Buying a horse unseen – considerations

I have seen an increase in the number of enquiries relating to some of the issues of buying a horse unseen. Ideally, I would always recommend that the buyer sees the horse or pony prior to purchase.

Why you may buy a horse unseen:

• Purchasing at a distance e.g Europe and Ireland makes it more difficult to travel particularly when you need to see more than one horse.
• Friend or trainer’s recommendation.
• Seen online.

The problems you may face:

• No sales contract.
• The horse:
  • Doesn’t match it’s passport.
  • Is not fit for purpose.
  • Has an injury or medical issue that occurred pre purchase.
• The seller disputes there is an issue and refuses to take the horse back.
• The costs incurred whilst the dispute is resolved e.g. vets fees, livery or stabling costs.

How to minimise the risk

• Research who you are buying from. Check forums, dodgy dealer sites and Facebook.
• Make sure you see and carefully check the seller’s sale contract prior to purchase. Ensure that you are happy with the terms and conditions particularly if something goes wrong.
• Get the horse independently vetted prior to purchase. This should include a blood test.
  • A 5 stage vetting is limited to what the vet sees, hears and feels upon examination.
  • It ought to reveal patent defects such as lameness but latent defects such as non-symptomatic OCD (Osteochondritis dissecans) are only likely to be revealed through x ray and/or ultrasound scans.
  • Please note: A vetting does not assess behaviour and is a snapshot of the horse’s health on that particularly day.
• Ask to see a copy of the horse’s passport, veterinary history and competitive performance (if applicable).
• If possible, speak to any previous owners.
• If you can’t travel to see the horse can you arrange for an independent appraisal e.g. vet or trainer?
• If you are told you or a representative cannot view the horse then seriously ask yourself whether you should go ahead with the purchase.
• Can you use technology to view the horse live? You can then ask questions and get a better feel for the horse. Again, remember this is a snap shot!
• Can they provide up to date video evidence of its behaviour e.g rugging up, loading, clipping, farrier, at competition, hacking out?
• If statements are made about the horse’s behaviour ask for those to be put in writing e.g. novice ride, hacks out alone or in company.
• Keep copies of the advert and any correspondence including emails, texts and social media posts.
• Be clear about who the seller is:
  • owner
    • dealer or professional
    • private individual
  • on behalf of the owner

Some unscrupulous dealers are trying to avoid the protection given under the Consumer Rights Act by misrepresenting themselves or hiding behind another third party. So, buyer beware!

Contact Us

If you are involved in a horse dispute then you can call Michael Bower on 0300 303 2865.