And so the search begins!

Totally agree, it’s a minefield! I spent a lot of money last year on a lovely horse that turned out to be unsuitable after 2 weeks. He had passed a full 5 stage vetting too. I lost a lot of money re selling and have also lost confidence in my ability to know what I’m looking at.
I’m sure there are some great horses out there however as I see other people riding them!
 
So the advert is very well written and comprehensive but the headlines are:

15.2 Sec D x ISH
17 years old
Same owner for 7.5 years, so much loved and sad sale due to owner starting career and lack of time.
Was owners 1st horse as a 14yr old with non horsey parents so very easy, straightforward and kind
Done hunting, beach rides, cross country, pony club, sj, clinics (all at local low level) schools happily, hacks solo and alone, never strong, snaffle mouthed etc
Good to shoe, clip, load, travel, stable, lives in or out in mixed herds etc

Ideally looking for a low level predominantly hacking home, mother/daughter share type - fits the bill perfectly
very local to us
BUT some medical history reflected in price, so I messaged for a price and more info.

basically the vet history is that the horse damaged his check ligament in 2023. Was box rested and hand walked, then was turned away for 12 months on vets advise. Brought back into work spring 2024 and rehabbed again on vets advice for 6 months and claimed to be 100% sound, took part in fun rides in the autumn and some gentle days hunting over the winter, being ridden 3-4 times a week currently.

Thoughts?
 
So the advert is very well written and comprehensive but the headlines are:

15.2 Sec D x ISH
17 years old
Same owner for 7.5 years, so much loved and sad sale due to owner starting career and lack of time.
Was owners 1st horse as a 14yr old with non horsey parents so very easy, straightforward and kind
Done hunting, beach rides, cross country, pony club, sj, clinics (all at local low level) schools happily, hacks solo and alone, never strong, snaffle mouthed etc
Good to shoe, clip, load, travel, stable, lives in or out in mixed herds etc

Ideally looking for a low level predominantly hacking home, mother/daughter share type - fits the bill perfectly
very local to us
BUT some medical history reflected in price, so I messaged for a price and more info.

basically the vet history is that the horse damaged his check ligament in 2023. Was box rested and hand walked, then was turned away for 12 months on vets advise. Brought back into work spring 2024 and rehabbed again on vets advice for 6 months and claimed to be 100% sound, took part in fun rides in the autumn and some gentle days hunting over the winter, being ridden 3-4 times a week currently.

Thoughts?

i guess it comes down to how much they want for him and what you want the horse to be able to do . At 17yo id expect some vet history, at least they have mentioned it
 
i guess it comes down to how much they want for him and what you want the horse to be able to do . At 17yo id expect some vet history, at least they have mentioned it
They have given me a price they are looking for, which to me seems a little steep for the age of the horse and its medical history, but yes at least they have been completely honest
 
I know nothing about check ligament injuries, but would they be happy to allow you to contact their vet and speak to them about the horse’s medical history? He’s not been back in work for very long.
Also: there maybe a very good answer to this, but if they are managing to ride 3-4 times a week they have more time to ride than many people do in winter…
 
I saw that advert too. I have to say I thought it was a bit silly that they advertised the horse with nearly all jumping photos when looking for a hacking home. At least I think it was that one! I guess it's what they have but an odd choice given the target audience. Horse looked super though and I hope finds a great home.
 
I saw that advert too. I have to say I thought it was a bit silly that they advertised the horse with nearly all jumping photos when looking for a hacking home. At least I think it was that one! I guess it's what they have but an odd choice given the target audience. Horse looked super though and I hope finds a great home.
yes!! thats the one, he's very local to us indeed and fits the bill exactly in terms of what we are looking for, as he's definately "been there, got the T-shirts" i was super excited to get in touch and ask the price, just had a little bit of wind taken out my sails with his vet history and the price she is asking that's all, but was wondering what others thought?

We bought coblet to do the job 18 months ago and within 6 months he went lame with his annular ligaments and I really don't want another walking vets bill.
 
So the advert is very well written and comprehensive but the headlines are:

15.2 Sec D x ISH
17 years old
Same owner for 7.5 years, so much loved and sad sale due to owner starting career and lack of time.
Was owners 1st horse as a 14yr old with non horsey parents so very easy, straightforward and kind
Done hunting, beach rides, cross country, pony club, sj, clinics (all at local low level) schools happily, hacks solo and alone, never strong, snaffle mouthed etc
Good to shoe, clip, load, travel, stable, lives in or out in mixed herds etc

Ideally looking for a low level predominantly hacking home, mother/daughter share type - fits the bill perfectly
very local to us
BUT some medical history reflected in price, so I messaged for a price and more info.

basically the vet history is that the horse damaged his check ligament in 2023. Was box rested and hand walked, then was turned away for 12 months on vets advise. Brought back into work spring 2024 and rehabbed again on vets advice for 6 months and claimed to be 100% sound, took part in fun rides in the autumn and some gentle days hunting over the winter, being ridden 3-4 times a week currently.

