Best place to buy an event horse?

Harrie123

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I went to Oasby PN at the weekend and got eliminated in the SJ, before I got the to first fence! My lovely horse just stood and reared so we were eliminated! (rather expensive dressage test!!) So I have decided to get myself a nice sensible event horse that has got some mileage under its belt that can take me round some PN, Novices and maybe even an intermediate whilst I sort out my other horses 'issues'!

I have a budget of 8k, I am not sure what sort of horse that will get me, but I am willing to get something older/coming down the grades or something that might not pass a 5* vetting.

I have been looking on some sites but there isn't a lot out there.

Can anyone recommend me a dealer?
 
have you not considered working with what you already have?

Echo this. If you have two horses, and you're out BE-ing with one, you won't be able to dedicate as much time into sorting out your current horse. We've all had/have horses who throw their wobblies when out competing. Surely it's best to give it a few more tries at least before buying a 'better' model?!
 
Echo this. If you have two horses, and you're out BE-ing with one, you won't be able to dedicate as much time into sorting out your current horse. We've all had/have horses who throw their wobblies when out competing. Surely it's best to give it a few more tries at least before buying a 'better' model?!

I would love to but this is the latest in quite a long line of problems, so far he has 3 eliminations (all at the first fence XC/SJ) and one 20 XC and a 60 XC, his record looks terrible, I am really worried that he has gone stale, so I am planning on doing some BD and BSJA and maybe then some unaffiliated ODE's. I really want to take the pressure off him for the time being but still have fun myself.
 
I'll come down on the other side of the argument as I know the confidence and fun we've had from our older Grade A. A straight, honest schoolmaster is worth their weight in gold and everyone should have one in my opinion (in the ideal world that none of us live in:D).

I could help you if it was a SJ'er you wanted but others may know of an eventer with mileage. Whatever you decide and buy best of luck :)
 
Worth trying Horsequest I think- they always seem to have very nice horses on there. If your horse feels like he's throwing in the towel, I think you're making a sensible choice in allowing him to chill and have some fun before trying again.
 
Do you have time for another horse? Do you really want another horse? I have been in that situation and to be honest I would have been far better just sticking with Henry that having Trigger as well.
 
Guessing you have had all the usual medical stuff checked? Might be worth investigating leasing of a more experienced horse for a season rather than buying?
But might be a plan to set aside say 3 months to try and figure out what is going on with current horse though? Had he evented previously? Could you step down a level? Or go team chasing or something?
 
I can sympathise as my old boy did the exact same but it turned out he had physical issues (severe navicular) which the SJ aggrevated and he started refusing. Have you had him checked out?
 
I do love how this forum works sometimes. OP asks a simple question and immediately gets jumped on and questioned about her decision. I'm sure she's given it a lot of thought - if not she would have asked what the best course of action might be..... :rolleyes:

OP - sorry can't help with your search but I do hope you find something which meets your requirements. :)
 
I have had a quick look on horse quest, there are some on there I might call.

Thanks MM!

I think I do have time for two. I can't only work with the one I have got, I think I would stop enjoying it, his problem isn't going to be a quick fix. Pretty sure this isn't a medical thing, only happens every now and then at a comp (never at home or during lessons) he never stops at the fence it is always between, always warms up well and then will jump in the warm up after his naughty session. He is never stressed or worried about it. This is him at Oasby...

http://gallery.horsepower-photography.com/viewpicture.tlx?albumid=269363&pictureid=11540366
 
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link doesnt work I am afraid. I not trying to jump on her... just I have been through the same and in hind sight it probably wasnt the right descion to make.
 
Sorry I can't be of any help finding a horse but I think it is doable to have one horse out eventing and work away with another at home, I did exactly this last year when mine had a SJing wobble and I had a really fun season on my old pony whilst cracking my other horse's problems at home :). Yes I don't have a full time job, but I was doing my AS levels and working pretty hard on them at the time!

I can't see the photo either when I agree to the T&Cs.
 
I would love to but this is the latest in quite a long line of problems, so far he has 3 eliminations (all at the first fence XC/SJ) and one 20 XC and a 60 XC, his record looks terrible, I am really worried that he has gone stale, so I am planning on doing some BD and BSJA and maybe then some unaffiliated ODE's. I really want to take the pressure off him for the time being but still have fun myself.

Aaah, that makes sense now. Can fully understand where you're coming from!
 
the pic still doesnt work if you accept t&c's. A break for your other one may be a good idea - i stopped eventing mine in 09 after we were regularly getting E'd at relitively early fences XC, and he had the rest of the year off. We then spent '10 SJ+DR'ing, and took him XC August time, and he loved it again. planning to be eventing again this year (just need to sort finances out!) and am hoping to go novice towards the end of the season :)
 
Completely agree M_M!!

OP, Your best bet is to look at private ads on Horsequest, as has been mentioned :) If you have any local prodcuers/eventers near you, put the word out, as you never know what they may come across :) Good luck with your search. Fiona Davidson and Tina Canton are worth contacting if you are in the Nottinghamshire/Leic/Lincs area :)
 
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