Not all of these questions will be relevant to all horses but I hope it will help in avoiding you being caught out and buying a horse that is unsuitable for you.

1. Why are they selling it? Is is because they don’t have enough time (a common answer) because they don’t have enough time to educate it or enough time to enjoy it?
2. When was it last ridden?
3. What is it like in a group?
4. What is it like in traffic?
5. Has it been ridden or worked today?
6. What is it like around other horses?
7. Can it be shod/ lead/ rugged/ floated?
8. If it is unbroken – why?
9. What type of bit/ bridle do they use?
10. How long have they owned the horse?
11. Has it had any serious injuries or lameness after work?
12. Is it up to date with its vaccinations?
13. If you are on the coast, does it suffer in the summer?