Good sellers expect questions — the best ones respect you more for asking. Here are 25 that experienced buyers always ask, grouped so you can work through them naturally. Save this page and take it to viewings.
The big picture
- Why are you selling? "Outgrown" is ideal. Vague or defensive answers deserve a follow-up.
- How long have you owned the pony? Short ownership isn't automatically bad, but ask why it's moving on so soon.
- Who rides the pony at the moment, and how often? You want a pony in regular, current work with a rider like yours.
- What's the worst thing the pony has ever done? The most revealing question on this list. Every pony has done something.
- Would you be happy selling to a first-time owner? An honest "no" here is a kindness — thank them and move on.
Temperament and handling
- Is the pony good to catch, even in a big field?
- How is it with the farrier, dentist and vet?
- Does it load and travel calmly?
- Can it be clipped and does it stand for grooming?
- How is it around dogs, pushchairs and small children on the ground?
- Any stable vices — weaving, cribbing, box-walking?
- How does it behave for a nervous or unbalanced rider?
Ridden behaviour
- Is it truly good in traffic — lorries and tractors, not just cars?
- Will it hack alone as well as in company?
- Does it nap, buck, rear or spook? Ask for specifics, not reassurance.
- What's it like in open spaces — does it get strong in canter?
- How does it behave at shows or rallies — and in the warm-up ring?
- When was it last ridden by a child of my child's age and level?
Health and history
- Has the pony ever had laminitis? Crucial for natives and good-doers — ask directly.
- Any history of colic, sweet itch, mud fever or lameness?
- Is it up to date with vaccinations, worming, teeth and back checks?
- Is the pony ever on medication or special shoeing?
- Does it hold weight easily, and what is it fed?
- Can I see its passport? Check the description matches the pony in front of you.
The closing question
- Is there anything I haven't asked that you'd want to know if you were buying? Honest sellers respect this question enormously — and it often surfaces the one thing nothing else did.
A seller who answers all 25 patiently is exactly the kind of person you want to buy from. A seller who bristles at question three has answered a different question entirely.
Next step: print our viewing checklist so you know what to look for when you visit.