Am I being silly about dismissing mares?? What budget should I have?

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suzi

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As title really, I'm starting to think about looking for a new horse to compete (have done SJ up to 3ft and some XC with my old boy and would now like to go a little bit further). Ideally start affiliated SJ / BE.

Change in circumstances (pay rise!!!) means that I can now start looking. I don't want to travel far (based in Surrey / Hants).

Firstly, what sort of budget do you think I'll need. I'm looking for something up to the age of 8ish that's been and done a bit, or a sensible younger horse (will be having regular lessons etc).

Also, it sounds really daft but I've only ever really had geldings. I've ridden a couple of mares for other people and been fine but the only mare I've owned myself put me in hospital twice and was eventually sold (went on to do 1.20 BSJA) and for some reason it's put me off mares. . . . I think I'm being totally ridiculous!!!!!
 
Sorry I have no idea about budget, I can only suggest you read ads for the type of horse you are looking for.
But I can tell you that every horse is an individual, whatever it's gender. Our first horse was a gelding. Since then we have only had mares, some, including the gelding, have been very safe, looked after the rider in all circumstances. Some have been affectionate, others have been more aloof. I think I'd certainly have been put off your mare!
 
I wouldnt be put off by the sex in the adverts. But I would ensure you spend alot of time handling any mares that you think you might like so you get a genuine idea of their behaviour. I look after a moody mare and wish that I had done this!
 
And I wouldn't buy a mare in January when shes not cycling - wait til spring and all sorts of hormonal issues can be seen! I love my mare but having a gelding as well now he is definately more straightforward, but shes got more character.
 
as above!
Some geldings can be absolute twairps just the same as mares!!!

I have always had whatever came to me at the right budget and experience and temperament! :)

My Mum who is, shall we say, not short on experience - Says that geldings are great, but can be a little 'distant' (dont care, not bothered by who or what, as long as there is food in the end) - And Mares can be moody, sure, but get one on side and you have got a friend for life!
She was a bit biased though - She had a mare who saved her several times!!!

Hope you find what your looking for!!!
 
My mare can be a witch at times, but she can also be a poppet. I respect the fact that she has her good and bad days, as do I, although thankfully there are more good than bad days! My gelding is nearly always straight-forward!!! Only nearly though.
 
Im currently horse hunting and Ive had two mares and one gelding. I didnt really want a mare but my last horse was really sweet and not mareish at all. I dont mind them now so long as they're not mareish. There are a lot of mares about at the moment nad not many geldings. Ive seen quite a few mares.
 
I totally agree with PLF I currently have my first mare and at times she has been a total baggage and I have been heard to say I would never have another mare. However my friend has a mare who is a lovely girl which is what convinced me to consider mares but I think I should have spent more time handling my mare before I bought her to see what she was like in different situations because when she is in a routine she is fab but change is slightly and the baggage reappears!
 
Not sure about budget sorry however I am kinda the opposite as I only want a mare, we have a mainly mare herd at the moment and I find them easier, all the geldings we have had have not fitted in so well.

Good luck in your search and let us know how you get on.

Liz
 
Budget-wise, its how long is a piece of string.

I think if you were looking for a 6-8 year old that has already got competition experience and is ready to go out and compete at BE 100/ or Discovery/Newcomers SJ then I think you'd be looking at 6-8k ish depending on how smart and well schooled the horse is.

If you're prepared to take on something than has no affiliated competition experience, or needs a little more work, then 3-5k is a more realistic budget. You could even look at an ex racehorse and get a very nice horse for under 1k if you were prepared to school it yourself!

Personally I've owned geldings and mares, and in the main I just prefer geldings. It wouldn't put me off trying mares in future, but I certainly think it is okay to have a preference - but I wouldn't rule out a mare totally if she ticks every other box.
 
xspiralx said:
Budget-wise, its how long is a piece of string.

I think if you were looking for a 6-8 year old that has already got competition experience and is ready to go out and compete at BE 100/ or Discovery/Newcomers SJ then I think you'd be looking at 6-8k ish depending on how smart and well schooled the horse is.

