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"10 Questions to Ask Sellers When Horse Shopping"

By: Jessie Wiley

So, you are ready to begin shopping for your first Friesian or Friesian cross, or perhaps you are looking to add a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th black beauty to your herd. I mean let's face it, you can't just have one of these magnificent horses.

Shopping for a horse can be a very overwhelming experience, especially if you have no clue where to begin. Listed below are 10 helpful questions to gain information from sellers about any potential Friesian and/or Friesian cross additions to your family.

1. What is the reason this horse is up for sale?

Sellers should be willing to share with you the reason this horse is for sale whether it be financial issues, downsizing, or lack of time.

2. Has this horse ever had any health or lameness issues?

Beware horses that have had serious health issues or lamess issues. Depending on what you plan to use the horse for, you may be willing to take on a horse that has some minor health issues or needs to be on a supplement. Horses that have suffered from founder or laminitis are prone to having relapses, and these types of horses could cost you a small fortune in vet bills in the future. Be sure to do research on any diseases BEFORE you commit to buying a horse to be educated in what you are getting into.

3. Does this horse have any issues/vices on the ground or under saddle?

Be sure to ask about any behavioural problems that you may have to work through such as biting, cribbing,kicking, rearing, bucking, or bolting under saddle. Ask how the horse behaves for the vet, farrier/trimmer, and dentist.

4. Does this horse get along with other horses?

This may be an important factor if you have limited pasture options for your horse. Some horses simply cannot get along with other mares or geldings and require being pastured alone or with a different 4 legged companion.

5. Does this horse load into a trailer?

Ask if the horse has had any issues loading into a trailer. If so, be prepared to work through this or pay a trainer to teach your horse to properly load.

6. Is this horse registered?

Definitley ask if the horse is registered and with what associations/registries. Usually, sellers are willing to email a copy of the horses registration papers.You should also contact the appropriate registry to verify the horses registration, age, etc... to be sure that it lines up with what the seller is telling you. Also, be sure that the seller actually has the registration papers in their posession. Most registries can send duplicate papers if they are lost, but it can be a hassle.

*Note: In the Friesian industry, registration papers are pretty important. If you are interested in a purebred Friesian who is NOT registered, please be sure that the price reflects this. Anyone can have a pretty black draft cross, call it a Friesian, and stick a hefty price tag on it.

7. What type of rider does this horse require (beginner,intermediate,experienced)?

Be sure to ask if this horse would be suitable for your CURRENT riding experience. Do not purchase a horse based off of where you WANT to be in the future, get something you can handle safely at your current level. Remember, green on green makes black and blue!

8. Is this horse up to date on vaccinations and coggins?

You will most likely want to purchase a horse that has been kept up to date on his vaccinations. If the horse does not have a current coggins, you will need to make sure that this will be taken care of by the seller prior to moving the horse should you decide to buy him.

9. For mares, has she ever foaled before?

If you are interested in a mare for breeding, be sure to ask if she has ever foaled before and if there were any complications with getting her in foal AND delivery. Also, ask if she is a good mother. Not all mares make good mothers and the last thing you want to have to deal with is her rejecting a foal.

10. Ask for lots of pictures and video, if possible.

Be sure to ask for as many pictures of the horse that the seller will send you. It is good to see the horse from the right and left sides, as well as a front and back view. Beware sellers that will not send pictures of a horse without any tack on. They may be trying to hide something.

If possible, get video of the horse going under saddle, moving at liberty, and being handled on the ground. This is especially important if you are unable to visit the horse in person before purchasing.

Of course there are many more questions one can ask when inquiring about a horse. Don't be afraid to ask the seller anything, they should be willing to share any information about the horse.

Good luck and may you find your dream horse!!