Some people just ask to see pics of the barn and fencing, so they're sure the horse won't be neglected.
Actually, it's getting commoner and commoner to check out buyers of all kinds of animals.
Even years ago, I knew several horse breeders who 'had to know you' to want to let you have a horse. And now, because the economy is so bad, sellers are getting increasingly squeamish about who they sell horses to. A person can sound fine in emails and then have very bad conditions at their barn.
And dog breeders who because of the amount of rescue dogs and the number of people who get dogs and then want to send them back. I just inquired about a pup for sale in Colorado, the breeder would actually, yes, send a nearby friend over. And with the application for the pup, I still have to supply pictures of the home, the indoors of the home, and especially fencing. They don't want their dogs kept outdoors either, they have to be inside at night. They inquire on the questionaire about everything - shade around the home, the questionaire is very lengthy. They also ask under what circumstances would you get rid of the dog.
I know some people find that overly nosy, but that is what some people who sell animals are doing.
To be honest I don't blame them.