Halflingers

Question
Im considering a horse for my 10 year old daughter(average height/weight for her age),& am looking at a Halflinger filly for sale for under $800.She is registered &its a distress sale.Would this be a good purchase? I have a NSH that is too much horse for a child& she is a beginner/interm. rider.Thanks!

Answer
Hi,

I don't know if the purchase you are considering is good or not because you don't tell me much about the horse.  You say your daughter is a beginner/intermediate rider so some of the things you want to consider are:
How broke is the horse?  
How is the horse's disposition to work around on the ground(stall, other horses)?  
How old is the horse?  
Have you seen the horse ridden?
Has your daughter tried out the horse?  
What does your daughter want to do with the horse?
Also, what kind rider are you and can you help your daughter if she has any problems with the horse?

You say the horse is a distress sale so are the current owners breeders, have too many horses or did they hit some financial hard times?  Are the current owners willing to guarantee the horse?  If the horse is quiet and what you are looking for would the current owners consider leasing so that you can confirm the horse and your daughter are a good fit.(Leasing can be a good option for sellers in hardship because the potential buyer/leasee can help with the cost of caring for and keeping the horse)

When buying a children's horse, disposition and training are very important.  You want your child to be safe and enjoy riding.  A cheap untrained horse could lead to expensive medical bills.  

This is a long answer to a short question but I hope that it gives you some guidance.  If you have some follow up questions, please feel free to let me know.

Smiles,
Jessica
jess@ahorseappraiser.com