A wwyd.

[Ceriann]

Been keeping an eye out for a hacking horse for OH. Temp way more important than looks or type. He’s a novice so will need to also be sensible in the school so OH can get the basics. Rare as hens teeth and when they do come up they are expensive and often over qualified! Ive seen an ad for an Irish hunter - at a dealers yard that appears to have a good rep - failed his on off side rear flexion. Price reduced as now being sold as hack only. Ad says open and honest details if you call. Havent got more detais yet but tempted to call as his videos sugg he would otherwise fit the bill. His videos dont indicate a lameness but maybe a little weaker at the back on canter. Id share the link if thats ok - not sure about do’s and dont’s of critiquing someone elses horse on this?

 

[Roxylola]

I think I saw the ad, and honestly for me the fact they've been open about it speaks volumes. As a happy hack I'd definitely try him.

 

[Scotsbadboy]

I possibly wouldn't share the link (although we'd like you to, lol)

Call them, there is no reason he wouldn't pass the flexion test with the wind blowing in the other direction but take an expert with you, get hi vetted and see what you think of him. DO NOT BUY UNSEEN!

 

[be positive]

I would call and find out what they have done to find the cause, if xrays show early spavin which is more than likely then at the right price, with funds in place to treat if required then it is possibly worth a punt as a hack, plenty fail hind flexions and keep going for years with little intervention if the management is suitable, plenty of turnout all year, I would prefer to buy a known issue in the right horse than get a more expensive one home and then discover it has a serious quirk.
I have had horses fail and done some investigations which showed nothing that passed next time, a few that passed that went wrong so it can be a gamble either way which is why I would want to know what had been found by the dealers own vet.

 

[Ceriann]

I think I saw the ad, and honestly for me the fact they've been open about it speaks volumes. As a happy hack I'd definitely try him.

I thought that - a lot might try and inject, and see if they can get it to pass. The yard seens to sell quality and initial research indicates a good rep.

 

[Ceriann]

I would call and find out what they have done to find the cause, if xrays show early spavin which is more than likely then at the right price, with funds in place to treat if required then it is possibly worth a punt as a hack, plenty fail hind flexions and keep going for years with little intervention if the management is suitable, plenty of turnout all year, I would prefer to buy a known issue in the right horse than get a more expensive one home and then discover it has a serious quirk.
I have had horses fail and done some investigations which showed nothing that passed next time, a few that passed that went wrong so it can be a gamble either way which is why I would want to know what had been found by the dealers own vet.

Thanks - these were my thoughts. I keep mine at home and they get good daily turnout - 24/7 for as long as possible. I will call and see what they say. The ad references that a buyer might be able to medicate for further work wjich suggests they know a bit more re the issue.

 

[Sossigpoker]

If this is a horse sold by Amy Derber i wouldn't hesitate, she is very decent and straight to deal with. If you genuinely just want a hack or a low use horse, I would snap him up. If I didn't have my cob I would have gone and bought him by now. A cracking horse at a very decent price.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I thought that - a lot might try and inject, and see if they can get it to pass. The yard seens to sell quality and initial research indicates a good rep.

Amy sells fantastic horses and you won't get any issues with her. I'm local to her and she's well known here for all the good reasons.
Go buy that horse lol ! (Mind you she will only sell to the right person but it sounds like your situation could be a good match with the horse)

 

[CanteringCarrot]

If it's something in the hock that can be managed and/or medicated, I would definitely consider it. Your set up might be ideal for a horse with a bit of arthritis or something of that nature. Living out 24/7 and primarily hacking (so not endless circles) could work for such a horse.

Also a plus that they're open about it. I'd definitely inquire.

 

[Ceriann]

Amy sells fantastic horses and you won't get any issues with her. I'm local to her and she's well known here for all the good reasons.
Go buy that horse lol ! (Mind you she will only sell to the right person but it sounds like your situation could be a good match with the horse)

Thank you - it is that horse. We’ve been in no rush, didn’t want to buy in winter and just been looking at ads on the usual sites for past few weeks. Plenty of youngsters but just don’t want the hassle- want to pop OH on something that will look after him and forgive the many mistakes he will make. He popped up and just stood out. Looked her up and some great comments on old threads on here and her other horses look fab. I’ll call her.

 

[Annagain]

Amy sells fantastic horses and you won't get any issues with her. I'm local to her and she's well known here for all the good reasons.
Go buy that horse lol ! (Mind you she will only sell to the right person but it sounds like your situation could be a good match with the horse)

This is my experience of her too. I chatted to her about one and she told me straight (but nicely) that he wouldn't suit me. I then messaged about another and she said based on our previous conversation he would be worth coming to see. Unfortunately he sold before could get there but I was very impressed with the way she approached things.

 

[Ceriann]

Sold! Tried to call but he’d already gone - inundated with interest. If anyone’s seen something decent when on a scout of ads let me know!

 

[gingergreg]

Oh I loved this one, the chestnut? Not surprised he was snapped up. Good luck in your search!

 

[Ceriann]

Oh I loved this one, the chestnut? Not surprised he was snapped up. Good luck in your search!

Yes the chestnut - in fairness advertised on FB a few days ago but vet failure and impact on price shared yday. I imagine quite a few already knew the dealer etc so one step ahead. Hope he goes to a lovely home.

 

[Sossigpoker]

This is my experience of her too. I chatted to her about one and she told me straight (but nicely) that he wouldn't suit me. I then messaged about another and she said based on our previous conversation he would be worth coming to see. Unfortunately he sold before could get there but I was very impressed with the way she approached things.

I have exactly the same experience with her. She's told me up front that a horse I enquired about would be too much horse for me. She also doesn't allow back to back viewings as she doesn't think it's fair on the horse and she wants to ride them between viewings to correct any issues that have been caused. I was going to send my mare to her to be produced and sold but my friend bought her instead- would happily send a horse to her to be sold as well as buying from her..

 

[PeterNatt]

I just plod about on my horses but they need to happily hack by themselves and be 100% safe in the heaviest of traffic etc.
When I am looking I normally put a 'Wanted' adverts up in my local tack shop/feed merchants and also ask local instructors, farriers and vets and also the local Pony Club to keep an eye out for me.

 

[Tarragon]

If you liked the dealer, why don't you ask them to help you find a suitable horse?
We have a very well respected local car dealer, and when I wanted a new car I asked them to look out for me and they found just what I was looking for. It certainly took out a lot of hassle and risk away from what can be a nightmare for an individual. I know this is about a car, but I am sure that it probably still applies.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I saw this ad too - he looked lovely and sounded like a nice chap (from my novice point of view anyway). I was tempted to call but then I remembered I have never owned a horse before and, although well within budget and would likely be fine with on-going upkeep costs, it would be a really impulsive thing to do! Seems you have to decide very quickly when buying at the moment. Hopefully you will find something suitable for your OH soon. I like to browse to familiarise myself with what's around but realistically this year probably isn't going to be the best time for me to go for it. I also seem to find that there are either lots of young or 'project' horses, or it goes the other way and they're over-qualified for me (good way to describe it!). If I were in your position I'd think of seeing if the dealer could help you find something.

 

[Nudibranch]

Agree with a wanted ad in local tack/feed shops, etc. I found a very similar one through doing that who wasn't on the open market but the owner was keeping an eye out for the right home. Also speak to your vet.