TIPS FOR BUYING A HORSE
Please find below some tips from Hans to ensure that you choose the right horse for you.
If you would like Hans to help you directly with your purchase or would like further information please contact him.
Time for Some Honest Self Reflection…
About You
First of all, make an honest judgement call of your riding capabilities and deficiencies – this can be tough but will pay off in the long run.
Your own experience should determine at what level you buy. 
Listen to the advice of your trainer who should be experienced and trustworthy. He knows your level and your limits. He knows whether the purchase will “over-horse” you. He knows whether your good ability will surpass the proposed horse’s ability in the future and should preferably suggest a higher level horse for you.
If you are a nervous rider or have little patience, don’t buy a hot, nervous or skittish horse.
Generally, buy a horse who is relaxed, honest, has a good temperament, a good track record and is sound.
If you buy a young horse and you are an inexperienced rider and have no trainer, prepare for disaster.
Correct training of a young horse is vital.
Communication between horse and rider is the key to a winning partnership in any discipline, especially at high levels.
As the legendary German Olympic showjumper Hans Gunter Winkler put it (not a direct translation from German!):
” On the day of the competition, let us hope you both climb out of the bed on the right side. If only you did, you may, with extreme patience and effort win the day. But if both of you climbed out on the wrong side, expect chaos!”
Keeping in mind all the above, buy your horse knowing your strengths, your qualities, your capabilities while acknowledging your inexperience and weaknesses.
Knowing The Horse
This is very very important. Why? There are so many horses available and many with incredible talent. But are you the person to get the best out of him?
Here are some ideas when buying – I apply this to all horses that I buy.
What is the purpose of this horse? Do you want a horse for dressage, showjumping, eventing, or just for general hacking?
If you are interested in competitions then this is how I go about buying a horse.
Breeding is important. No hard and fast rules exist but an offspring from a good jumping line should produce a good jumper.
Never buy without trying.
Ride the horse a couple of times, pick up his feet, tie him to a ring…. Does he stand quietly or get frantic? 
Saddle him and put the bridle on. Does he avoid the bit? Mount him from a mounting block. Does he stand?
Many people like to gossip about horses that are for sale, unless they are trusted and experienced riders and know the horse, ignore the gossip.
Speak to the horse’s vet and ask for medical records. Has the horse been lame, pulled a tendon etc.
Whatever your intention is with the horse, high-level competition or relaxed riding, ask the vet if the horse has the stamina, temperament and legs for it.
If a horse has pulled a tendon, as an example, he may not make the higher levels required by you.
SO REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:
a. Good lineage – generally a better chance of good performance
b. Good conformation – generally a better chance of the power and movement you want
c. A good eye – generally a better chance of wanting to please
d. Small piggish eyes – avoid
e. Roman nose – stubborn. Avoid
f. Small ears – avoid
g. Pigeon’s toes – avoid
h. If he does not overtrack at the walk – he may not get his hocks underneath him to jump high or do high level dressage
I. No breeding papers – avoid
j. Seller avoiding vet check – don’t buy
k. Too many past owners – Avoid
l. Always ask the vet to check the microchip number with the number on the passport
If the horse is anxious, kicks or bites, frightened in traffic, won’t box, has had torn ligaments, has soft hooves, swollen legs – DON’T BUY
AND THE FINAL QUESTIONS:
Have you worked out how much it costs to keep and maintain your horse? (Farrier, vet, stabling, show entries, transport to and from shows, registration fees, club membership fees)
Do you have the time to train a competition horse?
If there is any negative feeling in you which says “Don’t buy – then don’t buy!”
Finally to end on a positive note – owning your own horse is the most rewarding experience that you could ever have in your life and I wish you much success in finding your ‘Perfect Partner’ …. 🙂
For further information info@hansequestriantraining.com