Buying a 4 year old- thoughts?

[[131452]]

So for those who don't know, I've been riding for 20 years , I'd say I'm capable but not hugely confident. Broke my back 7 months ago when over horsing myself with a very green WB mare. Had a rising 5 appy for 8 months before and ridden wise got on well but he turned out to be a wobbler so was PTS. Before then had an ID x for nearly 15 years who I mainly just hacked out.

I've seen this place that seems to get nice cobby /ID/Cross types, which is the sort of horse I'm looking for. The only thing is they tend to be 4 or rising 5.

My WB mare who I fell off had never left her stud when I bought her - big mistake. Whereas these cobby types if they're 4 would have been lightly hunted last winter so they've seen a bit of the world. They won't have been schooled as such but they take them XC schooling to show them pop logs and hedges and ditches etc. They just sold a really smart one and I missed out on it, but they have a new one in just now that they've booked me into see week after next. They know that I'm looking for steady and calm so if he turns out to be sharp or spooky they will call me.


What do people think about buying a horse this young? I find that if they've hunted, they're a bit more mature mentally. I would keep him at my friend's yard who is a pro , she's a BE coach- I didn't have enough proper help with my WB mare so this time regardless of what I buy I want to keep it at this yard so hopefully we get off to a good start.

Am i being stupid even considering a 4 yo? If I bought him , I would probably just mainly hack to start with (he hacks well apparently) and let my friend school him say once a week.

 

[Antw23uk]

Honestly i think you'll get a mix of responses here. Im a bit 'meh, do what you want' but another part of me thinks i should say no, dont do it, go find a nice steady eddie older horse and just enjoy the hacking and a bit of schooling if thats your thing.

 

[Patterdale]

If you have regular help I’d say go for it. Lots of people will tell you not to touch something that’s hunted that early, but I don’t think it’s a problem. Far rather ragged about on a few hacks and light hunting than schooling too early. It’ll have seen something of the world and been started with a forward mindset.

If you have help, can afford to lose the money if it all goes to pot, and you like it then buy it. Older ones can be arseholes and break too.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

I broke my back..had a few years off and returned to horse ownership. My first mare died aged 10 years and I looked at many other horses of different ages and breeds. I bought (after a month of consideration) a four year old..broken, ridden away and just started schooling. She was and is amazing..takes everything in her stride..at first we mostly hacked and now we mix in schooling too. I would say...have no preconceived ideas...look at and try whatever takes your fancy and with care and luck you ll find the horse for you.

 

[maya2008]

Sweet 4yo horses turn into teenage 5yo horses quite often.

My sweet, calm 4yo (destined to be a first ridden eventually with temperament to match, stud bred, amazing upbringing, backed by a 7yo at 3 etc etc etc) turned 5 and...bucked her rider off twice and ran off, did some experimental rearing, tried out a 6ft sideways spooking trick and tried the running off trick a few times. Now almost back to an elevation to sainthood but I am not putting the child back on until she turns 6, and she is only allowed one day off at a time!

Her half brother did the spooking and running off thing at the same age. He couldn’t be bothered to try bucking!

My foot perfect, mother’s help Arab cross lost her mind at 5 and went from a perfect anyone’s ride to a speedy spinning shooting off ball of hormonal energy. She’s the horse I can lean sideways off to deal with a youngster or child on the lead, who will never ever spook, who doesn’t understand the concept of not doing as she is asked.

The TB just did the spooking at nothing thing.

All those turned, (or will turn) into amazing horses who look after their rider and are 100% obedient and reliable. All were amazing at 4... tried it on at 5...back to amazing at 6.

With your history I would look at 6yrs plus in age. You might get a 4yo who doesn’t change at 5yo, but there is no knowing in advance if they will or not.

 

[[131452]]

I think the 5 yo stage might be the issue as you just don't know. My appy turned dangerous approaching 5 but that's because he was very sick (and an appy !).
It just seems to be impossible to find them a couple of years older certainly at the moment !
I've had it with unscrupulous dealers who will sell a horse over the phone whilst you're basically on your way there to view it.

