speak, but he’ll tell ya what you need to know, if you’re listenin’.
Never ride a horse until ya seen the owner or somebody ride ‘em first.
When ya first meet a horse, arrive real early unexpectedly. That way ya can see it being caught and handled. And look for sweat marks.
Make a time for a second visit to see the horse. Arrange to meet somewhere the horse don’t know so you can see how it handles being in strange places. He won’t lie.
When ya close to a decision to buying a horse, take somebody with ya who knows horses. But pick somebody who don't care if ya buy it or not. Let 'em check the horse out. Let 'em check out the owner with the horse. Let 'em check out you with the horse. And listen to what ya friend has to say. That way ya less likely to pick a horse just because it is pretty or comes from a good line or ya can afford it.
Oh, and even a free horse is worth a good vet check.
And lastly matey, while ya might be lookin for the perfect horse, the horse is looking for the perfect owner. Are ya up to the job?”
Thanks Walt.
