Too good to be true?

Okay, some of you may recognize me from posting lost of questions concerning buying horses. XD I think I finally found my horse (I have not yet gone to visit him though). He's an 11yo TB gelding who is trained in H/J, dressage, and Western pleasure. He is also registered and a grandson of Seattle Slew. He is said to be an easy keeper, have a calm and gentle temperament, and has no vices. Just one problem... he is being sold for $800. I mean I don't mind a low price, it's just something seems off. This horse is clearly worth more. I questioned the owner about it, and he just said that he is in a situation where he needs money fast. Should I question him further or does that sound fine? Is there anything I should look for when I go try him out?

Thanks!

Take a trainer with you if you are unsure, have the owner ride him, then you ride him, see how he reacts to you, take lots of confo shots a video of him moving W/T/C some free jumping as well. Also make sure you get a vet check done. Good luck, hope it works out^^

A price tag that low would certainly put me on my guard, but I don't think it would stop me from checking him out. If he isn't everything he is made out to be, then looking is no big loss, but if the seller is being honest and really does just need the money quick, then you could get an absolute steal.

If you go check him out, just make sure to keep a keen eye out for anything "off" about him, take an experienced horseperson/trainer if you feel you need to, and don't forego the PPE.

There are bargains to be found, they generally just get lost in the sea of scammers and liars. Check him out, you might get lucky.

Even if you are very experienced, I would also bring someone else very experienced with you. Always better to have 2 sets of eyes, they may see something that you don't while riding or talking to seller. Best of luck, I hope he's a good one!

Thanks, yeah I think I will definitely take a trainer with me. As for the vet check, I'm not real experienced with this haha, is that typically at my expense or the owner's?

Vet check will be at your expense and the cost will vary depending on whether you opt for the whole shebang with x-rays and all that or just trust the flexion test (which is sometimes inconclusive).

I would get a vet check done on any horse you are seriously considering. If you don't want to spend the extra money on x-rays, see if you can get a complete history from the horse's current vet. They usually don't mind sending you records (at least where I live). At least you have a better idea of the horse's history then just doing a flex test.

Vet check, DO NOT get on the horse without seeing him ridden first, and just be wary of anything that doesn't seem quite right.

Bargains ARE out there, but sometimes it's hard to find them.