Horse Buying Red Flags: What to Watch Out For

When looking for a new horse, it’s important to recognize horse buying red flags that sellers often try to hide behind clever wording. Ever seen phrases like “a little green” or “just needs a confident rider” in ads? They don’t always mean what you think. Some horses require much more training than advertised, while others have hidden issues that only become clear once you bring them home. In this article, we’ll break down common sales talk and what it really means, so you can spot potential red flags early and make a smarter, safer choice.

Five examples of ‘horse salesperson speak’ – or what we aren’t being told!

We’ve all probably heard of ‘estate agent speak’. It’s a special language, or use of words, by estate agents when they describe houses for sale. ‘In need of some renovation’, for example, usually means the house is a complete ruin. I thought it would be a good idea to assemble some ‘sales speak’ which people might hear from sellers of horses.

‘He’s a lovely horse (or pony) but he’s a little green.’ – A little green has obviously nothing to do with the animal’s colour – it means he’s uneducated. Green horses or ponies need time put into them to teach them to become quiet and reliable. Green horses don’t suit inexperienced or nervous riders.
‘All you have to do is lunge her before you ride her and she’ll be as quiet as a lamb.’ – Trust me, any horse that needs to be lunged every day before being ridden is anything but quiet. I know a young woman who recently bought a horse from a supposedly reputable owner and was told this. The horse turned out, surprise, surprise, to be a crazy animal, and bucked off the girl’s father and broke his back. Needless to say, they returned the horse and were lucky to be able to do so.
‘All this pony needs is a sympathetic rider with soft hands’. – Again, we’re probably dealing with a mad thing but this one will probably tear around the arena with his head in the air or try to pull the reins out of the rider’s hands. The dentist (more info here) might be able to help but, unless the rider considers himself calm, sympathetic and able to deal with over-sensitive horses, I wouldn’t go there.
‘I’m afraid I’ve lost her passport, but she’s only nine years old.’ – It’s amazing how many sellers have lost passports. What this usually means is that the passport has been thrown away because the horse is at least fifteen years old. When I’m told the horse’s age and there’s no sign of a passport, I immediately look at the teeth as it is easy to tell an older horse’s age using Galvayne’s Groove as a guide (see details opposite). I bought a pony from a dealer last Autumn. She knew I knew about Galvayne’s Groove so admitted that the man she’d bought the pony from had tried to tell her he was nine. We both thought he was more like fourteen or fifteen but he’s kind, sensible and good for beginner riders so it didn’t really matter.
‘This horse is four years old and he’s bombproof’. – If I got a euro for every time I see bombproof four year olds advertised for sale, I’d be a rich woman. I don’t believe there’s such a thing as a ‘bombproof’ young horse. They simply don’t have the years of mileage and experience behind them. Obviously some horses and ponies are more sensible than others but only older ones should be labelled bombproof. (by Zoe Wright)

Matilda jumps her new pony, Lucy

Bareback on Lucy

No four year old pony can be called ‘bombproof’

Galvayne’s Groove

Called Galvayne’s Groove after Sydney Galvayne, a horseman who first noticed it, this way of telling an older horse or pony’s age is well worth learning to recognise.

Once a horse is nine or ten a notch or groove appears just below the gum on the upper corner incisors (see diagram below)
When the groove comes half-way down the tooth, the horse is fifteen.
When it reaches the bottom, he is twenty.
When he is twenty-five, it has disappeared from the upper half of the tooth.
When the groove has disappeared completely, the horse is thirty.

Diagram of Galvayne’s Groove

The groove appears when horse is aged 9 or 10

Buying a child’s first pony

Good first ponies for beginner riders are worth their weight in gold and are usually handed from one family to another without ever having to end up with a dealer. Try to tick most of the following boxes:

Older pony with experience (aged at least 8)
Pony should walk, trot, canter and pop over small jump when asked, on and off the lead
Kind temperament – no biting, kicking, bucking or rearing
Child should be able to lead pony safely without being trampled or pushed about
Child should be able to feed and groom pony
Pony should not need to be lunged before being ridden
A pony which is quiet enough to be ridden straight from the field even after weeks without work is ideal
Not too forward going but needs to be obedient and move without constant kicking

When purchasing a horse, it’s essential to look beyond appealing descriptions and assess the animal’s true nature and suitability. Always request a trial ride, consult with a trusted equine professional, and observe the horse in various situations to ensure it aligns with your expectations and skill level. Remember, a genuine seller will be transparent and accommodating, prioritizing the well-being of both horse and rider.

Trust your instincts during the buying process. If something feels amiss or too good to be true, it’s wise to pause and reevaluate. Investing time and effort in thorough research and evaluation can prevent future challenges and foster a rewarding partnership with your new equine companion.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can navigate the horse-buying journey with confidence, ensuring a positive experience for both you and your future horse.