• Have you taken an expert with you to visit the horse?
• Does the horse have an equine passport?
• Is the horse's vaccination certificate available?
• Has the horse got a microchip?
• Does the owner have the horse's breed papers?
• Have you secured the right facilities where you will look after your horse?
• Has a vet checked the horse is healthy and fit?
• Are you well suited to the horse in terms of size and temperament?
• Are you ready for the cost of owning a horse (up to £10,000 per year)?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no', then consider looking for a horse from a different owner or breeder. If you are concerned about animal welfare, then you can report the advert to Gumtree or you can contact the RSPCA directly.