A "how much" of potential project horse

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MagicMelon

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I dont normally do these "how much" posts as I've never really had any problems pricing in the past but I haven't sold anything for a while and know the market is very sticky at the moment. So... basically I fancy doing another "summer project". I know we're already getting through the summer so bit late (had baby 3 weeks ago!) so it would have to be a quick turnaround. Am going to see a horse - 6yo 16hh sport horse type. Been vaguelly lunged and long reined but that's it. Be interested for a start to see what people think is the going rate for buying this (I have the lowest figure I know she'd take but interested to know what you think)? And also after say 2 or 3 months of work (backing and getting out to a few local shows (RC type stuff)), how much would you think I could ask? I'm thinking £2,500 - £3,500 depending on his event results / potential. I do however realise that him being a green horse at 6yrs old will put some people off though. Thoughts?
 
16hh sport horse type for a quick turnaround aimed at RC market, not the best for an easy turnaround. If it has some substance, is good looking and not spooky sharp then I'd say 3-4 in central/south but I know you are north which isn't as easy. Depends how cheap you can get it now, but I'd say 1k to make worth considering as a turnaround
 
If he is smart enough for you to want in the first place, you should be able to sell for the price you have in mind provided he does come along quickly enough, I think a green 6 year old may be easier to sell than a 4 year old because the purchaser can move on with it over the winter doing some real work rather than thinking about it needing time to physically mature.
I would only want to take him on if he looks like a good comp prospect, a happy hacker will be harder to sell if green.

To buy he is not worth much unbacked at 6 so no more than 1k as you are going to have to put a lot into him over the next few months.
 
ihatework - Yeah, totally agree that a native sort is much easier to turnaround and sell. These are the types I've generally done as projects in the past - native / pony club 14.2hh's. That's what I would have been looking at again but then this one caught my eye as he is less than £1k, is very local and apparently has a very nice temperament which I go a lot by.

be positive - That's true, I didnt think about him being 6yrs old as being perhaps a positive. From the picture, he looks like he could be a decent RC / low level BE/BSJA type. I'd be aiming him at competing, I definately dont do "happy hackers".
 
Just to say that i really like a nice sport horse, especially if it's got some substance :-)

Nice, kind, easy-going temperament is a must if you want to sell easily, there is still a market (down here in Central England) for straight forward PC/RC types.

We bought one in Dec, rising 6 & had done two BE intro's for £3000 which i feel was an absolute bargain. They had been trying to sell her at a higher price for a while so i think that i was in the right place at the right time :-)

I wouldn't want to pay more then £1000 for an unbacked 6 yr old.

Good luck, let us know what happens.
 
I have bought a few project horses to bring on and sell and would much prefer a green 6yo than a 4yo for a quick turnaround.

At 6, they tend to learn much faster - they are ready to learn and accept new things. They are also physically mature enough to cope with more of a workload.

For example, I bought a 6yo that was doing walk, trot and canter but hadn't been over a pole on the floor or done any schooling - just knew "go, stop and turn" and within 7 weeks he was being placed BE90.
 
I think it definately sounds like a good option. I'd certainly be interested in buying that sort of horse (not in a position to at the moment unfortunately!) that had the basic foundations put in and was ready to go out and compete, I think you could probably get £3000-£4000 depending on how he gets on at the competitions, looks etc.
I'd definately go for it if he's local to you and you think you've got enough time to turn him around :)
 
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