Tips for Looking for an Event Horse or Pony for Sale

It is so important to be practical when shopping for an event horse or pony for sale as it is very easy to fall in love with ones that you view even if they are not necessarily suitable. When looking for a horse or pony always stick to what you originally intended to buy as training is very different for the different spheres and look for a horse that suits the rider and its purpose. 

There are so many horses for sale with good bloodlines it is important to choose a horse not only on its bloodlines but your gut instinct that the horse has potential.  Good bloodlines would certainly help when trying to re sell the horse but does not necessarily guarantee success in the ring.  It is a huge gamble to buy a youngster and therefore more novice riders should stick to more experienced horses.  Inexperienced riders can easily lose their confidence with an untrained horse and may end up costing a lot more money than anticipated on training the young horse.  

Always get a vet involved who is independent from the seller to ensure that your preferred horse for sale is sound.   A vet can also check the horses’ wind to ensure they are breathing correctly and that their teeth are in a reasonable condition.  Their teeth are also a reliable way to check their true age. 

Conformation, type and soundness should be the main focus when viewing a potential event horse or pony.  The horses’ colour should not be issue but don’t let the reputation of chestnut mares put you off as some become very successful horses. Their head needs to be proportioned well on a long neck and a wide bright eye.

A horse should be in proportion with neither a long or short back and their tail ought to swing freely from side to side.  Their hind quarters should be wide and powerful as this is where their strength comes from.  A horse’s hocks ought to be well set as competition horses put a lot of weight on their hind legs.  Look for spavins, thoroughpins, or curbs on the hock which are signs of weaknesses.

It is important that an event horse is not too light boned to with stand the impacts of the cross county phase as they require stamina as well as agility.  A horse’s feet should also be matching and not too small as their natural movement is imperative and key to the correct conformation.

Ensure that the price of the horse for sale is in relation their success, age, breeding and condition.  There are often many extra hidden costs involved with buying a horse, such as a vetting, cost of transportation, tack and rugs so be prepared. 

Also never choose the first horse you view, always get comparisons, there are many horses for sale out there, but if you find the ideal horse at the right price don’t hesitate as you may miss out.