If you're prepared to take on something than has no affiliated competition experience, or needs a little more work, then 3-5k is a more realistic budget. You could even look at an ex racehorse and get a very nice horse for under 1k if you were prepared to school it yourself!
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Ok, I was thinking up to £6k so I'm not too far off.

I consider myself a reasonable rider (ridden for 20 years and competed up to novice RC level mainly) but lost confidence when I was 18 with this mare. Have since brough my 15hh Connie on from a very baby 6yr old to do well at RC stuff. Hvae just loaned him out as hock problems and general attitude to life means he would rather be a happy hacker!

I'm hoping to find something 6-8 that has seen a say BE90/100 course or 1m+ SJ and not had too many hang ups. Having lost my confidence before I'm conscious of not doing it again by giving myself too much to work on. I'm really considering this to be my first 'proper' horse - the Connie was just an overgrown pony.

If it'd done some bigger unaff stuff that would be fine too.

I can just see myself losing confidence more easily with something that's still babyish itself - does that make sense? It's not that I'm not prepared to put the work in . . . .
 
mares can be funny, but they can also be your best friend - once they choose you to be their friend there is no getting rid.
I love geldings simply because i can be boss and they are much more forgiving.

as for budget i would say £4k would be sufficient if you are just starting out affilated jumping. BUT bear in mind that there are bargains to be found and if you dont mind doing some work you may just find a gem xx
 
i have two mares and love both of them to bits, i think the fact that they are entire adds to their spirit, i also have a stallion, and a gelding, but he is only two
 
I have only owned mares, but ridden stallion & geldings as well. Several geldings were worst behaved I have sat on. They all seem to lack a certain something that the mares & stallion had, that extra something. It's like comparing a vibrant colour with magnolia. That's my experience.

Some mares are best avoided. A good one is a wonderful animal. Our eventing broodmare is totally not-marish, & her fillies are the same. Whoever buys them wont have hormonal issues, which is the advantage of buying from the breeder where you see mum as well.

Totally agree with waiting until spring when hormones will kick in, just to see what you're getting. Not everyone gets on with every horse, no matter what their gender. Don't let one put you off. If you find a girl which you think is right for you, don't dismiss her. They take a little more work to connect to, but it is well worth it, that girl will be on your side when things get tight.

As for price, it depends what your buying. I have found that people expect a bargain due to the market. Quality will hold it's price, & people know when they have bred something nice.
 
The main problem is that a lot of people whack a few grand on the price the minute a horse has any sort of affiliated record.

So I'd recommend getting something that has done some RC and unaff stuff up to about 1m - you should get a much better deal for a horse that is just as nice.

Also I think if you look for something that has done BSJA rather than BE, you're more likely to get a better deal - if it has done xc unaff or even just been schooling then it should be fine, but in my experience eventers seem to be more expensive than something that has SJ'd at an equivalent level.
 
QR- not read all answers.

I think what you want will cost you at least £6k, possibly more.

As to whether a mare well I was the same and would not entertain a mare when we were looking for a dressage horse. Next time we were looking for a weight carrying bombproof horse to help Elizabeth regain her confidence out hacking. Given that they are like rocking horse pooh we thought about a mare, went to look at Fany and have never looked back. She is an absolute sweetheart, even when in season. Even though she has only been backed for 18 months she is totally reliable, as much as any horse can be, and is a joy to own. We had intended to sell her on when E. regained her confidence hacking; she will be with us for life.

If I was to buy another horse I would definitely consider another mare.

FDC
 
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Sorry can't help re. budget as have never bought the type of horse you're after, but re. the mares -v- geldings thing, personally I find I get on far better on top geldings than mares, I dunno what it is, but have found it so over the years.

There's been only one mare I've known, if I'm honest, that I would have taken home given the chance, and she was a real treasure, would really look after her owner out hunting.

Perhaps its something to do with the way one rides? I don't know what it is, but have never found mares to go very well for me, so when looking for a horse, went for a gelding!
 
