buying a new horse

I am going to look at a horse that I am interested in.Can anyone tell me what to look for ?? He is a 7 yr.old arabian gelding,14.3hh, broke to ride,bay color.Iam going to try to have my vet meet me there, but she has been busy and said she will try to.

Some of the things are obvious but going to say them anyways
Look for:
*Lameness
*Too much muscle on the underside of the neck (shows that they fight the rider while being ridden)
*How they move (are they moving freely or do they seem extremely tense and stiff)


Then also make sure you check their back for any sensitivity. Take a curry comb (a rubber one will work) and run it down the spine as if you were going to get the mud off. If he curves in his back or shows any signs of pain, it could either be the rider is being too bumpy on his back or there's a problem somewhere.

If the vet comes, definitely get her input on EVERYTHING! See if she would do flextion tests and everything also.

For some reason I can't think of anything else, but I know there is wayyy more to look for

Also check out his general demeanor - - are his ears pinned, or is he alert and happy?

How's his coat? His feet? Is he funny about being touched certain places?

Have the owner ride him first, and don't forget your helmet!

How does he act on crossties and in the stall? Nice stall manners? Does he stand quietly? Friendly? Ears forward? Happy-looking? See how he reacts when you put the bit in his mouth too. Does he fight you? If he acts funny for no reason undersaddle he may have teeth or back problems. Also keep your eyes open for what his environment is like too. Is the barn clean and neat with good fencing? Do the horses seem happy? Do they have a good weight? Looking at the barn will help you determine if he's been taken care of properly.

All good advise. Be sure to have the owner ride him at all gaits for you and your vet to see. It's best if they take him from his stall or pasture rather then having him groomed and ready - you want to see how he is to catch and tack up.

Please remember that Arabs are hot blooded so he may be more then you think when you ride him.

Ok, I go tomorrow to check out this horse.The owner said he is a reg. Arabian.he holds his head high when riding and if you are tense when on his back he will tense up, too, and he spooks alittle.other than that she said he ties, loads, clips,stands for vet and farrier, and his teeth need to be floated.no buck or rear.I will let ya'll know tomorrow when I get back.

Depending on what type of riding you do, I always recommend riding in the ring and on the trail, with another horse and solo. All the horses I've ridden perform differently in those different situations.

I went and looked at the horse, awww I'm in love he is beautiful.His owner said he really liked me, he was very calm.
He crosstied great,picked up his hooves, touched him everywhere, he didnt care just stood there, didnt pin back his ears, legs were nice and straight,not stiff.I didnt find nothing wrong with him. We took him out of pasture, groomed, tacked up and I rode him, he wtc perfect.I love how he holds his tail high and his prance like trot.I'm going back in the next couple of days to pick him up.I am so excited, I can't wait. Best thing of all, HE'S FREE. I can't believe it. I sure hope him and Koda gets along good. Any other good advice wil be hopeful thanks

Get a vet check, and a drug test.

Yeah, the vet is going to meet me out there Saturday.