Rights for those who buy horses unseen

Although riders are strongly advised to view before they buy, they do have rights if matters do not go as planned

- BECKY MURRAY

OWNERS have been reminded that although buying unseen is not recommended, they have rights if a horse is not as described.

Solicitor Hannah Bradley of The Equine Law Firm told H&H she has had an increase in enquiries during lockdown from people who have bought unseen. Horses have had issues on arrival, but the new owners believed they had fewer rights as they had not viewed them first.

“Some people assume it’s their own fault for not going to view the horse, but the legal provisions are very different. When someone hasn’t had the opportunity to inspect the horse and the trader is selling based on description, they have to make sure they give certain information and make this clear,” she said.