22/09/2026
Before you drive three hours to view a horse… make the phone call. 📞🐴
The first conversation with a seller isn’t just about finding a date for the viewing.
It’s another opportunity to work out whether this horse actually fits what you’re looking for.
There are three things I’d always want to discuss:
1. Why are they for sale?
There might be a completely straightforward explanation — they’ve been outgrown, the owner’s circumstances have changed, or they’re simply not suited to what the owner wants to do next.
2. What are they actually like to live with?
Don’t only ask about riding.
What are they like to catch, shoe, handle and travel? Do they hack alone? Are they happy being away from other horses? What are they like after a few days off?
If you can only ride three times a week, finding out that a horse needs working every day is pretty important.
3. Is there any relevant health history?
Ask about previous lameness, feet, breathing or other health issues you’re going to want to understand before going any further.
And then ask your questions.
If something in the advert has been niggling at you, ask about it.
If there’s something you absolutely couldn’t manage — whether that’s napping, bucking, rearing, travelling difficulties or something else — ask.
There isn’t a stupid question if the answer could affect whether this horse is right for you.
And remember the traffic-light list from Episode 1. 🚦
By the end of the conversation, you should hopefully still be seeing plenty of 🟢.
If you’re already having to turn lots of your 🔴 non-negotiables into 🟠 compromises just to justify going to the viewing, that’s worth paying attention to.
The phone call can save you a wasted journey — or stop you becoming even more emotionally invested in the wrong horse.
Buying Better — Episode 4 🤍