Just out of interest, someone said above that some people say not to touch a horse that was hunted so early - why is that?
The problem I had with the WB mare was that in hindsight the stud had done a rubbish job starting her and she'd seen nothing, so out of the stud she was very reactive. I feel more comfortable with a youngster that has hunted a bit as they've seen a good few things , been ridden away from others, been told to stand in a group etc. I don't personally hunt but ok the whole find the horses that have hunted better to hack out.

My head is all over the place and don't know what to think. I'm seeing a 6 yo sports horse tomorrow that's said to look after his rider, but i prefer them chunkier and my instructor said she doesn't like his flatwork. Seems like nothing is ticking the boxes right now ?

 

[gunnergundog]

Just out of interest, someone said above that some people say not to touch a horse that was hunted so early - why is that?

The Irish version of 'lightly hunted as a 3 year old' can mean was whipper-in's horse with the Scarteen all season or saw hounds half a county away on one occasion or anything and everything in-between. So, unless you know the history you have no idea as to whether your horse is likely to develop issues at a later age or not due to overwork when his skeleton wasn't fully developed.

 

[tristar]

completely depends on the horse, i have known very nice simple straightforward 4 y r olds, if you are willing to show them the way, and have the time to spend on educating them from the word go. and keep on in a long term plan of gentle work.

i would never touch a horse that hunted under 6 yrs, i think you need to ride lots of horses even if they don`t sound right on paper, till you get on one that tells you what you want to feel.

be proactive and open minded, good things don`t always come in the package you might imagine.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I bought mine at 5, Irish cob. He had what I’d call the Kevins for a few months, I mostly ignored the stupidity (spooking, being arsey) and got an amazing horse with a very level head. I’d probably aim for a 6 year old next, but a mate just bought a 4 year old Irish draft who is looking gorgeous, had a bit of a panic going out on the road for the first time then was foot perfect.

Mine was hunted at 4, stayed sound til 16, bar a field injury to one hock which has led to serious arthritic changes, exacerbated by him being a h/w cob.

 

[fredflop]

I will point out that a dealer is not “unscrupulous” if they sell a horse whilst your on the way to see it.

They have a living to make and the first person to show up with money (and a suitable home) will get the horse

 

[[131452]]

Well guys and gals, I have just had the most amazing luck!
I saw this amazing IDx advertised late one night on Facebook, wasn't quick enough and three people got there before me to view. I didn't think I'd be able to view as surely the first person to view would buy her. But first two found her too big (built like a tank just like my old horse although only 16hh or so). The third one came for a second view and turned out to be a total time waster!
She is 9 years old, leg in each corner , schools nicely in a natural outline , hacks out well, and looks like a dream on the XC- not very quick, not strong, covering the ground but not at a scary speed.
That is just perfect for me!
And i get to view her tomorrow!!!
I'm trying to contain myself but my god, she ticks all the boxes based on her description and video!
I like big shoulders in front of me, a wide back thats harder to fall from and a massive arse that can't buck so high!
Is my luck finally turning ??

 

[[131452]]

I will point out that a dealer is not “unscrupulous” if they sell a horse whilst your on the way to see it.

They have a living to make and the first person to show up with money (and a suitable home) will get the horse

I just think it's only good manners to allow the person to come to view if they're on their way. I still like to think that some people have manners.

Thankfully the horse I'm viewing tomorrow is sold by someone more professional.

 

[suebou]

My 5yo old tb has been nothing but sensible and pleasant in the two years we’ve had him. He’s bigger an stonger but is never ever diffficult. The 18 yo warmblood can be spooky and sharp and the 27 year old NF is the most difficult of all of them to ride!
I have artificial knees, spinal surgery and other health issues and would heartily endorse you getting a horse you like and connect with. The one you’re looking at sounds fine to me, I occasionally ride a sensible cob, it’s not fun!

 

[fredflop]

I just think it's only good manners to allow the person to come to view if they're on their way. I still like to think that some people have manners.

Thankfully the horse I'm viewing tomorrow is sold by someone more professional.

I’d appreciate if the dealer told me if there were people “in front” of me viewing, but if it’s sold whilst I’m en route, it’s simply tough

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Fingers crossed SS.

