Check List For Buying A Horse

1. Terms of Sale 
        A.  Price
        B.  Is there an up to date Brand Inspection? 

2.  Basics
        A.  Horse's (Registered) Name:
        B.  Registered? ___________, If Yes, Number:
        C.  Gender:  Mare?  Gelding?  Stallion?
        D.  Age?
        E.  Breed:
        F.  Color/Markings 
        G.  Height:

3.  Appearances 
        A.  Weight & Muscle:  Thin? Fat? Flabby?
        B.  Coat:  is it: Just Right? Shaggy? Other? 
        C.  Limbs:  Do they appear uniform or are there any noticeable problems?
        D.  Eyes:  Large, Bright and Clear, Free of Discharge?   
        E.  Breathing: Normal? Exerted? Short Shallow Breaths?   
        F.  Any Visible Injuries or Scars?
        G.  Feet: Shod? Barefoot?

4.  Vitals  
        A.  Are there current health issues?
        B.  Up to date on immunizations?
                i.  West Nile, Strangles, Coggins Test, Worming?
        C.  List current medication and reason why?
        D.  What is the horse's current diet?
        E.  Last farrier care?
        F.  Is the horse currently sound?
       G.  Has the horse ever been lame?
       H.  Has the horse ever had colic?  If Yes, was surgery necessary?

5.  Behavior & Disposition
        A.  Enthusiasm:  Rate the horse's energy level (1=very lazy, 5=highly spirited)
        B.  Bomb proof: Rate the horse's reaction level (1=no reaction, 5=bolts) 
        C.  Vices:  Does the horse:
                i.  Kick or strike or rear?
                ii.  Bite or buck or bolt?
                vi.  Pull back when tied?
                vii.  Crib or windsuck?  Stall walk or weave? Barn sour?
       D.  Safety:  Horse is suitable for a child to handle?
       E.  Interest:
              i.  Does the horse look interested and friendly when you approach?
              ii.  Does the horse stand quietly while being groomed, saddled and bridled?
        F.  Compliance:  When asked to perform a task, rate the horse's compliance level
              (1=very compliant, 5=very resistant)
                >>>>Does the horse stand quietly without an aid for:
                i.  Grooming/Blanketing/Saddling?
                ii.  The Vet?  The Farrier?
       G.  Trailer Loading:  Does the horse load readily into a trailer and ride quietly once in the trailer?
       H.  Horse Friends:  Does the horse get along well with other horses?

6.  Training Record
        A.  Is this horse broke to ride?
        B.  Type:  Western? English? Hunter Jumper?
        C.  Has the horse had any professional training?
        D.  Is the horse suitable for a child to ride?