Advice/thoughts on buying?

[js1006]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy my first horse after having part loaned for a year. I'm an experienced novice I'd say, confident but not looking to compete or anything yet.

At 5'6" and 55kg I'm not after anything huge. Mainly wanting something to develop a bond with, hack/school and move onto small shows in a year or two. Am aware that horses can be pricey (!), so a criteria was that they would be barefoot and could live out, in case my circumstances changed.

So, thoughts on this young lady?

http://www.righthorses.co.uk/Advert/19296/15hh skewbald mare 6yrs old

I've visited once, she is laid back on the ground and wants to work in the school. Needs more schooling as she rushes, but is very kind.
She has aural plaques in both ears - I've never dealt with this, would it put you off? They don't seem to cause her pain, but she wears a fly mask all summer, and bridled using cheek clips to avoid bending the ears (she is fine with it being taken off normally).


Will of course get a vetting, but am a little concerned about the plaques and age. Reason I like her is that she seems very sweet, willing and suits my style of quiet riding.

Please post/PM me with any opinions, apologies if I shouldn't have posted this here.

Thanks

 

[Meowy Catkin]

As a 6 year old, she is still young. How much support will you have at the yard you will keep her at? If you have good support and can have some lessons on her, then a 6 YO could be fine. If you do have some difficulties and you have no support, things could get bad quite quickly.

You're right to get a Vet to look at a potential horse before you buy - very sensible.

Don't assume that the saddle fits. Many horses that come with tack, come with a saddle that doesn't fit. This one may be perfect, it might not.

Have you tried her out hacking or in a field/open space? Would you be able to view her for a 2nd time? Do you have someone experienced who could go with you for a 2nd viewing?

Horses with white markings can sunburn as they have pink skin in those area. She might need a fly mask with nose cover, UV fly sheet and possibly suncream on her legs. As her legs are quite furry, she might be OK on her legs.

 

[js1006]

Thanks for the reply. I've discussed her with the yard I'd be keeping her at, and would get the manager there to help school her and keep an eye on me. She has also offered to come with me for the second viewing (if time).

I walked her in hand up the road and encountered cars, a van and a cyclist and although she was looking around and turned at one point (not dangerously), I was more nervous than she was! I've agreed that during the second viewing I can take her out on a hack and finish with some jumps.

My previous loan was a very light grey, so am happy with the suncream. Good point about the tack - it all seemed to fit well and was recently re-flocked, but would get it checked out properly.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Will you be able to hack out with a sensible companion at your new yard?

 

[js1006]

I should be able to, I will also employ my husband to walk out with me to get her used to hacking out alone (she does hack out alone atm with the owner).

 

[ihatework]

My gut feeling is that this horse isn't suitable as a first horse.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

With the extra info, I think that she may be too green.

 

[be positive]

My gut feeling is that this horse isn't suitable as a first horse.

Mine also, I would try and find something a little older that is not quite so forward going or less inclined to rush about they can be very hard work and no fun if they start to go everywhere a bit faster than you would like.

 

[js1006]

Ok, thank you for your thoughts. Will keep looking, am viewing a 12 yr old mare tomorrow so will have to see if I fall in love!

 

[nix123]

My gut feeling is that this horse isn't suitable as a first horse.

I thought this when i saw the advert.

My alarm bells would be the tb and warmblood in her, and also shes a mare, what is she like when shes in season? I am like this as i bought a very sweet wb x tb mare - until she was in season. I could manage the temprement until her hormones kicked in then i had a real dent put in my confidence and i wouldn't like to see that happen to anyone espically with it been your first horse. Also tbh i think she sounds a bit too green for what you need right now.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

In defence of mares, neither of mine (or the one I used to own) are marish in any way and you can hardly tell when they are in season. I wouldn't only look at geldings as you cut out so many potentially 'right for you' horses by doing so.

 

[PorkChop]

In defence of mares, neither of mine (or the one I used to own) are marish in any way and you can hardly tell when they are in season. I wouldn't only look at geldings as you cut out so many potentially 'right for you' horses by doing so.

I agree with this.

I think that you would be wiser to look at older horses that have "been there, done that", I hope your next viewing goes well.

 

[js1006]

Aside from her being too green, would you go for a horse with aural plaques? I've seen online that not much can be done with them, but that they tend to not get worse. Just for info incase I come across them again.

Have known some lovely mares in my time, but have come across a couple of madams too! Some are so lovely though you can forgive them almost anything...

 

[Meowy Catkin]

There's one on AL that I think would be worth ringing up about.

Fantastic attitude, loves her work, a pleasure to own.

Kearley was 1st with me in a 80km* in Ireland and has completed 2 x 120km rides.

She has been a brilliant mother to a filly foal who can be seen.

Kearley is 16 years old and an easy ride, always forward going but not spooky. Good to travel and do anything with, happy to live in or out, she is very easy.

Ideal to give someone a huge amount of fun as she has done for me. She is an excellent pleasure or national graded endurance horse or could be used as a broodmare. Equally she can turn her hoof to dressage, riding club etc.

A loving and caring home where she will be used and enjoyed is of utmost importance.

http://www.arabianlines.com/for_sale/mares.htm

Now you may think that I'm mad suggesting an ex endurance horse, but I have found them to usually be really good, sensible horses. They are used to travelling, horses rushing past, exciting sights etc...

 

[Meowy Catkin]

RE aural plaques - no it wouldn't put me off a horse if everything else was OK.

 

[Urban Horse]

Ok, thank you for your thoughts. Will keep looking, am viewing a 12 yr old mare tomorrow so will have to see if I fall in love!

You don't find the perfect horse... they find you.;-)))