To buy a horse without viewing it?

[Clipityclopity]

I’ve never bought unseen before, but we live fairly remotely and there’s not many horses for sale within 100 miles of us.

I’ve seen some lovely showjumping/eventing prospects being sold down in the very south of England- i could drive down but it would be a 1000 mile + round trip and honestly I don’t want to do that

would you risk buying unseen? I will be viewing videos, getting a full 5 stage vetting and possibly X-rays. I’ve always liked to ride at viewings to get a feel for the horse and I know it’s risky not doing this, but it would be so, so much easier.

AIBU to consider taking the plunge and buying unseen? Have you ever done it?

I nearly brought a horse unseen as it was a long way. I did go an view her in the end.

She was lovely and as described by the private seller. My dream colour too as I always wanted a palomino. Jumped beautifully. Took her down a main road as a quick hacking/traffic test. She was very good. There was nothing wrong with her at all but she wasn’t for me, there was no chemistry.

A week later I saw a green horse that was too big for me, biter and wind sucker, reared when I viewed him. A very ordinary looking chestnut. But it was love at first ride and I ended up keeping him 18 years and he was the horse love of my life (albeit he remained difficult to handle his whole life). We were successful together and both retired to happy hackers together. When he died I was devastated and haven’t ridden since.

On paper you just can’t get a feel for a horse!

No way, horses get passed around like they're some sort of commodity no thought or care given to what that can do to them long term. If you can't view don't buy.

I think it totally depends on you as a rider. I have friends who have brought unseen ( usually from Ireland) and it's worked out so well for them. Some were Not backed and some were established. All went fine.

I personally couldn't do it as in the sort of rider that likes to feel how they move and work out if I can ride one side of it.

If they are BE prospects are they already competing as maybe checking out if any of them have anything entered and maybe meeting them there may slightly be closer for you?

Buying horses is so hard! Best of luck

I might use a horse agent (I know one in Ireland) but otherwise, I’d want to ride a prospective purchase myself, particularly if it’s more than a few grand-aren’t they all these days?! People on HHO are very helpful-maybe see if there’s anyone local to the dealer you’re looking at who would scope it out for you.