Vague or absent soundness history
Listings that praise temperament at length but never mention vetting, X-rays, or injury history are worth questioning — especially in higher price bands where buyers usually expect that detail up front.
Urgency and 'no time wasters'
Pressure language pushes you to skip due diligence. Genuine sellers of a sound horse rarely need to rush a serious buyer. Treat urgency as a prompt to slow down, not speed up.
A price that is too good for the description
When the asking price sits well below comparable horses of the same age, height, and record, there is usually a reason. Ask what it is before you fall in love with the photos.
Photos that hide more than they show
All photos taken on one day, none under saddle with a stranger riding, or no recent video can mean the horse looks different in person. Ask for a fresh ridden video.
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Common questions
Does a red flag mean I shouldn't buy the horse?
No. A flag is a question to ask, not a verdict. Many listings with flags turn out fine once the seller answers — the point is to ask before you commit time and money.
Can Stirrup check a HorseQuest listing for me?
Yes. Paste the HorseQuest URL into Stirrup and it flags the wording, pricing, and gaps in seconds, then hands you the questions to ask the seller.
More checklists
ehorses warning signs: reading a listing before you travel
Horse listing red flags: a buyer's checklist
Buying a horse from a Facebook group: what to check first
Horse sale scams: the checklist before you send any money
Questions to ask a horse seller — and what the answers tell you
When a horse price looks too good to be true
Buying a horse in the US: the paperwork and checks that differ
Stirrup is a screening tool, not veterinary advice. Always commission an in-person Pre-Purchase Exam before buying.