https://www.horselawyer.co.uk/blog daily 0.75 2026-11-14 https://www.horselawyer.co.uk/blog/bought-a-horse-on-facebook-the-11000-warning-every-buyer-needs-to-read monthly 0.5 2026-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6227d3faea54445398ea7874/89a9e987-40fe-414a-8b83-e9f591dc2816/WtvKJBzJT4i.webp Blog - Bought a Horse on Facebook? The £11,000 Warning Every Buyer Needs to Read https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6227d3faea54445398ea7874/f3df59c9-79b1-4db4-92cb-558b34b0bde7/zSnl4YYM5R9.webp Blog - Bought a Horse on Facebook? The £11,000 Warning Every Buyer Needs to Read 1. View the horse in person Never rely solely on photographs or videos. Visit the horse where it is kept and observe how it behaves before, during and after handling. If possible, see it caught, groomed, tacked up and loaded. You should also ask questions about its daily routine, previous work and reason for sale. Would you be comfortable with the seller refusing to let you see the horse being handled? If not, don’t ignore that concern. 2. Arrange your own independent vetting Always consider commissioning a pre-purchase examination by your own independent equine vet. The vet should be chosen by you, not the seller. A vetting isn’t a guarantee that the horse will never become ill or behave unexpectedly, but it can identify existing concerns and help you make an informed decision. If the seller discourages a vetting, says one has already been done or insists you use their vet, treat that as a warning sign. 3. Ride and handle the horse yourself where appropriate If the horse is being sold as suitable for you or your child, you should see it ridden in circumstances relevant to the intended use. Where appropriate, you should also ride it yourself. For a child or less experienced rider, arrange for a knowledgeable adult or professional to assist. Don’t be pressured into accepting a short demonstration if it doesn’t answer your questions about the horse’s suitability. 4. Check the passport and trace the history The horse’s passport should be provided and checked carefully. Compare the passport details with the horse and ask questions about ownership, vaccinations, medical treatment and any recorded exclusions from the food chain. A passport may not contain every detail of a horse’s medical history, so it shouldn’t be treated as a complete substitute for veterinary checks and conversations with previous owners. Ask for supporting records where relevant, including vaccination history, competition records, imaging reports and details of previous injuries. 5. Use a written horse sale contract A properly prepared buying a horse contract or horse sale contract should cover matters such as: The horse’s identification and description The agreed price and payment arrangements The horse’s known medical and behavioural history The intended use Any warranties or specific promises Known vices, limitations or exclusions The seller’s status as a private individual or trader What happens if the horse isn’t as described Responsibility for transport and insurance Dispute resolution arrangements A contract won’t make a dishonest statement true, but it can make the agreement clearer and preserve important evidence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6227d3faea54445398ea7874/19393523-b296-463f-a8f1-7adcafb184a0/zNiAmW78Ae1.webp Blog - Bought a Horse on Facebook? The £11,000 Warning Every Buyer Needs to Read 6. Save the advert and all communications Take screenshots of the original listing, including photographs, claims about the horse and any warranty wording. Keep text messages, emails, voice notes, invoices and payment records. Online adverts can be edited or deleted. If something matters to your decision, preserve it before paying. 7. Get specialist advice before paying a large sum If you’re spending significant money, specialist advice is a sensible preventative step : whether you’re buying for a child, building a competition partnership or adding a horse to a professional programme. As The Horse Lawyer®, I advise horse owners, dealers and equestrian professionals on horse purchase agreements, sale contracts and equine disputes. I can help you identify risks before they become expensive problems and advise you if a horse has already been misrepresented. What should you do if the horse isn’t as described? Act promptly. Stop relying on informal promises and start gathering evidence. Arrange an appropriate veterinary assessment, keep records of the horse’s condition and avoid making decisions that could undermine your position. Don’t sell or return the horse without understanding the legal consequences, particularly where there are allegations of misrepresentation, a warranty or a dispute about the seller’s responsibilities. Whether you bought from a private seller or a trader, the wording of the advert, the conversations before purchase, the contract and the veterinary evidence may all be relevant. Buying a horse should be an exciting step, not a leap into the unknown. With careful checks, independent advice and a robust contract, you can give yourself and your equine friend the best possible protection. Source and legal note This article is based on the BBC Wales investigation, “Facebook seller mis-sold me an unsafe horse that kicked my daughter in the head”, published 27 August 2026. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is available at legislation.gov.uk. This article provides general information for England and Wales and isn’t a substitute for advice about your individual circumstances. If you’re involved in an equine dispute or planning a horse purchase, speak to an experienced equine lawyer before taking action. **Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No solicitor-client relationship is formed by your use of this information. While I strive for accuracy, the law changes frequently; you should always consult a qualified legal professional regarding your specific circumstances. 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Here's the Truth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6227d3faea54445398ea7874/d7f96259-1117-4c80-839a-3b8d8b8dab6d/7eaYp3evd-a.webp Blog - Is Your Livery Yard Contract Protecting You? Here's the Truth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6227d3faea54445398ea7874/a6caddf4-1c1c-407a-a4dc-e96bcaed3ec8/htDMXgRDtKt.webp Blog - Is Your Livery Yard Contract Protecting You? Here's the Truth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6227d3faea54445398ea7874/9dfa4992-ce76-4eb2-8123-beebb350ebe3/0yveeIkle0e.webp Blog - Is Your Livery Yard Contract Protecting You? 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