Buying a better horse than you actually need

[AdorableAlice]

The hunter/teamchase section of Horsequest has a handful of quality types for sale at the moment. Couple of 4 year olds that are raw but good stamps.

 

[Birker2020]

I

The other thing to consider is that you say you want to be out competing a lot, do you or is it just what you used to and therefore feel like you should do? You have such a set idea in your head about what you want, and it will be so hard to find in this current market.

I don't want to be out competing a lot. Probably once a fortnight/month.

 

[Birker2020]

The hunter/teamchase section of Horsequest has a handful of quality types for sale at the moment. Couple of 4 year olds that are raw but good stamps.

I've text about two horses I'd like to view near home but one is sold but these are much older. I think a 4 year old would be too much for me, I know my limitations of patience and need a ready made horse that is not going to be as spooky or silly. With the extra budget I should find something in the £12K range that would suit. I'm happy to take my time now I'm paying for my stable but thanks anyway.

 

[Xmasha]

I know of a fabulous 15.2 chunky cob that’s just about to come up for sale . He’s amazing, good to do in all ways. He’s 7 and done a bit of everything. I’ve been at clinics / farm rides and seen him out and about . So can vouch for his temperament. Would 15.2 be too small ?

 

[Birker2020]

I know of a fabulous 15.2 chunky cob that’s just about to come up for sale . He’s amazing, good to do in all ways. He’s 7 and done a bit of everything. I’ve been at clinics / farm rides and seen him out and about . So can vouch for his temperament. Would 15.2 be too small ?

Gosh yes. I'm 5ft 10 and have always had 16.3hh - 17.1hh's. But thanks anyway. My feet would be on the floor.

This was my last one, I want the same again if I can.

 

[ycbm]

I don't understand why, since good sound horses are so hard to find, you are writing off a 4 year old without going to see it first. I've owned a number of four year olds that were suitable for even fairly novice riders, and you're very experienced.
.

 

[Annagain]

I don't understand why, since good sound horses are so hard to find, you are writing off a 4 year old without going to see it first. I've owned a number of four year olds that were suitable for even fairly novice riders, and you're very experienced.
.

I understand it completely. I'm so screwed up at the moment thinking that I'm ruining my 7yr old with my neurosis/ incompetence. I'd be ten times worse with a four year old. It's not about the horse, it's about me. I think Birker's reasons would be slightly different but again, they're to do with her rather than the horse.

 

[Xmasha]

Gosh yes. I'm 5ft 10 and have always had 16.3hh - 17.1hh's. But thanks anyway. My feet would be on the floor.

This was my last one, I want the same again if I can.

View attachment 80369

ahh ! he will take some leg.. but probably not as long as yours

 

[CanteringCarrot]

With a 4 year old, or any green horse, you have to install almost everything. That means various "buttons" and experiences. Some people just don't want to do that or don't feel comfortable doing that, which I completely understand. I don't mind doing it, myself, but it takes confidence among other things (like mental energy ?). So I can get why someone might exclude young or green horses from their search, even if sound and really nice.

 

[Birker2020]

I don't understand why, since good sound horses are so hard to find, you are writing off a 4 year old without going to see it first. I've owned a number of four year olds that were suitable for even fairly novice riders, and you're very experienced.
.

Because whilst there are some 4 or 5 year olds that are jumping around courses quite happily with a professional rider or someone who deals but rides a variety of horses, they will have a lot more experience than me. For instance I've only ridden two different horses other than Bailey in 17 years, one for a few minutes and one a few times around a field just before I lost her. I haven't had a multitude of horses to gain experience on.
Going to try a horse is a huge thing for me, getting on something is incredibly exciting and I will know when I've found 'the one' but it is also filled with trepadation. The first horse I tried was lovely, I got it into an outline straight away and walked to canter and the owner was "gosh I didn't know he did that". He was lovely, but I was jumping 2ft 3" cross poles from a trot because I was so wary. Its something I'm going to have to overcome and overcome fast. But you have to understand that I have had some terrible crashing falls (especially the one where I was incredibly lucky not to end up paralysed) and been on a spinal board 3 times in the back of an ambulance and been in intensive care overnight due to a head injury. The spinal board accidents were all with Bailey, never had them with any of my other horses. She was such a looky horse, even led out to her paddock where she'd been for six years she would snort at things and shy! I simply don't have the confidence that I used to have. But we have all sat on a horse that is nice and steady into a fence and you know it wont stop for love nor money, and that is really what i think I have best chance finding in an older horse.

