Questions to ask the seller when you call about a horse for sale

1. Is the horse registered? If not, do you have proof of horse's age/history?
2. Do you believe that this horse will pass a pre-purchase exam by a veterinarian? (Possibly the most important question)
3. Has this horse been lame in the past?
4. Does this horse have any conformation faults?
5. Does this horse have up-to-date shots, coggins, and farrier work? (not all will, but it gives you an idea of the seller's investment in the horse.
6. Does the horse wear shoes or go barefoot?
7. Does the horse have any vices (stall vices or vices under saddle?)
8. Does this horse buck, rear, bolt, balk, or spook?

These are just some basic questions that you should ask the seller before you go to see a horse. If the horse is in the $2,000 to $5,000 range, I believe that it is acceptable to ask for more pictures before you take the trip to see the horse. If the horse is over $3000, I believe that it is appropriate to ask for video footage of the horse in action.

When you do make the call to the seller, be sure to have the horse's advertisement in front of you so that you do not ask questions that the seller has already answered in the advertisement. These questions, and others pertain to your particular needs will help you to determine whether or not you should make the trip to see a horse.