| When buying a horse there are many things to take | | | | 5. Horse is pushy. A horse with bad manners that |
| into consideration. To help decide if a horse will be a | | | | pushes into you when leading or tries to drag you |
| bad buy try these 7 red flags. | | | | around can be dangerous. A horse is a large and |
| 1. Seller reluctant to answer questions. When you ask | | | | strong animal and should be taught proper manners |
| questions about the horses history or faults look for | | | | when young. If a horse has missed this basic education |
| some simple signs that may indicate lying (or bending | | | | it makes you wonder what other basic education it |
| the truth). Avoiding eye contact, changing the subject | | | | has missed out on. |
| or only half answering the question. | | | | 6. Seller avoids riding the horse or appears nervous |
| 2. Feel pressured by the seller. If the seller seems to | | | | riding the horse. The seller should know the horse and |
| be pressuring you ask yourself why. Generally people | | | | if they are nervous it could indicate something is up. |
| selling a good horse are keen to see the horse go to a | | | | Have they had a bad experience with this horse? If |
| good home not just the first person who comes along. | | | | they appear nervous put them on the spot and ask |
| From my experience a seller like this is hiding | | | | why. |
| something. | | | | 7. Signs of sedatives being given to horse. This is an |
| 3. Horse nervous or touchy. A horse that is touchy | | | | old trick but unfortunately some people still do it. It is |
| around the head is that way for a reason. Some | | | | hard to pick up with a strange horse but some signs to |
| horses do not like being touched as much as others | | | | look out for include the horse appearing listless, drowsy |
| but it can also be a sign of at some stage the horse | | | | eyes, and of course you can always sneak a peek in |
| has been hit around the head. This can generally be | | | | any nearby rubbish bins for evidence. |
| fixed but takes time and patience. | | | | When looking for a horse to buy do not ignore |
| 4. Horse needs lunging before saddling up or riding. If | | | | anything that appears out of place. Keep your eyes |
| the seller insists on lunging the horse before saddling up | | | | open for red flags. Write a list of things you want in a |
| or riding ask why. It could be something as simple as | | | | horse and a list of negatives that you do not want in a |
| the horse not being exercised as often as it should | | | | horse. After looking at a horse mark of all the postives |
| and still being fed as if it were. Whether this will be a | | | | and negatives and compare them. The more horses |
| problem depends on your riding experience and | | | | you look at closely the better you will become at |
| purpose for the horse. | | | | picking the 7 red flags when buying a horse. |