-Part 3- Trying Out The Horse June 25, 2008

When talking to the owners ask them these questions or similar ones, it helps you understand more about the horse and owner.

Why are you selling the horse?, What activities/competitions have you done with the horse?, Is the horse graded at Pony Club and if so, what level?, What is the worst thing the horse has ever done?, How long have you had the horse?, How old is the person who usually rides the horse?, How often does this horse need to be worked each week?

When you are going to see the horse doing these things will help alot and remember to ask lots of questions.

-Ask the owner or someone who is there for the owner to ride the horse first. If there are any serious problems with the horse you don’t want to be the one bucked off first. Also you can see what the horse is used to doing, and how far along he is in his education.
-Ride the horse your self and try to cover most things you want to be doing with him if you end up buying him.
-If you haven’t brought a more knowledgeable person along with you, ask if you can arrange another time you can bring them.
-Make sure you catch, groom and saddle the horse yourself. If you will be the one doing it after you buy him, then it is important to try it before. A horse who doesn’t want to be caught will be an absolute nightmare to deal with!
-Try to ride the horse at least 3 times before you buy him. They won’t usually mind if you come out a few times to ride him, then they know what type of person the horse is going to.
-You can ask to take the horse on trial, but some people wont do this because they don’t have control over what happens with the horse over that period of time.
Remember, most people who are selling a horse are quite genuine, but there are some who are not.

Check back tomorrow for Part 4 the last of the series!!!