Tips for buying, years since I've done this!

[Ridelikethewindypops]

First off, I'm based in Ireland, won't be buying unseen. I had my last horse for 17 years and a friend sourced him for me at the time. Before that, had my mare for 12 years and all the way back my Dad did the dealing!
I just have a few questions re what's acceptable etiquette.
How much of a deposit is generally expected? And is the deposit non refundable, for example if horse doesn't pass vetting?
If the horse has x rays already, do I take those/ take a copy for my vet? Or am I better getting done from scratch? I'm pretty confident that I know what I'm looking for and will spot sny red glass, just want to be ready to move fast when I see what I want!

5 stage vetting for insurance purposes, with bloods. X-rays depending on value for me.
10% deposit and full balance paid and cleared before the horse goes up the ramp.

Thanks @Finetoday
Do I get the deposit back if horse fails vetting? How long is acceptable between paying deposit and completing vetting?
My own vet will travel some distance, but only within reason, so may need to find another more local if the horse is outside range.

It you put down a deposit (usually 10%) make sure it’s refundable in the event of an unsuccessful vetting. Horses don’t pass or fail - you’ll need to tell the vet what you’re planning to do with the horse and they will tell you if, in their opinion, the horse is suitable for the intended purpose. X-rays are asked for by most insurance companies for horses over a certain amount so if you’re planning to insure then it’s best to check with them which x-rays are needed.

This is what applies in the UK, sure it's similar in ROI. 10% deposit standard, refundable if horse fails vetting or seller changes their mind, not refundable if you change your mind for another reason. Balance paid usually with 5 days of successful vetting/on collection of the horse. Not all private sellers require a deposit but most dealers will.

Re vetting and x-rays, it depends on the age of the horse and what you want them for. With an older horse for light work and priced accordingly you would expect wear and tear, so personally I don't always get x-rays as it's kind of like looking for trouble IMO. If you're going to bother though you def need to get your own, don't accept copies that the seller has, as who knows how old they are and if they're even of the right horse. Bloods are worth taking as it discourages unscrupulous selling practices. Always use your own or an independent vet, not the dealers own...

Yes very good point - if you're handing over substantial cash to someone as a deposit do make sure you have a crystal clear contract/terms and conditions in writing covering the circumstances in which you will get that money back, no matter how nice or professional the seller seems. I've heard of too many people having dramas over this, e.g. vet "fails" the horse on some fairly trivial point that in the seller's view doesn't make it unfit for purpose, is that a money back situation or not? Or if horse injures itself or colics in between the time of the vetting and completion of sale. All that sort of thing worth scrutinising.

Yes I absolutely don't mind paying a deposit, but if vetting throws up something that is a deal breaker I'd be wanting it back. There'd be a few reasons here afaik that a horse would be considered to have "failed" (not get a clean cert) usually soundness, flexion test or wind related