Is the horse sound for all uses?
What is the horse’s history of injury or illness?
Has the horse ever foundered, colicked, or had his hocks or other joints injected?
Any eye or vision problems currently, or in the past?
Any respiratory problems?
Does the horse require any special hoof care, corrective trimming or shoeing?
What and how much grain is the horse fed? What type of hay? Any supplements?
Is he an easy loader? What type of trailer? How does he travel?
What is his behavior around dogs, children, and farm equipment?
Study the horse as he is handled by the seller, and see how he goes under saddle before you attempt to ride him yourself. While watching him perform, ascertain:
How are the horse’s ground manners?
Does the horse appear to tolerate grooming and bathing?
How does he act in the pasture and stable around other horses?
How does he react to tacking up and tightening the girth?
What type of saddle is used? Does he need any special pads?
What type of leg protection?
Does the horse stand still when being mounted?
Behave with other horses and riders coming and going?
Does the rider need to use a lot of leg?
Is the horse touchy and sensitive, or forgiving to the rider’s aids?
Does the horse stop from all gaits when asked?
When riding in an open field or on the trail, does he respond and stop?
Is he suitable for a beginner?
The answers to these questions can provide some insight into the temperament and behavior of the horse no matter the skill level of the buyer. They also provide clues about care and maintenance issues that could increase the cost of ownership for that particular horse. Discuss all these matters and observations with your instructor and veterinarian.
Pre-Purchase Examination
I advise anyone considering the purchase of a horse to have him thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. Satisfactory results should be a condition of the sales agreement (see p. 169). In addition to providing you with valuable information about the prospective horse’s condition and behavior, it also allows you to back out of the sale if there are any doubts raised. Of course, the veterinarian does not have a crystal ball and cannot guarantee the horse won’t be lame a month later, but he can assess the horse’s condition that day, give you his initial findings, and make recommendations for further diagnostics such as radiographs (X rays) or blood tests. The veterinarian can also screen the horse to detect any pain medication used by a seller to mask unsoundness, or tranquilizer to make the horse quiet.
Thomas J. Newton, DVM, and his wife own Little Hawk Farm in Crozier, Virginia, where they specialize in equine reproductive services. Dr. Newton recommends a pre-purchase exam—even on a “free” horse. “A person needs to know the condition of an animal before he or she takes possession to help take care of the horse properly,” says Dr. Newton. He emphasizes that the focus of a pre-purchase exam is no longer on soundness alone, but on serviceability, too. It is important to have a veterinarian familiar with the type of horse you are buying, whether it is a reining horse, jumper, or broodmare. Dr. Newton also agrees that a reputable trainer should go with you to look at a prospect. “It is the trainer’s responsibility to assess the suitability of the horse; it is the veterinarian’s job to make sure the horse is physically serviceable,” he says. “By getting both a professional trainer and a licensed veterinarian to look at the horse, the purchaser has two professionals to fall back on.”
In the case of a performance horse, it is important that he perform his intended job during the exam—and the veterinarian needs to know why you are planning to purchase a horse: if you intend to get a higher value from resale, then Dr. Newton recommends radiographs be taken during this initial exam. You will then have a comparative set when another exam is performed before a resale.
The expense of the pre-purchase examination is borne by the purchaser. When asking local veterinarians their prices for necessary routine care (see p. 3), also ask about pre-purchase examinations. Prices range from $200 to $1,500, depending on how extensively the horse is examined.
Rational Purchase Decisions
Pre-purchase exams can help you make a rational decision when buying a horse. A rational decision is one that is thought out and alternatives are considered. Many adults fall in love with the idea of having a horse and buy the first one that comes along. This is an emotional rather than a calculated, well-thought-out decision. Dr. Newton mentions that he often sees children whose hearts are “broken” when a horse or pony doesn’t pass the vet check, and parents unfortunately going along with a child’s pleas rather than listening to reason.
In order to make a rational decision, it is important to consider all options. As the purchaser, you are in control, and waiting is an option. Instead of being in such a hurry to “own a horse” that you “settle” for a horse, or overlook serious defects, wait until you find one that you really like and that meets your other criteria. Consult experienced horse people for advice, and ask questions of the seller before you buy.
Beware the Hard Sell
Some people who buy and sell horses “target” the novice horse person. These unscrupulous dealers prey on beginners who are more likely to “fall in love” with a horse, whether due to a pretty face or because he appears to be really quiet and good with children. Frequently, they offer a horse they have only had in their barn a few days so don’t know well. However, they will “assure” you the horse is bombproof! Such dealers usually sell their horses at low prices so they can move them quickly. They are wonderful salesmen—they could put a hood ornament on a Buick and sell it as a Jaguar!
I remember when I was looking for a schoolhorse suitable for teaching beginners to ride, and I was working on a shoestring budget. I wanted something quiet that would forgive riders’ mistakes as they learned. I didn’t need anything beautiful, just a good solid horse.
In a matter of a few weeks, I ran across several predatory marketers of horses. Their advertisements on the internet looked great, the telephone conversations were pleasant, and they seemed knowledgeable and genuine. Road trips found their facilities ranged from immaculate to horrid—though I found that the nicer the facilities, the more I was thrown off guard because I assumed that negotiations would be fair and honest.
For instance, one place I visited actually had a horse that fit the bill. The horse seemed to have a great mind and a kind eye, and I was instantly