I always swore I would never get a mare as I had always had geldings and found them to be easy and straightforward. But last April I went to look at some ex-racehorses in a field and I ended up buying an 8 year old mare. Within a couple of months, she was very ill (nothing to do with her being a mare though!) and has been in hospital for long periods since and is still on box rest. Yet she is the sweetest horse you could find. The hospital vets are amazed at how placid she has been and have all commented on what a wonderful temperament she has. She doesn't like being on box rest by herself, so we have to put a companion in next door with her, but that's the same for my gelding. I wouldn't say that I'm converted totally to mares, but I certainly wouldn't dismiss a mare now.
 
Guessing you will want to look at spending up to 3.5k as market is not good at moment so easier to pick up horses at cheaper prices. Look at mares as well you never know i have 4 mares and only 1 acts like a mare rest are great all of the time even when in season. I always said i wanted a gelding but kept options open found a highland mare and never looked back.
 
xspiralx said:
The main problem is that a lot of people whack a few grand on the price the minute a horse has any sort of affiliated record.

So I'd recommend getting something that has done some RC and unaff stuff up to about 1m - you should get a much better deal for a horse that is just as nice.

Also I think if you look for something that has done BSJA rather than BE, you're more likely to get a better deal - if it has done xc unaff or even just been schooling then it should be fine, but in my experience eventers seem to be more expensive than something that has SJ'd at an equivalent level.
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Don't agree! - I HAVE a horse who will showjump really well and is bold and great fun but not at all forward over XC fences so when I go shopping I am only looking at horses who are proven in all areas!. If you show jumped my boy you would assume looking at him that XC would be a doddle - he does jump but tries to SJ fixed fences so no good! an dnot fair on a very geninue boy who won't say no even though his heart isn't in it. Give him a course of SJ and it is a different story.

Once I have sold my boy to carry on showjumping then I will be looking at a similiar type to you. I am not open about mares as have had one of the best and one of the absolute worst so not keen! I will be looking for a gelding, no older than 11 (due to semi retired horses age - don't want 2 old horses on livery!), with some BE history, 16 - 17 hhs and for that think 7 - 9K seems to be what I need to pay. BTW I am also in Surrey which has a big bearing on the prices! We do have a young horse on the yard backed and ridden away who I would have been interested in but she is too small (15.2) but she just takes absolutely everything in her stride and is only rising 5. Big jump over SJ and fixed fences too and she is up for £5250 so thats a good yard stick.
 
Luci if you read my post I said BSJA rather than BE, as long as it has done unaff xc or been xc schooling. Not something that has never done any xc at all!

I know some horses can't cope with xc, but it doesn't need to have done BE in order to be "proven" - as long as it has the aptitude for it, then it will be fine IMO.
 
I have had 3 mares, all different but cheeky, affectionate and very brave. Once you build a good relationship with them they are with you in a very loyal way. Absolutely loved all of them. I also have a gelding too, very affectionate and lovely boy. Mares do seem to have an extra bit in their character, perhaps because they are entire, I dont know. I wouldnt dismiss them if I were looking again.
 
In my experience mares are usually very bold. I think sometimes this comes over as being over confident and bolshy especially if its not channelled right. I used to loan a 16.2 hunting mare but she was very moody with her seasons which is something to consider. She was spookier when in season and definitely stroppier!!

Geldings are generally straight forward in nature but tend to be less bold so desensitising is usually a little tougher. But agree with the other comments on here too. Each horse is different in temperament and you shouldn't pass up a good horse based on its sex.
 
I'm not in a position to comment on budget.
However, I certainly wouldn;t dismiss a mare at all. I have had mare and geldings,and also worked on a stud with stallions. Not all mares are mareish, most in fact are fine, IMHO. Alot of it is the way any horse is handled, by people. If you expect a certain type of behaviour, you may well get it!
Have just recently been given a mare, who has come into season(inspite of the freezing temperatures last week!) as its the first time she's been kept with geldings.The biggest problem now is she is "weeing" everywhere, and it stinks:(! Plus the geldings are getting possesive over her.
As it's my own place, I can keep them in adjoining paddocks when the problems arise, but I know many folk do prefer to keep mares and geldings seperate for this reason.It's something I dont subscribe to, but I have had to sort the squabbling out on a few occassions.Hopefully, it'll settle down once they've all re-established the pecking order.
What ever sex you end up with, take your time getting to know it first before buying, so you can make sure it is the right horse for you.
 
