Am I out of touch

[Bruised]

I’ve been away from the horse ‘market’ for some years but am now finally looking for another horse (free moving active sensible cob). It seems fiendishly difficult to find much and what is around seems to be all dealers. Has the way people buy horses changed a lot in recent years? While when I last looked £8k was a decent budget that no longer seems the case.

 

[Casey76]

Prices have sky-rocketed since Covid.

 

[Bruised]

Is that because demand has gone up or supply gone down?

 

[milliepops]

both probably. as well as covid apparently making the demand seem to go up/people more willing to pay more or make decisions faster, it's harder to import horses with Brexit too. and many vets did less studwork at the start of lockdown last years so may be fewer young horses coming through now as well.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Cobs especially the bigger ones are like hens teeth now because they stopped breeding in Ireland a few years back with the recession. A sensible, well moving and well brought up cob especially if over 15 hand will easily be 8 grand in the current market.
I've had people messaging me on Facebook asking to buy my cob based on my profile pictures , one offered 6 grand , only seeing the photo. Oh and he's not even for sale !!!

 

[ImmyS]

Would you buy unbroken or just backed? I bought my quality ID backed and riding away for £4000. Handsome, very sensible, trainable and as bombproof as you can expect from a just backed 3 year old. Worth considering in this market!

 

[Bruised]

Cobs especially the bigger ones are like hens teeth now because they stopped breeding in Ireland a few years back with the recession. A sensible, well moving and well brought up cob especially if over 15 hand will easily be 8 grand in the current market.
I've had people messaging me on Facebook asking to buy my cob based on my profile pictures , one offered 6 grand , only seeing the photo. Oh and he's not even for sale !!!

Did you buy yours from a private seller or a dealer? Would it be better to look for something sub 15h then? I’m not tall - 5’5 and just over 8st. I’ve never ridden anything below 15’2 before so have never considered something smaller.

 

[Bruised]

Would you buy unbroken or just backed? I bought my quality ID backed and riding away for £4000. Handsome, very sensible, trainable and as bombproof as you can expect from a just backed 3 year old. Worth considering in this market!

I’d consider something backed and riding away so long as sane and with a good temperament. However I’ve been nervous about buying anything like that from a dealer as I know some who have had bad experiences.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I bought what i thought was from a private seller but is in fact a small scale dealer. Why she lied I have no idea! But that's beside the point.

There are more cobs on the market at below 15hh , which with your height and weight you'd be totally fine riding. So you might have more luck if you lower your height limit. Mine is about 15hh or a bit over, by far the smallest I've owned but as he takes my leg well I don't feel like I'm riding a small horse (I'm a bit taller and heavier than you ).

 

[ImmyS]

I’d consider something backed and riding away so long as sane and with a good temperament. However I’ve been nervous about buying anything like that from a dealer as I know some who have had bad experiences.

I bought mine unseen from Ireland from a breeder who I would highly recommend and have seen quite a few other IDs from them as well as described. Although I know buying this way is not for everyone!

This is one of his first proper rides here in the UK

 

[Bruised]

He looks gorgeous!
I’m not sure I’m brave enough to buy unseen though!
How did you find the breeder in the first place?

 

[hollyandivy123]

hi immys off topic but 1. lovely beast and 2 what saddle are you in?

 

[ImmyS]

He looks gorgeous!
I’m not sure I’m brave enough to buy unseen though!
How did you find the breeder in the first place?

She advertises her horses on Facebook so just enquired. She was very lovely and pointed me in the direction of various people who have bought from her and I could speak to and see pictures and videos of their horses. It convinced me!

 

[ImmyS]

hi immys off topic but 1. lovely beast and 2 what saddle are you in?

Hi I believe it’s an old GFS, sorry not sure on model! Fitted by the saddler. I think we’re going to go through quite a few saddles!

 

[hollyandivy123]

Mine was 16.1h at 5 yr. 6.3 rug mw saddle....16.3hh at 9...rug 7.3 and we gave up trees and went treeless ....happy saddles hunting

 

[1523679]

Did you buy yours from a private seller or a dealer? Would it be better to look for something sub 15h then? I’m not tall - 5’5 and just over 8st. I’ve never ridden anything below 15’2 before so have never considered something smaller.

I’m 5ft6” and 8st10 and ended up with a 4 y/o, 13.2 Fell X. I was looking for 15hh+ and around 12y/o but there’s no way I could afford that in the recent market.

I couldn’t be happier with my choice. He’s fun, sparky and we have a whale of a time. He’s the childhood pony I never had.

As you’re small and light, don’t discount ponies. There’s a lot to be said for not having to stretch up to put the saddle on, for never worrying about hopping off & back on during a hack and for the ease of drying & handling 5ft6 rugs!

 

[Bruised]

That’s helpful, thanks.

How did you find him? I’ve just been looking on the usual suspect websites.

 

[1523679]

By accident! The owner (who lived down the road) asked me to help back him because she was too heavy and I didn’t have a ride at the time. I liked him so much I bought him.

I’d recommend putting the word out at local yards, if you haven’t done so already. Good luck with your search!

 

[spotty_pony]

Yes it has changed a lot! My last boy was 6k back in 2008, now I will be looking at spending at least double that for breeding similar to his (he was Cavalier lines). I am lucky though as I may possibly be taking on a horse for someone later on this year - a pure Cleaveland Bay which I am currently working with for his owner but have been offered him to have for me. Just need to wait until I have made a decision for my little old mare going into the winter so as much as i am excited, I am not wishing time away as it will be a very hard decision and the second one I have had to make this year.

 

[shortstuff99]

I always buy my cobs from dealers I find you get a better deal and they often are more of a blank canvas so easier to train then one with bad habits.

I know a good dealer in the Norfolk region if that is local.

 

[Caol Ila]

I always buy my cobs from dealers I find you get a better deal and they often are more of a blank canvas so easier to train then one with bad habits.

I know a good dealer in the Norfolk region if that is local.

Do you know any in Scotland?

 

[Bruised]

I always buy my cobs from dealers I find you get a better deal and they often are more of a blank canvas so easier to train then one with bad habits.

I know a good dealer in the Norfolk region if that is local.

It’s within the distance I’m willing to go so would be grateful for any reputable names.

 

[Bruised]

I always buy my cobs from dealers I find you get a better deal and they often are more of a blank canvas so easier to train then one with bad habits.

I know a good dealer in the Norfolk region if that is local.

Yes please do let me know. Norfolk’s within the distance I’m willing to drive.

 

[shortstuff99]

Yes please do let me know. Norfolk’s within the distance I’m willing to drive.

I've PM you

 

[shortstuff99]

Do you know any in Scotland?

I don't know any Scottish ones but I've sent you a PM anyway.

 

[taraj]

I bought mine unseen from Ireland from a breeder who I would highly recommend and have seen quite a few other IDs from them as well as described. Although I know buying this way is not for everyone!

Your boy is stunning, would you mind telling me who was it you bought him from? Pm if not allowed on here. Looking for similar, with my experience so far in the currant market I think buying a youngster is the safer option!

 

[Poingsettia]

Do you know any in Scotland?

Tom Dunbar is often recommended on Facebook for young cobs.