Guide to buying a horse: questions to ask and more

• What do I want to do with my horse — hacking, schooling, confidence building, competitions or something else?
• What level of horse can I realistically and comfortably care for right now?
• Am I prepared for a horse that needs training, or one who’s more experienced and steadier?
• What’s my realistic monthly budget for all the costs including livery, feed, farrier visits, insurance and emergencies?
• How far am I willing to travel to where my horse will be kept?
• Do I have support, such as a coach, knowledgeable friend or helpful yard community, if I need guidance or help to care for my horse at times when I’m not able to attend?
• How will horse ownership fit into the rest of my lifestyle, work and family commitments? It’s helpful to write out a plan of your weekly commitments and include how much time your horse will need.

Every horse is an individual and finding the right “match” is one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Some horses are naturally laidback, while others are more sensitive. Neither’s right or wrong, it’s about what suits you.

Pay attention to how the horse behaves in the stable, on the ground and when ridden. A kind eye, curiosity and a willingness to interact are often good signs. Try to imagine how you’d feel being with this horse every day, not just during a viewing.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being honest. Choosing a horse whose training and confidence complement your own creates a safer and happier partnership. A horse that’s too forward going might dent your confidence, while one that’s too quiet may not challenge or inspire you.

Bringing along a trusted coach or knowledgeable friend is incredibly valuable. They may notice details you miss and their calm, outside perspective can help you stay focused on what truly matters.

A horse’s passport isn’t just a useful document — it’s a legal requirement. Every horse, pony and donkey in the UK must have a valid passport, which must be kept with them. This document confirms the horse’s identity, age, microchip number, and if they’re signed out of the human food chain. If the horse is vaccinated (most often for tetanus and equine influenza) these details will also be included.

Before buying a horse, always ask to see the passport in person. Check that the markings match the horse in front of you and look for signs that pages haven’t been removed or altered. A vet will also need to check the passport if you proceed with a pre-purchase vetting. It’s also important that the passport is registered to the current owner, not someone from several owners ago. If the details are out of date, it can be a red flag, so proceed with caution.

The horse’s passport must legally be handed over to you at the point of sale. It must stay with the horse and is therefore required for transportation. Avoid accepting excuses such as “I’ll post it on later” — chasing a missing passport can become a complicated and stressful issue.

When viewing a horse, take time to watch them in everyday situations, such as being caught in from the field, groomed, tacked up and handled. This will give you valuable insight into their temperament and how they interact with people. A second viewing is perfectly normal and can help you reflect with a coach or trusted friend.

When trying the horse, it’s important for the seller to ride first and you should then aim to replicate the type of riding you plan to do, while keeping the horse’s current fitness in mind. This could include schooling in an arena, riding over some jumps or riding out in a safe area. Asking about their behaviour in different scenarios, such as hacking or riding in groups, will help you build a clear picture of what life with that horse might be like.

Not all sellers offer a trial period, but when they do, a short trial can help you understand how the horse settles in a new place. It’s really important that every aspect of the horse’s care, responsibilities, trial arrangements and the sale itself is clearly written down and agreed by both parties. This protects everyone involved and makes sure you’re starting the journey with clarity. Sometimes a trial can be agreed while the horse stays at their current yard and can be a helpful “in between” option.

Clear agreements protect both sides and help maintain a positive relationship. Make sure you understand what’s included in the sale, when the horse will be collected and any conditions the seller has. A friendly, open chat often avoids misunderstandings later.

Our Gold members can access our Horse Sale Agreement for additional support.

Choosing the right place to keep your horse is just as important as finding the right horse. Whether you’re considering a livery yard, a small private set‑up, shared grazing with friends or renting a field, the most important factor is that the environment is safe, welcoming and practical for both of you. Look for secure fencing, good grazing, reliable routines and people who feel approachable and supportive.

Insurance gives you financial reassurance if the unexpected happens. Policies vary, so do your research to find the one that meets your requirements and take time to read and understand your policy, including any exclusions that may apply. Vet fees can sometimes run into thousands of pounds, especially in emergencies. If covering unexpected costs would be difficult, choosing an insurance policy that includes vet fees may offer valuable reassurance.

Accidents happen, even with the best care. Anyone who owns, rides or looks after a horse is strongly advised to carry public liability insurance cover, because they may be legally liable to pay compensation for any damage or injury caused by their horse. Personal injury compensation claims can sometimes run into millions, meaning that anyone who’s uninsured risks losing their home and any other assets.

Our Gold membership provides you with up to £30 million of public liability insurance cover*, giving you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected if the worst should happen.

*Terms, conditions and territorial limits apply

Settling in takes time. Spend quiet moments grooming, leading or simply being near your new horse. Calm, gentle interactions will help to build trust and form the foundation of a happy partnership.

Discovering that your horse isn’t as described can feel upsetting and stressful, but you do have options depending on who sold them to you. The steps you take will differ depending on whether the seller was a registered dealer or a private individual.

If you bought your horse from a dealer, you have stronger protection because the seller is operating as a business. If you believe your horse was mis‑sold, such as their behaviour, health or history wasn’t accurately described, you can report the issue to Trading Standards, who investigate problems with business sales. It’s strongly recommended to seek independent legal advice so you understand your position clearly and know what evidence you may need. If you’re one of our Gold members, you can also access a free legal helpline, which can offer guidance and help you decide on your next steps.

If your horse was bought from a private seller, the situation is different because the sale is treated as a civil matter between two individuals. This means you’ll need to seek professional legal advice as there’s no automatic legal protection in the same way you would have with a dealer. We can’t step in to resolve civil disputes, but our Gold members can still contact the free legal helpline for support, reassurance and direction on what to do next.

No matter who you purchased from, keeping good records like adverts, messages, videos and the seller’s descriptions are important if a dispute arises. Remember you’re not alone, reaching out for advice early can make the situation feel far more manageable.

Trust your instincts. If something feels unusual or the seller seems reluctant to answer reasonable questions, it’s absolutely fine to pause.

Some common warning signs include:

• The horse is already tacked up or appears to have been ridden before you arrive for example, there’s sweat marks under the saddle area
• The seller avoids letting you handle the horse
• You’re rushed, pressured or discouraged from having a pre-purchase vetting done
• The information you’re given feels inconsistent
• The seller is reluctant to show the horse completing certain tasks (such as loading)
• The seller distracts the horse to stop you seeing behaviours such as crib biting or weaving
• The horse has no passport, or the details don’t match the horse you’re viewing.

Good sellers are open, patient and want the best for the horse, including matching them with the right home.

“POA” stands for “Price on Application.” It simply means the seller prefers to discuss the price privately.

A “green” horse is one who has limited experience being ridden or in general handling. They’re still learning the basics and may need patient, confident guidance to help them mature.

A “schoolmaster” is an experienced horse who knows their job and can help a rider learn and grow. They’re often calm, forgiving and consistent — wonderful partners for building confidence.