Questions to ask before a trial ride
Ten minutes on the phone can save a four-hour drive. The questions that tell you whether a horse is worth seeing.
3 min read
Ask these before you book the trip. Listen for straight answers.
- Why is the horse for sale, and how long has the seller had it?
- What is it doing right now, and how often is it ridden?
- Who rides it, and could a rider at my level?
- Any lameness, colic, surgery or time off in its history?
- Any vices: cribbing, weaving, difficulty loading, clipping or shoeing?
- Is it on any medication or supplement, and why?
- When was the last Coggins, and are vet records available?
- Has it been shown, and are results on record?
- Is the price firm, and what is included?
- Can I see video of the horse being caught, tacked and ridden, before I come?
At the trial
Arrive early enough to see the horse in its stall or field and watch it tacked up. Watch the usual rider first. Ride it the way you ride: if you hack out alone, hack out. Bring your trainer.
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