I really want something that is established because I don't feel I have the experience or the patience to do that. I am not sure my capabilities extend that far. At least I am honest.

Now I have an air jacket and have the results of my MRI and know I am not going to make a bad situation worse I think I am happy to compete again. But I don't want to risk my body anymore than I have to.

 

[Birker2020]

With a 4 year old, or any green horse, you have to install almost everything. That means various "buttons" and experiences. Some people just don't want to do that or don't feel comfortable doing that, which I completely understand. I don't mind doing it, myself, but it takes confidence among other things (like mental energy ?). So I can get why someone might exclude young or green horses from their search, even if sound and really nice.

Yes everything you have said. I did think for a short time that maybe I could but I really do think I have the confidence mentally if that makes sense.

 

[NinjaPony]

Best advice is honestly just get something you feel safe on, even if it’s a slightly left field choice. I bought a 10 year old Connie with an excellent WH record, who had been around HOYS, RIHS etc and could jump 3’3 courses all day long. I hate jumping!! So why did I buy a pony that was clearly more talented than me? Because of his temperament. Never once in nearly 10 years did I regret that choice. He became a very useful dressage pony, capable of beating the WBs when I got my act together and more importantly, never made me feel unsafe or frightened. You can find that quality in a school master, a greener horse, something talented or something average. But for me that’s the key.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Horsequest 263661. Do your job all day long according to advert. Looks like he needs some help to get him off his head, but a few lessons will sort that out.

 

[Bernster]

Is that the POA one? Would be very curious to know the P !

 

[I'm Dun]

Is that the POA one? Would be very curious to know the P !

I bet 20k! Hes been very carefully advertised and will have a dealer mark up on him. If he passes a vet and does everything they say he will then hes a rare find at the minute.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I had thought that a link between straighter hocks and PSD had been found? I personally would be very cautious about spending a lot of money on a horse with straighter hocks especially if I would be spending my savings to purchase in the first place (I think that was mentioned as a possibility earlier).

 

[splashgirl45]

AA agree that is a lovely horse but very unlikely to be anywhere near OP's budget, bet its at least £20k

 

[Goldenstar]

Horsequest 263661. Do your job all day long according to advert. Looks like he needs some help to get him off his head, but a few lessons will sort that out.

lovely type but boy have they got it dumped on its front .

 

[ihatework]

lovely type but boy have they got it dumped on its front .

Just what I was thinking. It’s very on its forehand, level of engagement and schooling not worthy of 20k imo.
But could do OP at 12k

 

[AdorableAlice]

AA agree that is a lovely horse but very unlikely to be anywhere near OP's budget, bet its at least £20k

He doesn't move exceptionally well if you watch the video carefully. He is inconsistent in the contact and shows resistance several times, especially when asked to extend the canter and is very winched in by the rider. The flat work isn't great at all for an 8 year old, not sure where they are finding balanced from. If that work was in a test he would be on 5's. He doesn't seem to have a comp record, anything top class shown as a hunter at Dublin is sold very quickly on the ground, He isn't full of quality, more workmanlike bordering on plain and probably more plain in the flesh, so certainly not a top show hunter and wouldn't be a top worker either based on what can be seen on advert. Seems willing to jump but that is a strong rider on board . Seems to have been for sale for a while.

He will fetch decent money but for me he isn't in the 20k bracket .

 

[nutjob]

The issue for me with this one is he is clearly in a dealer but being advertised as a private sale. You get less consumer rights and you are not able to see how he is when ridden and handled by the current owner who is presumably an amateur. This one is a little large for me but otherwise meets my search criteria. I'd want to find out how long he has been in this country and why they are selling, especially looking at how the pro is riding him.

