Buying a 5yo from the field - would you?

If I was buying from the field, I would still want to see him trotted up, so you can gauge soundness. I would also like to see him tacked up, so you can see that he's ok to tack up. I would ideally like a sit on him, or at least a lean over, so you can see if it is rideable!

The only way that I would buy from the field without doing these, was if it was really really cheap, or from someone I trust.
 
Polos Mum said:
How do you bring horses back into work then after a break?

My boy has been off since November while I had a baby, I don't want to lunge him as small circles tougher on unfit horses IMHO so I tacked up and hacked out - only 10 mins to start with in walk but he was impecably behaved. i wouldn't do and hours jumping lesson but 10 mins walking in strainght lines - what is the risk/ issue?
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I would do this with my own horse but you know each other. In my situation I don't know the horse, he doesn't know me and the owner doesn't know me either, I think these two sscenarios are different.
 
My first thoughts on seeing a sold from the field ad, is that the owner is afraid to ride the horse. I went with a friend to see a horse being sold from the field. I rode it in the field, seemed ok. Friend bought it, next day she rode it out in company, it stood up, bolt upright, friend came off and was hurt. Horse was sent to a pro, and became a much loved family horse.
 
muckypony said:
I would do this with my own horse but you know each other. In my situation I don't know the horse, he doesn't know me and the owner doesn't know me either, I think these two sscenarios are different.
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Absolutely!!!!

I know someone who got a youngish horse who she knew could be tricky and a bit nappy. The day after it arrived at the farm she tacked it up and decided to hack it out on its own!!! To no avail the horse dumped her yards away from the stables and she wonders why?!

Ground work does a lot for a partnership, especially a new one.

Good luck, hope you find what you are looking for :)
 
ThoroughbredStar said:
I think it would be very unfair to drag in a horse who's been turned out since November, tack it up and expect to ride it straight off, especially a youngster- don't be surprised if it plays up. On the other hand, if you do and it behaves ok, well, impeccably etc I think you're onto a winner (providing no tricks have been played by the seller)

It's a risk buying from field but if it's cheap......I may risk it if it was ridiculously cheap but personally I wouldn't buy it not knowing its back ground. You could always do some digging around :)
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I can see your point and would expect the horse to be a little 'feely' at all the attention, but if it is a genuine situation, and the horse was broken and ridden properly prior to the enforced lay off and subsequent sale, there should not be any real problems because the horse has no baggage or reason to be a problem. I am not suggesting the horse is asked to canter circles, just hack out of the yard and show no signs of nappiness or resistance. I would not get straight on the horse, I would lunge and long line first, it's reaction to these will give a big indication as to whether it has been broken properly.

I firmly believe the education a young horse receives from birth to backing lays the foundation for the rest of it's life, the breaking and riding away is far easier if the foundation work is correct and they do not forget. Get it wrong, and likewise they do not forget and will often be a problem.

We have recently got back on two horses that had been out of work. A cob mare bought in a poor state, had been turned out for four years and not touched. She was nervous and it did take a month or so to patch her up, feed her and gain her trust. I was led to believe she had been ridden and driven in Ireland. I long lined her without problems for 2 days, with a saddle on and on the road with a helper ready to step in if needed. No problems, rode her on day 3 and she was perfect. Whoever started her did a good job. The second one was my 17.2h competition horse who had been in his box injured for 11 months. He was sedated and led out for 5 days, we got on him without sedation on day 6. He was a bit looky but accepted everything without question.

I stick to my advice for the OP, if you cannot get on it walk away.
 
I agree with AA above, while I totally agree my example and your situation are very different I just thought it was a useful example. I would just urge you keep your eyes extra wide open if the owner won't let you sit on the horse for 2 mins.

Even if you have the time/ facilities and experience to break from scratch you don't know what damage might have been done or what baggage the horse might have if someones botched the breaking previously.
 
muckypony said:
Long story short I've seen a pony that has really caught my eye. Lovely 5yo Sec D gelding. Owner was pregnant and now had a premature baby that is unwell and needs to stay in hospital - pony has been out of regular work since the winter.

Arranged to view on Saturday (is over 100 miles away from me) and she said she can't ride at the moment (just had baby) so will need to get someone to ride him. I said not to worry I don't mind hopping on.

Received a message today to say that as she needs to stay longer in hospital than first thought so is willing to let him go from the field for less money. I asked if I could still view on Saturday to which she replied of course as whatever happens she wants to know who he is going to. I also asked if I can have him vetted and she again has no problem with that.

Should I be put off? My feeling is no... I really like him and as hes been out of work since the winter he would need brining back anyway. I know anyone can sound nice over email/phone but she really does seem genuine.

What aare your thoughts?
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I bought my 7yr old ex racing TB Mare straight from the field......came out of racing, re-schooled, 5 months of dressage then off work for over a year due to injury and winter. She lived out 24/7 for the whole time she was off and was most definitely 'straight from the field'. She is taking a while to get fit but we are getting there, she is fab, I certainly don't have any regrets.
 
ThoroughbredStar said:
You get them back into routine, lunge them, long rein them, etc etc, all the basic rules of breaking :)

You also know your horse, OP doesn't know this horse at all.
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I totally agree, my mare had been schooled by the stud when she came out of racing but then was turned back out to grass for well over a year....i've taken her on and although I know she had done the basic groundwork I started her from scratch and has actually surprised me with what she knows and remembers
 
Thing is I cant see a problem at all as if you go to see it you can tell for yourself if it is going to be ok what ever you decide to do on the viewing day. We cannot speculate on here about the horse we havent seen him and certainly are very unlikely to see him ridden It makes me really cross that horses are discounted from an ad or a photo you should really see everything in the flesh if it is the right size right price and roughly the right age. Beyond that the only decision that should be made it to go and see it. Photos people and ads lie the only way forward is with your own eyes and a vets health check
 
Have you seen pics/ videos of the horse being ridden? Everyone has at least one picture, if it doesnt exist, dont bother going to try!
I would expect a horse who has done a decent amount of ridden work (eg not lightly backed then turned away) to accept tack and a gentle ride in walk and trot without any problem, even after a period of time off. If she has excuses why you cant ride I'd be very wary. I bought one with a friend who had been off for 6 months, owner let us tack her up and hop on board- a quick walk and trot up and down the road outside the field and we knew she was a little treasure!
 
TheMule said:
Have you seen pics/ videos of the horse being ridden? Everyone has at least one picture, if it doesnt exist, dont bother going to try!
I would expect a horse who has done a decent amount of ridden work (eg not lightly backed then turned away) to accept tack and a gentle ride in walk and trot without any problem, even after a period of time off. If she has excuses why you cant ride I'd be very wary. I bought one with a friend who had been off for 6 months, owner let us tack her up and hop on board- a quick walk and trot up and down the road outside the field and we knew she was a little treasure!
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Totally agree.
 
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