I have a mare who will jump anything, whatever it looks like, will take off on any stride (but is sensible enough not to if by taking off she'll land in it), bold as brass, loves her job, is anyone's ride SJ or xc if they play by her rules (she likes to do the jumping bit herself so you have to leave her to it once you've set her up), and will tolerate flatwork well enough to look good and go nicely. She doesn't buck or rear, rarely spooks and is 100% in any way. You also don't know she's in season when you're riding her, and she's very tolerant of overly amorous 'boyfriends'. She's just had 3 weeks off, yet I rode her tonight, bareback in a headcollar, in the dark, in a foggy field and she was 100% perfect. So yes, mares can be amazing!
 
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I have a fantastic gelding and when I was looking for another one, my criteria were at least 17hh (I am tall) and must be a gelding.

I now own a 16.1hh mare :D

When you find the right horse, you find it, don't limit yourself to a very tight criteria. Judge the horse on what is in front of you and not what you think they are.
 
Don't be put off mares. I've had more geldings than mares in my riding career, but that was only chance. Horses are like humans, and every one is distinct. There IS no 'pattern'. I've had four mares in recent years and they've all been gems. Whereas one of my current liveries is a gelding, and is the nearest to a pure nut case I've ever met. I never turn my back on him. And there's something intrinsically honest about mares, or at least the ones I've had - they will give their all for you. But I think they do benefit from sensitive handling - one had nearly been ruined before I got her, and it took years to get her to trust me.

I hope you find what you're looking for!
 
Happy Hunter said:
as above!


My Mum who is, shall we say, not short on experience - Says that geldings are great, but can be a little 'distant' (dont care, not bothered by who or what, as long as there is food in the end) - And Mares can be moody, sure, but get one on side and you have got a friend for life!
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Agree with this 100%. Have had some super mares & found them more interesting & once onside, a lot more committed.
But then I guess we all speak as we find!
 
I would probably say around £5k.

I have had 2 mares and 1 gelding and honestly the mares were had far easier temperaments overall. I wouldn't be put off either, keep an open mind and just go to see the ones that are suitable. I have always found that regardless of what you want you know the horse for you when you see it. My heart has generally ruled my head but they have all worked out.
 
I have had 2 mares and 1 gelding. The gelding, Hugo, was like a best friend, followed me around like a dog, would try anything I asked but struggled when learning new things. I then got my little chestnut mare who was a real biter, but the most amazing horse. She came to me having done XC and SJ which I continued but found she was very clever. She could learn a dressage test in a few sessions and was performing the moves before being asked. Apart from breaking my ribs once with a bite I wasn't ready for (!) she took me to the National Dressage finals at Elementary level. Not bad for a 15.1 chestnut mare who at 15 had only jumped and done no dressage.
I eventually retired her and wanted a horse who had the ability to go Medium and above. I couldn't afford somethng that was already competing at this level so looked for a quality youngster I could put some time into and take through the ranks myself. Of all the youngsters I tried it was the mares who, after a little marishness, seemed the most obliging to try new things. I was lucky enough to get Lucy who had just turned 4, IDxTB with a bit of WB thrown in from a 3 day event yard who said she was not going to make it as an eventer. She is now 7 and has won at Prelim and Novice and is competing at Elemenatry this year. We went to the RC National SJ qualifiers and has gone clear over XC. At £5750 she was at the top of my budget for a youngster but came from a well-established breeder and had all the potential I was looking for.
Sorry for my long and waffling way of saying that although they can be complete tarts, mares will always give their best and I have found them ultimately more trainable.
 
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