Advice on Buying Horse

[sharronj]

I've been sharing at a local yard for the past two years and the owner is selling one of her own horses and I'm thinking of buying him. Just wanted to get people's opinion on whether it's a good deal or not!

He's a Selle Francais gelding with good breeding (listed in French studbook), just turned 6 years old, 17hh. I've known him for around 2 years and my husband has hacked him out as a novice rider - he's got a lovely temperament, not spooky and is easy to do. He's jumping very well and has been schooled lately by another lady who has got him almost up to novice dressage level. The only downside is he has a few sarcoids. She said she will take £3500 for him and given his potential, would this be a good price?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

On the face of it, it sounds like a fair price, if he hadn't got sarcoids. I'd want a vet's opinion and tbh I've never had a horse vetted, I weed out the ones with obvious faults myself but it's a bit different when you already know the horse. The trouble with potential is tht so much can go wrong, including the sarcoids suddenly growing.

 

[FestiveFuzz]

I definitely wouldn't pay that much for a horse with sarcoids but then I wouldn't look to buy one with a known medical condition to start with. So many things can go wrong with horses anyway without adding an already present medical condition into the mix.

 

[Booboos]

Where are the sarcoids? Do they affect his tack, or rub? Have they changed shape in the years you have known the horse? Can you afford to get them treated if you had to, because as a pre-existing condition they would be excluded from insurance.

It's always wise to get a horse vetted, even if you have known him for a while and ideally you should get your instructor to advise on the suitability of the horse for you. 6 is a tad young for a first timer's horse. Have you ridden him, especially in all situations like hacking on your own, on the roads, cantering in company? Have you jumped him? Do you want to compete him? Have you see how he behaves at shows?

 

[sharronj]

Thanks for your feedback. The sarcoids aren't anywhere where they would rub. He had one on his eye and this was removed by laser treatment, paid for by his current owner, although it only seems to have been partially successful. She is contacting the vet to see if there is a guarantee with the treatment to be repeated.

Although this would be my first adult purchase, I have owned horses before and am an experienced rider - he's also exceptionally laid back for a youngster. I have ridden him in the school and field up to canter. My husband is a novice and has previously hacked him out on roads without problem. Haven't jumped him myself yet, but plan to over the next week or so (the owner is happy for me to come and ride him) but have seen him jump with various different riders over the past year or so and he's progressing well - I have a photo of him jumping recently but not sure if you can attach them to posts here?

 

[Kaylum]

I wouldn't buy one with sarcoids unless very very cheap. You won't be able to get insurance for the pre existing condition and it could end up costing you a lot of money and heartache. My friend has sold her car to pay for the treatment for her vets bill x

 

[zigzag]

Wouldn't touch a horse with sarcoids with a barge pole, you never know which way it will go

 

[vickyb]

Wouldn't touch a horse with sarcoids with a barge pole, you never know which way it will go

I agree, there are many lovely horses without medical conditions, why buy one that may cost £££'s and give you heartache.

 

[Booboos]

I am afraid I would not consider a horse with a recurrent sarcoid near the eye. There is no comeback to the vets, sarcoids often recur after treatment, and a sarcoid near the eye could affect his vision.

If you adore him buy him for a nominal sum (e.g. 1 pound).

 

[sharronj]

Thanks to everyone for their feedback - overwhelmingly, the view seems to be not to buy him, which is a shame as he is the most lovely horse otherwise. Fab temperament and with good potential for jumping and dressage, but it would be a risk as you've said. I've decided to hold off buying him for now - don't think his owner would sell him for £1 - nice thought, though!
Thanks again to all for your advice.

 

[_GG_]

On or near the eye....not a chance I would buy.

Too much risk for me.

 

[Sarah20]

I had the same - found a fantastic horse, but she had them. I loved her but everyone said no don't buy. She was up for £3750. The owners advertised her for a couple of months then decided to keep her - clearly off putting to all buyers. Even though I didn't buy her she was a lovely horse

 

[sharronj]

Hi Sarah - yes, it is heartbreaking! Luckily, the owner has offered me a share for now, so at least I still get to ride him and spend time with him. I'm not convinced she will sell him easily, given how his eye is looking at the moment, certainly not for that price anyway!

 

[Ponyclubber11]

Good idea, in case something happened you don't want a wasted three grand, when u could have bought another healthy horse! He sounds lovely but I don't think u should risk anything