Another thing, height seems to vary between people. I bought by Ruby sight unseen, seller said she was 15.1 and I asked the vet to confirm current height and if she'd mature at 15.3 - 16.h as per the sellers advice; Vet confirmed she was about 15.1 as a three year old, so should get close to 15.3 (clydy / andy's are slow to mature). She shrunk a couple of inches in the truck, she was barely 14.3 when she arrived...
If in doubt about the horses height, take a measuring stick

As a buyer some things I have learnt is some horse sellers are no better then used car salesman, but some tips:

* If the seller will not ride the horse themself, beware, the horse may not be as good as they make out they are, had two state "I can't ride because I injured my back and he has not been ridden for 6 months, I could get X to come and work him for me but I don't want to fork out money on a horse I wont be keeping" I kid you not , a buyer is not there to work the horse, LOL. Another horse the owner had 'hurt my knee but I can my neighbour to ride her for you" beling local I made some enquiries only to discover the horse is too good for her, yet she thinks would be fine for young rider! The neighbour is a very experienced horse person. As long as it is not in their backyard that is all that counts for some horse sellers

If they get an experienced rider to show you the horse, the horse may perform perfectly but if you are not of the same ability it may go pear shaped pretty quickly. Recently both scenerios above happened to us, needless to say, I didn't even bother to ride the horse, it was all far too dodgey to entrust me or my daughter's life with their horse.

* It would be nice of the seller to ensure the horse has been ridden at least once in past week or so, it is a misjustic to your horse I feel to have them fresh and not performing at their best:roll: unless the buyer wants to see the horse fresh and rested.

* Have recent pics available, not ones taken a few years ago, have gone to look at horses, only to find the horse is not in the same condition, very disappointing if you have driven a long distance. Also if selling a riding horse, please have photos of horse being ridden under saddle. Buyers, if there no ridden photos forthcoming this could be another warning sign.

* If something seems fishy about the setup, proceed with caution.

* If possible get a trial or at least be allowed to come and ride the horse a few times before deciding

Remember as another member stated, horses are not robots, they do have off days and sellers generally really do love their horse so please be kind with any downside/critisism you give

We breed and sell youngsters at Cheveaux Park..
we allow a bonding period with ALL our youngsters..
we allow people to come often and handle the babies..
we also ask a million questions..so we dont make the mistake of selling to the wrong people..so the youngster is not resold on.

We have allowed the odd trial of a broken in youngster but thats rare due to some inexperienced people or those we think expect too much of a youngster.
We also allow a trial on the property too..this helps US to make the right decision in the partnership of horse/rider.
I am sure alot more sellers would aloow alot more leway with horses if they were paid a small deposit so you can visit a few times to ride and be be sure your buying the right horse.
The fact that its for sale doesnt mean you can have a free ride at intervals..but paying a small deposit shows your keen and also...gives you some idea the horses welfare is the priority here.
You can ask anything of the seller...but be fair...the horse IS for sale...

Nice post Arabutt

I am just wondering with the deposit thing and the horse does not suit the rider, are deposits fully refundable?

thanks arch,
I dont think you can ask for a deposit back...especially if your riding the sellers horse for a few weeks...
the seller would have to hold the horse from other potential buyers...
tell them the horse is under trial...therefore possibly loosing THAT sale..
least paying a small($100)deposit shows your keen and seller is likely to oblige...of course the horse would potentially be appealing to the eye...would ride well the first ride...buyer would obviously be initially happy with the horse on first visit.

The thing about buying a horse is that the buyer needs to cover all options...
theres so many scenarios that buyer can ensure they have made the right choice..
many many ideas come to mind...
home trial...on property trial..vet check...instructors ride..visit the horse more than twice..theres so many options a buyer can put forth to a seller that theres no reason for unhappy buyers really.
If the seller doesnt come to the party..there SO many wonderful horses out there for sale..
and SO many decent sellers to deal with..

Added to say...
some lovely horses available for sale in this state...
beautiful...

When buying an 'unregistered' but 'registerable' horse - check up on paperwork and make sure that the owner has put in their service certificates and details to the appropriate society and that its not going to cost you an arm and a leg to register the 'bargain' horse you may pick up.

A little bump for those to see this and add anything more they might like to