Anyone bought a horse people said wasnt a good idea?

[mammyofthree1912]

Hi all

the reason behind the post is I'm looking to buy my first horse. I've been riding over 20 years and had various 'not novice' horses on loan from full TBs, full arabs and even a racing pony! I'm finally in a position where I can afford own my own horse. I'm not rushing into anything but would like something of a small project, I don't want to sell it later but to SJ or event once schooling has been put in place.

I've found a thoroughbred mare (chestnut at that) which isn't a novice ride.... she needs a lot of schooling and is currently very fizzy (not nasty) 100% on roads, teeth, farrier loading etc. 8yrs old. She's apparently fizzy as she needs worked every day and isn't getting it. I do feel like I could do her some justice but my best friend who is also horsey thinks shes a bad idea. she has jumped in the past but not with current owner who is quite nervous of her. she is for sale for £800. I'm not looking for a cheap horse as I have a decent budget but for the right horse. I'm stressing the point this horse is to keep and not to sell on for profit but potentially if I get a mare would like to produce from her later on when retired from SJ or eventing.

Has anyone else taken a horse on they've been told 'best not to' and had a good outcome?

 

[WindyStacks]

I'm currently the proud owner of a rather special boy who hasn't put a foot out of place with me.

When I bought him I had people come out of the woodwork from all over the county sucking teeth and actually saying "ohmygod someone bought him?" and I kept hearing all these dreadful stories about him.

I did have a spell where I really doubted him because as I say, I was hearing bad stories about him from multiple sources. Had I popped him in a lorry 200 miles away I probably would never have heard of his history.

Tbh, I've never looked for a novice ride anyway.

 

[flirtygerty]

My trotter X is not my OH's type of horse, the rider I took to try him (damaged my knee) didn't like him, the sellers father said outright he was a '******' and yet still he came home on my gut instinct, four years later, I still get a thrill on seeing him in the morning and he has never put a foot wrong with me, although he can be quirky for others, a safe ride but not a plod, love the bones of him

 

[SpringArising]

It really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says.

If YOU think you have the skill and patience to re-school a TB and you really, really like her, then go for it.

Having said that, if you have a decent budget and aren't in a rush, don't buy the first thing you see.

This is your first horse - treat yourself!

I've had loads of PITA horses who I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't like or want, but with time and training they've all turned out nicely and gone on to do a decent job at something.

 

[dodgers89]

If you think you can handle the horse then it shouldn't matter what people think. When I took my horse on loan, lots of people thought it was there right to tell me how much of a commitment it was, how much having a horse can cost. I had had a long discussion with my husband and took a cleaning job to pay for him so I didn't pay attention to them. No one but you knows whether you have the time/finances and frankly, it's not really their business. I say go for it! Owning a horse is amazing