Not a horse expert? No problem.
This free Q&A cheat sheet was made for non-horsey parents heading to horse viewings.
Know what to ask, what to look for, and how to spot the signs - without feeling silly.
Because “safe and sensible” doesn’t always mean what you think it does…
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Horse buying Q&A sheet
For those who just want to get it right.
Start With These Questions:
“Why are you selling?”
This tells you more than you think. A vague answer can be a red flag.
“What kind of rider does this horse suit?”
Listen for more than “experienced” or “novice” - ask for examples.
“What does their typical week look like?”
Light hacking and occasional schooling? Heavy competition? This matters.
“Any quirks I should know about?”
No horse is perfect. Honesty matters more than flawlessness.
“How do they behave on the ground?”
A horse can ride well but be tricky to handle - you need both.
What to Observe During the Viewing:
Does the horse stand quietly to tack up?
Are they easy to lead in/out of the stable?
Who rides them first - the seller or your rider?
Are they responsive or resistant under saddle?
Any spooky behavior?
What’s their reaction to noise, movement, or other horses?
Remember:
You don’t need to be an expert - you just need to be curious, calm, and take notes.
Take note of:
Horse name:
Viewing date:
Initial impression:
Questions asked:
Answers that raised concerns:
Overall feeling:
Next step (yes/maybe/no):
Spot anything we’ve missed? Drop us a message here and let us know
