Buying a 4yo thats been turned away

silverstar

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Firstly would you buy a horse fresh from being turned away after being broken?

Secondly, how much work would a 4yo need in terms of bringing on? Ive never had a youngster before just ridden/schooled other horses. Would it be a case of doing a little but very slowly. Im just trying to weigh it up against buying an older horse.
 
Depending on how much it did when backed and how long it was turned away for - i would say it would need starting from scratch but the backing process shouldnt take as long. Then take everything slowly.
 
I recently bought a 3/4yr after it had been turned away. She was broke oct time turned away in dec for a month and they brought her back into work 4 days before we viewed her. She'd been rode twice after her break before we rode her and she was a wee star. I think it depends on how well they were broke and the horses temperment, but i would defo want to ride it before buying.
 
Firstly would you buy a horse fresh from being turned away after being broken?

Secondly, how much work would a 4yo need in terms of bringing on? Ive never had a youngster before just ridden/schooled other horses. Would it be a case of doing a little but very slowly. Im just trying to weigh it up against buying an older horse.

Yes, I probably would; although prefer to buy unbacked personally.

It depends on what you want the horse to be doing. Happy hacker? Not long at all; out competing affiliated etc - a lot longer. Depends entirely on how the horse has matured. I backed my gelding at rising 4, turned away for a couple of months and even now as a 5yo he's not 'together' enough; mentally or physically to do an extensive amount of work. Good luck.
 
Thanks for your invaluable advice.

I would definitely be riding her when I view her. I dont mind getting a horse once its been backed and then doing the schooling. Ive never backed a horse so wouldnt be too happy to do it myself. Temperament wise she is very laid back.

I want to do rc showjumping so it may take some time to bring her on.
 
Temperament means so much. I'd rather have a genuine, honest 4 yr old than an 8 yr old with attitude. You can always get help with re-backing. The main thing beyond that is patience & time. The results are immense & will give you great satisfaction. Don't discount this one just because of age. Good luck, know you've been looking a while.
 
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