Finding the right pony or horse to buy should be an exciting milestone — but for many, it can quickly turn into a stressful and costly experience. An inexperienced buyer may not know the right questions to ask, or may assume the seller will disclose all relevant details. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, and mistakes at this stage can lead to disappointment, wasted money, and even unsafe outcomes.
In the horse world, it’s often said that mistakes are just part of the learning process. Horse Force takes a different view: mistakes are costly and stressful, and with the right preparation, they can be avoided. That’s the thinking behind their Horse Buyer Guide, a resource designed to help buyers be focussed, prepared, and confident when choosing their next horse or pony.
More Than Just Questions
The Horse Buyer Guide is a comprehensive, step-by-step handbook that supports buyers through every stage of the purchasing process. It includes:
- Enquiry: How to define your purpose, ask the right questions, and protect yourself under consumer law.
- Inspection: What to look for in temperament, conformation and behaviour, plus red flags inexperienced buyers often miss
- Vet Check: Why a pre-purchase exam is essential, what it should cover, and how to handle findings
- Payment & Collection: The legal difference between deposits and part payments, when ownership and risk transfer, and how to settle your horse safely at home
- Buying Sight Unseen: The extra protections you need if you can’t inspect in person
- Purchase Contract: A simple, ready-to-use contract template to prevent costly disputes
- Horse Law: Important things to know.
- Decision-Making Tips: Practical advice to avoid impulse buying, unrealistic expectations, or relying on verbal promises
The sample questions are one part of this bigger picture — but the real value of the Guide is showing you how to interpret answers, avoid pitfalls, and make smart, legally sound decisions.
Sample Questions to Ask the Seller
Here are some of the questions from the flyer that you can use right away when speaking with a seller:
Ownership
- Are you the owner of the horse? If not, who is?
- How long have you owned the horse?
- Who did you buy the horse from?
- Why is the horse for sale?
- Is the horse registered with any society or association? If so, what ones and what name is the horse registered under?
- Are you running a business of selling horses?
Advertising
- I have the sale advertisement here in my hand. Is the information given about the horse accurate?
Purpose (adapt to your needs)
- I intend to use the horse for eventing up to 1 metre. Will it be suitable for that purpose?
- I want to breed with the mare. Can you tell me about her breeding history year by year, over the last 5 years?
Suitability (for example, for a 12-year-old beginner)
- Will this horse be suitable for her?
- Has the horse been ridden by a nervous child rider before?
- Will my daughter be able to safely handle the horse herself?
- Will she be able to catch it in the paddock by herself?
- Will the horse remain safe and quiet to ride and handle if my daughter can only ride it three times a week?
Temperament
- Does the horse have any of the following vices?
- Kick, bite, windsuck/crib, rear, head shy, fence walk, weave, shy/spook, difficult to catch, paw (in float or stable), bolt, buck, pull back when tied up, head shake, scramble in float, problem loading, strike with leg, stumble, cold backed.
- Does the horse have any other behaviours I should know about (e.g. separation anxiety from other horses)?
- How would you describe the temperament of the horse?
- Calm, quiet, safe and reliable for a beginner rider
- Fairly quiet, but only suitable for a rider with some riding experience
- Difficult to ride and handle and only suitable for an experienced rider
- Has any drug been given to the horse to make it behave today?
Health
- Has the horse been vet checked recently? If so, what were the findings?
- Has anyone decided not to buy the horse recently? If so, why?
- Are there any x-rays of the horse available and when were they taken?
- Has the horse been sick, injured, lame or diagnosed with a disease in the time you have owned it?
- Has the horse ever had surgery?
- Who is your regular vet?
- Is the horse on any regular medication or drugs?
- To the best of your knowledge, is the horse currently sound?
- Has the horse ever been unsound?
General
- Is the horse safe to ride?
- What is the horse like to ride by itself and in the company of other horses?
- What is the horse like to ride on the road, in large open spaces or in the bush?
- What is the horse like to compete or take out to an event or show?
- Is the horse in regular work?
- Who is the regular rider?
- Has the horse been ridden or lunged today (before this inspection)?
- What is the horse like to shoe or trim by the farrier?
- What is the horse like to transport on a float or truck (loading and travelling)? Would I be able to load the horse by myself?
- What is the normal diet of the horse?
Download the flyer (PDF) here: Horse Buyer Guide Sample Questions
Exclusive Offer for Pony Club Australia Members
As a Pony Club Australia member, you can purchase the Horse Buyer Guide for just $39 (regular price $55). Simply mention that you are a Pony Club member in the Order Notes section at checkout to claim your special price.
Buy online today at: www.horseforce.com.au
Why It Matters
Buying a horse or pony is a major investment in both money and emotion. With the right preparation, you can avoid confusion, stress, and regret — and instead bring home a horse that truly suits your needs and goals.
The Horse Buyer Guide gives you the tools to be confident, informed, and protected every step of the way.
