What the listing doesn't say
The most useful red flags are often omissions: no vetting history, no mention of why the horse is for sale, no recent ridden footage. Absence is information.
Wording that manages your expectations down
Phrases like 'project', 'not a novice ride', or 'would suit an experienced home' are honest signals — make sure they match your experience level before you travel.
Price versus the rest of the market
Compare the asking price against similar horses for age, height, discipline, and record. A large gap in either direction is worth understanding.
Always finish with a Pre-Purchase Exam
No listing scan replaces an in-person vetting. Use a screening read to decide which horses are worth the trip — then commission a PPE before you buy.
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Common questions
What is the biggest red flag in a horse listing?
There isn't one single tell — it's usually a cluster: vague health history plus urgency plus a price that's a little too good. Clusters matter more than any single phrase.
How does Stirrup help?
Paste any supported listing URL and Stirrup reads it the way an experienced buyer would, flags what's worth checking, and gives you the questions to ask the seller.
Stirrup is a screening tool, not veterinary advice. Always commission an in-person Pre-Purchase Exam before buying.