Thoughts?

Checks can be a little niggly but very rehabbable. If you are looking for a low level hacking/rc type I’d definitely look as it sounds like the horse is very proven in that sphere. I’d get an independent vet to scan the check as part of the vetting.
 
Checks can be a little niggly but very rehabbable. If you are looking for a low level hacking/rc type I’d definitely look as it sounds like the horse is very proven in that sphere. I’d get an independent vet to scan the check as part of the vetting.
thanks and just out of interest, how much would you guys pay?
 
thanks and just out of interest, how much would you guys pay?

I think if he is as described, genuinely straightforward, passes vetting and the check has healed well, then 3.5-4k. Some might pay more, many might raise an eyebrow at what I suggest. But IME if they get to 17 still in work then they are fundamentally sound horse, and a desirable height/type.
 
I think if he is as described, genuinely straightforward, passes vetting and the check has healed well, then 3.5-4k. Some might pay more, many might raise an eyebrow at what I suggest. But IME if they get to 17 still in work then they are fundamentally sound horse, and a desirable height/type.
we're on exactly the same page and tbh I would definately have considered going to see him at that ball park figure, given his suitability and location, however the owner is looking for 2k more, which is too much IMHO??
 
we're on exactly the same page and tbh I would definately have considered going to see him at that ball park figure, given his suitability and location, however the owner is looking for 2k more, which is too much IMHO??

I thought IHW said too much but are they asking 6k??
 
Hi, not looking at present but as the owner of a horse currently being rehabbed, which is going successfully, that I may look to sell if I don't feel comfortable riding (nothing to do with her she is behaving perfectly when being ridden at the moment) I won't be expecting to get anywhere near 6 k for her. If the rehab continues as it going she will make a very good horse for someone (if I don't keep her) but she may require further treatment in the future and her current issues will not be covered by any future owner's insurance. In my case I will be generally interested in the right home for her rather than the price. It would take six months ish without a horse to save up the monies to replace her. I wouldn't want to give her away as I wouldn't end up with someone who would look to sell on for profit, but for the right home I would not want a lot.
 
I thought IHW said too much but are they asking 6k??
Is there are tack included in that price? Probably still worth going to see if near enough but not if you have absolutely no intention to at least consider. 5k without tack would be reasonable for a safe solid first horse, you could get a good few years to gain confidence some are even still hacking at 27 but obviously no jumping.
 
Is there are tack included in that price? Probably still worth going to see if near enough but not if you have absolutely no intention to at least consider. 5k without tack would be reasonable for a safe solid first horse, you could get a good few years to gain confidence some are even still hacking at 27 but obviously no jumping.
Id love to go and see the horse as on paper at least he sounds perfect, but would be afraid of falling for him and being in a heart over head situation?
 
If I didn't already have a project on the go I liked the look of this! Eyes wide open as always but thought she looks sweet! From personal experience ex racers break down very easily - not to say it wouldn't happen with another type but IMO much more likely

I think we could probably sell that one to @LadyGascoyne ....if she can spare any time away from kitten cuddles.
 
I would tell the owner what your budget is (or thereabouts,) and go from there. If you're an ideal home they may reconsider the price - they might also be expecting buyers to haggle because ofthe ligament issues so have gone in high.
They can always just say no and then you can move on to look at others without thinking 'what if ' x
 
Id love to go and see the horse as on paper at least he sounds perfect, but would be afraid of falling for him and being in a heart over head situation?

I think it would at least be worth a phone call to sound them out on movement in the price. At 6k at his age and with the vet history he probably won’t have a long queue of buyers. I’d give him a couple of weeks on the market and then call. If he’s gone, C’est la vie- he was worth the price to someone.
 
I would tell the owner what your budget is (or thereabouts,) and go from there. If you're an ideal home they may reconsider the price - they might also be expecting buyers to haggle because ofthe ligament issues so have gone in high.
They can always just say no and then you can move on to look at others without thinking 'what if ' x

Agreed, I would tell them I can offer a lovely home but this is my budget.

That horse would just suit me too but no way would I be paying £6k for an oldie with a recent injury. Yes, it could go on for years with no trouble but I've also had to have more than one PTS at only one and two years older than that.
 
Thanks all, I'm definitely looking at native crosses, that's what my gelding is. But I'm now ultra wary on the hardiness side though, from recent experience.


So many, many years ago (back in the 90's 🥴) I actually used to help exercise some endurance Arabs, so I like them as a breed and yes they are so tough! But I think for what I want to do, it wouldn't be the right breed.
Saw this onnNFED but as it was advertised in dec , probably gone, looks like a nice type
 

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