 

[splashgirl45]

He doesn't move exceptionally well if you watch the video carefully. He is inconsistent in the contact and shows resistance several times, especially when asked to extend the canter and is very winched in by the rider. The flat work isn't great at all for an 8 year old, not sure where they are finding balanced from. If that work was in a test he would be on 5's. He doesn't seem to have a comp record, anything top class shown as a hunter at Dublin is sold very quickly on the ground, He isn't full of quality, more workmanlike bordering on plain and probably more plain in the flesh, so certainly not a top show hunter and wouldn't be a top worker either based on what can be seen on advert. Seems willing to jump but that is a strong rider on board . Seems to have been for sale for a while.

He will fetch decent money but for me he isn't in the 20k bracket .

i agree with all you say but horses of poor quality are being sold for lots of money and i would suspect they are asking around £20k which may be why he hasnt sold yet....i didnt watch the video very far as i wasnt impressed but many people will be..

 

[Birker2020]

Horsequest 263661. Do your job all day long according to advert. Looks like he needs some help to get him off his head, but a few lessons will sort that out.

Don't like, not my type.

If I could buy any at present it would be this one http://www.horsequest.co.uk/advertisment/258532

I love him. Would go up to £12.5K but stand no chance sadly

 

[ImmyS]

Don't like, not my type.

If I could buy any at present it would be this one http://www.horsequest.co.uk/advertisment/258532

I love him. Would go up to £12.5K but stand no chance sadly

I saw him and thought of you. Is it not worth chatting to the owner regarding budget? I don’t think your budget is an insulting amount lower and you never know how flexible sellers may be depending on how important the home is too them.

 

[eahotson]

I know exactly how you feel. I have just seen advertized a trad cob (buckskin) who sounds perfect for me but the price is silly.Could afford him though.

 

[ihatework]

Don't like, not my type.

If I could buy any at present it would be this one http://www.horsequest.co.uk/advertisment/258532

I love him. Would go up to £12.5K but stand no chance sadly

Hmmmm, worth a call with 12.5k in your pocket.

Looks much better educated than the other one, but I suspect there will be a story behind him that you would be told over the phone.

He is being presented well, but looks like quite a lot if horse to hold together if you aren’t polished and riding fit.

 

[Birker2020]

I've sent the seller a message with an offer but it will be subject to vetting obviously.
We can't get there till next Saturday anyway as we both work full time, so have a lot going against me really.

But you never know. Praying Dad and Bailey from above can send positive vibes and get me a viewing
Dad would have loved him. He used to like taking me to viewings, we always used to go together. I miss my right hand man.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Reading between the lines a bit and I could be totally wrong, but that horse doesn't seem like one that would take care of an average or rusty amateur rider. Sounds like he also needs structure, work, and thrives in an environment with much (competant) exercise and with a competition driven individual.

Might be fine for a good rider in a solid training program though.

I could be totally off base, but just my feeling. Video would also help. If nearby I might be inclined to look if a chat on the phone went well/owner and we agreed that I might be suitable for the horse/the horse suitable for my needs and skills.

Edit: saw the last post, I'd have messaged and arranged a chat with the seller before making an offer. I understand the market is "hot" but just my opinion.

 

[eahotson]

I've sent the seller a message with an offer but it will be subject to vetting obviously.
We can't get there till next Saturday anyway as we both work full time, so have a lot going against me really.

But you never know. Praying Dad and Bailey from above can send positive vibes and get me a viewing
Dad would have loved him. He used to like taking me to viewings, we always used to go together. I miss my right hand man.

I do hope everything goes well for you.So sorry about your Dad and Bailey.

 

[eahotson]

Best advice is honestly just get something you feel safe on, even if it’s a slightly left field choice. I bought a 10 year old Connie with an excellent WH record, who had been around HOYS, RIHS etc and could jump 3’3 courses all day long. I hate jumping!! So why did I buy a pony that was clearly more talented than me? Because of his temperament. Never once in nearly 10 years did I regret that choice. He became a very useful dressage pony, capable of beating the WBs when I got my act together and more importantly, never made me feel unsafe or frightened. You can find that quality in a school master, a greener horse, something talented or something average. But for me that’s the key.

I bought a very talented jumping pony many years ago now. Long story but he was perfect for me.Many happy memories.Wish I could have cloned him!