Ok, so I've been out to see 2 different horses mainly to be used as trail horses for my hubby and anyone visitng basically.  Both horses had obvious things wrong with them both superficial and soundness wise. 

 First horse was said to be used at local shows "always in ribbons", he was a 9 yo. paint, super super skinny, I'm talking ribs showing with winter coat still (none of her other horses looked like that). I can overlook that to some extent, a little grocies.. Took him and owner to my trainer for a test ride, his hocks are no good, trainer says he's obviously sore, its really noticable when you watch someone riding him. 

Second horse was a 13 yo QH mare, said to be 15.0, she could have hardly been 14.1 in person, her feet looked to be WAY over due, owner says its been 7 weeks so she's due.  Her weight too was exteremly thin.  Said to have had reining training and cutting.  Again only really want her for trails, I hope on and she cant even neck rein and she's supposed to have a light mouth(?!!?).  I rode for a few mintues trying to get her to neck rein, move off my legs/seat.  nothing.

So to my queston....  How do you tell a seller thanks but no-thanks? And do tell them why not??   I mean if you are selling a horse wouldnt you make sure it was up to date on things like farrier and no ribs showing.  Especially when the others owned by the same people look totally cared for??

For the  13 year old QH just say you need somthing taller and that  you would really like to get a horse that  is younger.

Don't lie, just tell them something along the lines of "thank you for your time, but *blackie* is not what I'm looking for at this time."  If they ask why then you can give them the details if you want.  Things like not the height I was looking for, want something that neck reins better, whatever, or you can be brutally honest and let them have it but that's not normally advisable...

In buying a horse or taking a wife, shut your eyes tight and commend yourself to God. 

-- Tuscan Proverb

If not, I suppose they'll understand if you simply spook and run!

Why do you need a reason for not buying someones horse? If you do need a reason tell them you don't like the way the horse moves. That he looks stiff and the other horse is not an easy ride so your not comfotable putting people on her. Tell them thanks for letting me look at them but they aren't what I am looking for. End of story. They can't tell you the horse is what you want if it isn't.

DM,

IMHO, a person does not need a reason for not buying a horse.  Rather they should have many reasons FOR buying a horse.  Since owning a horse is a major personal committment, I would be very selective in the horse I buy.  Perhaps you should make a list of all the qualities you require in your next horse, and plan to search among many horses to find the specific one for you or your DH. 

As I am sure you already know, arena training for reining or other events does not necessarily make a good trail horse.  People who try to pass off rangy, neglected horses as trained and "in the ribbons" don't deserve an explanation, LOL!

I just tell them the horse isn't the right match for me.

I have some ads for horses for sale, people either never get back to me (that's the usual!) or they tell me why they don't want the horse (rare). Like with Skylar, I"ve had two interested people who decided he was too small (he's only 12.1 or 12.2). I appreciate when people take the time to tell me nevermind, and I thank them for it. But I don't expect it at all, I'm used to people just never getting back to me. When I'm looking for a horse, I try to thank them for their time and let them know the horse just isn't my match. Either they thank me for letting them know, or that's the end of the contact.

You do'nt need to give a reason. If they ask, be honest. If you're afraid to hurt their feelings, prefece (sp??) it with, "he seems like a nice horse, but.." or "he's beautiful, but..." something nice. And wish them luck in finding the horse's perfect match.

Jessi