Step 4: Contact Seller
While the advertisement is a great starting point, it does not provide all the information you will need to make an informed decision. The next step is to contact the seller (or the lessor or the donor). When you contact the seller, communicate your intended use of the horse (e.g., for riding lessons, with beginners, with adaptive riders). Often, the seller, based on their knowledge of the horse, has a reasonable idea as to the horse’s suitability for a lesson program. If the seller does not think their horse will do well in your program, thank them for their time and move on. Trust that they know their horse.
During your discussion with the seller, ask questions that you have but were not answered in the advertisement, or that you would like additional information on. Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to ensure you are efficient and thorough in your conversation. Utilize the Prospective Horse Evaluation form (see Appendix 3) as a guide to fill out during your conversation. This will ensure you don’t forget to ask important questions. By the end of your discussion with the seller, you should have completed Phase 1 of the form.
Remember to treat the conversation with the seller as precisely that, a conversation. There is a lot you can learn about the horse and seller by asking more in-depth questions rather than strictly following the form. For example, when you ask if the horse tends to spook, if the seller says yes, ask what they spook at and what their reaction is. People may have different definitions of what it means for a horse to spook.
You should also request videos and photos of the horse, if not provided. Photos should show the horse from each side view, the front view, and the back view. This will allow you to analyze their conformation. Ask for the video to show the horse being ridden at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions so that you can watch their behavior and soundness. Additional demonstrations, such as lunging, leading, tacking up, and going over obstacles, are also helpful if the seller is willing to provide them.
After you have asked your questions and filled out the first phase of the Prospective Horse Evaluation, you should have an idea of how the horse may or may not fit into your program. If you decide you want to continue to pursue the horse, it is time to set up an in-person meeting to trial the horse. If you choose not to pursue the horse further, inform the seller of your decision and thank them for their time.