 

[Merry neddy man]

Remember to take your friend the yo/ be coach with you.

 

[blitznbobs]

So for those who don't know, I've been riding for 20 years , I'd say I'm capable but not hugely confident. Broke my back 7 months ago when over horsing myself with a very green WB mare. Had a rising 5 appy for 8 months before and ridden wise got on well but he turned out to be a wobbler so was PTS. Before then had an ID x for nearly 15 years who I mainly just hacked out.

I've seen this place that seems to get nice cobby /ID/Cross types, which is the sort of horse I'm looking for. The only thing is they tend to be 4 or rising 5.

My WB mare who I fell off had never left her stud when I bought her - big mistake. Whereas these cobby types if they're 4 would have been lightly hunted last winter so they've seen a bit of the world. They won't have been schooled as such but they take them XC schooling to show them pop logs and hedges and ditches etc. They just sold a really smart one and I missed out on it, but they have a new one in just now that they've booked me into see week after next. They know that I'm looking for steady and calm so if he turns out to be sharp or spooky they will call me.


What do people think about buying a horse this young? I find that if they've hunted, they're a bit more mature mentally. I would keep him at my friend's yard who is a pro , she's a BE coach- I didn't have enough proper help with my WB mare so this time regardless of what I buy I want to keep it at this yard so hopefully we get off to a good start.

Am i being stupid even considering a 4 yo? If I bought him , I would probably just mainly hack to start with (he hacks well apparently) and let my friend school him say once a week.

If you don’t want spooky don’t buy young ... and because it’s a con don’t assume it will be a steady neddy... the hottest spookiest horse I’ve ever ridden was a heavyweight cob ... and I’ve ridden lots of warm bloods and full blooded horses too

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Good luck for the viewing, will keep fingers crossed for you ???

 

[Dwyran_gold]

Good luck! Hope all goes well ?

 

[[131452]]

I've bought her! Subject to vetting of course.
I was quite nervous but did canter. Badly though. But she didn't worry or do anything wrong.
Fingers crossed all is OK with vetting and this is the end of two years of hell with horses as it seems to have been (two dead , third sold , broken back and shoulder and a pretty much a mental break down )

 

[splashgirl45]

i hope you had someone with you to give a second opinion and this doesnt turn into another problem horse thread, and you have a vet of your choice doing the vetting. fingers crossed..

 

[gunnergundog]

I just think it's only good manners to allow the person to come to view if they're on their way. I still like to think that some people have manners.

I, on the other hand, would think that the vendor was totally lacking in manners and wasting my time if they didn't phone me whilst I was en route and explain the situation......namely, that an earlier viewer had agreed to purchase. I have no interest in 'joy riding' something that isn't on the market just for the sake of a gallon or two of diesel.

Be that as it may, best of luck for the vetting for your new horse.

 

[Michen]

No as long as you can afford to get in professional help if you needed. I spent about 2k on that on my last one and am investing in it for my second one (though it’s not necessary for this one- just helpful!).

 

[ycbm]

i hope you had someone with you to give a second opinion and this doesnt turn into another problem horse thread, and you have a vet of your choice doing the vetting. fingers crossed..

Ouch. Really not the time?


Congratulations SS, I hope you have a ton of fun with her. Photos!

.

 

[splashgirl45]

i think it is, look at ss posts on the other thread, not very supportive!!!!

 

[[131452]]

i hope you had someone with you to give a second opinion and this doesnt turn into another problem horse thread, and you have a vet of your choice doing the vetting. fingers crossed..

Is there any need for that?


Can i block a user here like you can on Facebook?

 

[[131452]]

I, on the other hand, would think that the vendor was totally lacking in manners and wasting my time if they didn't phone me whilst I was en route and explain the situation......namely, that an earlier viewer had agreed to purchase. I have no interest in 'joy riding' something that isn't on the market just for the sake of a gallon or two of diesel.

Be that as it may, best of luck for the vetting for your new horse.

It wasn't even an earlier viewer , it was someone buying unseen over the phone!

 

[doodle]

Is there any need for that?


Can i block a user here like you can on Facebook?

yes. Click on name and then ignore.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

wishing you all the best for the vetting SS.