Viewing and trying your potential horse: how to prepare

Choosing a horse to buy is a big decision, and being aware of what mistakes to avoid can help prevent problems arising. These can include:

• Viewing horses that aren't suitable for your current riding level, such as being too young, inexperienced, or too advanced for your ability
• Forgetting to ask about the horse's daily routine, health history or behaviour in different scenarios, such as being clipped or when transported
• Letting looks, colour or movement outweigh temperament and suitability
• Feeling pressured to make a decision on the day
• Not taking someone experienced along or not reviewing videos afterwards

By preparing ahead of time, you give yourself space to make thoughtful, confident decisions that put your safety and long-term enjoyment first.

Take time to learn more about the person selling the horse. Are they the owner or selling on behalf of someone else? How long have they had the horse? Why is the horse for sale? This information helps you understand the background and whether anything feels uncertain or rushed.

It can also be helpful to search online for reviews or feedback on professional sellers, to reassure yourself that you're dealing with someone reputable.

If the horse has previously competed, you can look up their records on the relevant governing body's website.

Before committing to view the horse, have a friendly conversation with the seller and ask for as much information as possible. If the horse doesn't fit what you were hoping for, be honest and thank the seller for their time. Questions may include:

• The horse's temperament and daily routine
• If ridden, what activities the horse is used to
• How they behave when hacking, loading, travelling, catching and clipping
• Any past injuries or illnesses, or any current health conditions
• Whether they have any stereotypical behaviours
• How they behave with other horses
• Whether vaccinations, shoeing/trimming and general care are up to date

Dress in your usual comfortable and practical clothing you normally wear when riding. A well-fitting riding hat, sturdy boots with a heel and gloves, if you prefer them, all help keep you safe. A body protector or air jacket can provide further protection.

Bring a written checklist of your questions to help keep your thoughts organised on the day. A notebook or your phone for recording notes or videos is also useful.

A trusted, experienced person is invaluable - whether they're a coach, horsey friend or professional advisor. They can offer steady, objective support, help spot things you might miss and gently remind you of your original goals. Their presence also takes some of the pressure off you, so you can simply focus on how the horse feels.

When you arrive, take your time. What does the yard feel like? How does the horse respond to being approached? Do they seem calm, curious, tense or distracted? None of these are automatically good or bad, they show you how the horse responds to new people in their environment.

Watching the horse walk and trot in a straight line helps you assess how they carry themselves. Are they moving freely. Do their legs look clean and well cared for? Looking at hooves, body condition and general health gives you valuable insight into how the horse has been managed and any potential problems they may have.

Notice how the horse behaves during grooming and tacking up. Do they stand quietly? Are they fidgety or anxious? Do they react to certain tasks, like tightening the girth or being bridled? These behaviours can tell you a lot about the horse's training, comfort levels and potential health problems.

Always ask the seller or their rider to get on first. This isn't just for safety, it also gives you chance to see how the horse goes in their usual routine. Watch their transitions, straightness, willingness and overall behaviour.

When it's your turn, keep things simple and steadily work your way up the transitions if you feel happy to proceed at each stage. Try walk, trot, canter and, if appropriate, a small jump. Focus on how safe, comfortable and confident you feel.

If possible, watch or try the horse in more than one setting like a school, a small hack or open space. Horses can behave differently depending on the surroundings, so this can give you a better picture of how they might be at home.

Ask the seller about the horse's full health background, even small details can help paint a clearer picture. Ask about the horse's current fitness level and what a typical week consists of with their exercise and training. If the horse has competed, ask how they performed and whether they were calm, nervous or excitable in new places.

Understanding how the horse lives day to day can help you fully assess if you'll be able to provide for their specific care and wellbeing. Ask about feeding, turnout, companions, shoeing/trimming and any specific care they require, especially if there's any situations the horse becomes worried about.

The seller should be comfortable explaining why they're parting with the horse and how long they've had them. A good seller will be open, honest and eager to match their horse with the right person.

Seeing the horse again, perhaps at a different time of day or with another advisor, can help you feel more confident about your decision.

Once you've made the decision to purchase the horse, have an open conversation with the seller about what's included in the price, such as tack, rugs, feed or nothing at all. If a deposit is discussed, it's important to be clear about the terms and whether it's refundable, for example if the horse fails the vetting.

Note: make sure to get a full receipt for any deposit paid and confirmation for the terms of refund in writing.

If you feel the horse could be the right match for you, there is the option of having a pre-purchase examination completed by a vet.

If paperwork is missing, unclear or doesn't fully match the horse presented, further enquiries should be made. Clear records help make sure everything is genuine and transparent.

A horse that appears unusually tired, overly sweaty or looks to have been ridden before you arrive may indicate the seller is trying to manage behaviour you haven't been told about.

A trustworthy seller wants the best match for their horse. If someone pressures you to decide quickly or avoids important questions, it's perfectly okay to walk away.