Buying a horse that’s different to what you set out for ?

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Mary3050

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Hi guys,

So I have started my horse shopping Journey . I always set out a list of what I want so I am not wasting people time . Ie height range, age range , ability, experience etc .

I had my list I was looking for an older advanced schoolmaster for dressage and hacking safety is key so wanted a been there got the tee shirt type. My main thing was that’s it’s safe.

However a friend of a friend locally has something that would suit for sale. Only thing is it’s younger 6 . I was going for a teenager . It’s been to some competition and done well. But this young horse has the best temperament you can ask for ? It’s not a schoolmaster movements wise but is safe and trainable .

Have you ever gone for something you thought you wouldn’t want and it’s been the best thing you have done? I like the horse but am aware that I am paying for a younger horse not a schoolmaster.

Any advice ?
 
milliepops

milliepops

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I've never got what I set out for.
Last ramdomer was a 14hh welsh cob that turned out to be a nearly-GP dressage horse.
The 16.2 tb gelding I wanted to event ended up being a 15hh cob x mare and was awesome.

Consider how important it is for you to have something already trained. If that doesn't matter then the sort of personality that you love is a big factor for me.
 
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Mary3050

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IrishMilo said:
I don't understand the logic of not going to see a really good horse just because it's younger than what you think you need. There are sane level headed 6 year olds and nutty 15 year olds.
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I have already seen the horse as it was in a clinic with my friend I went to go help . Just waiting to have a ride on the horse
 
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Mary3050

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HannahB said:
Go with what you feel is right for you, I nearly bought a 6 yo but was too slow :( -Agree with IrishMilo, age doesn't always control temperament
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Yes I totally agree I was more looking for a horse looking for a quieter life. Not loads of competitions etc
 
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maya2008

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My first owned horse was a just turned 4yo TB. I still have her - best temperament ever, still saving my bacon as the matriarch of my herd even now she is retired. I set out to get roughly what you want and got her. Temperament is all!

Now I have a 13.1hh NF pony - was supposed to be for my son but she chose me and is extremely insistent about it.

My daughter has my old jumping pony, who looks after her (and only her) like she is made of glass. She also has feral pony being backed this year for when the old one can be ridden no more. That one likes to bite and kick if you aren’t in her favoured circle of people, yet would protect my daughter to her last breath.

So basically, don’t get too hung up on size, age etc. Think temperament (a kind eye). I think they find us though to be honest!
 
Season’s Bleatings

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We bought a new horse two years ago, he was same sort of age as the one you’re looking at, had been out to a few comps with a pro but importantly for us he was safe, sane and trainable. He has been an absolute delight and is worth his weight in gold.
This time two years ago I had only ridden two dressage tests in my whole life, now we are out competing regularly at novice, have done a couple of elems unaff and have even been super brave and done a couple of 80 ODEs, a bit of SJ and have just registered with Dressage Ireland. All possible because of his wonderful temperament and some brilliant, supportive coaching.
Go see the 6yo!!!
 
Pippity

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What I would say is that knowing how to push the buttons is very different to knowing how to install them.

I bought a 5yo with an exceptionally calm and sensible temperament. In some ways, she's a lot easier than the 20yo dressage schoolmaster I shared before getting her. In others, she's a LOT harder, simply because she doesn't know what I'm asking her to do.

Do you have the knowledge, experience and support to teach the 6yo?
 
twobearsarthur

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This time I was 100% absolutely couldn’t be swayed getting an at least 10 year old, warmblood gelding schoolmaster that could do a bit of everything and was ready to go out competing. After having youngstock for at least the past decade.
I ended up with a six month old Irish draught colt. The heart wants what the heart wants and my brain never did work properly when it comes to a fluffy baby horse!! So gone are the ideas of slowing down now I’m in my 40’s and I’m back teaching him how to pick his feet up and not to have a meltdown when we put a rug on. I’ll be nearly 50 now by the time we are competing and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Follow your heart. I’ve never regretted it (in the end)
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite

MiJodsR2BlinkinTite

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Well four years (very nearly five now!!) I set out with a "list" of what I wanted, and somehow brought home something that was rather more of what I'd said was everything I DIDN'T want i.e. pony, mare, youngster, coloured beastie, hairy cob, the lot!

My little coblet was the very best purchase I ever made! She chose me rather than the other way around, and her judgement was good coz we're just perfect for each other!

I'd say yes OK go with your "list"; but be prepared to ditch it if something pulls at your heartstrings.....
 
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Elno

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Hm, I have a different experience.

I ride dressage apart from the odd hack, and now that I've had several different breeds of horses and currently own a WB again I've come to the conclusion that I won't be buying anything other than a WB in the future because it simply doesn't suit me and what I want to do. I have an older Swedish warmblood schoolmaster now and I truly regret that I didn't come to my senses sooner and bought him/something similiar earlier. Would have spared be a lot of trouble and heartache.

Horses are unfortunately very easy to fall in love with. Even though most (definetely not all though) of the horses I've owned (from tb's to cobs and cold bloods) have been great and even amazing in their own ways I still couldn't get over the fact that they lacked something which I couldn't really put a finger on until I bought a WB again and started riding it.

I suggest therefore to think hard about what you actually want to do with your horse. If you are interested in a certain discipline my suggestion is to look for a horse that is suitable for it. Of course a cob can jump and do dressage for example, but if you want to truly advance in your discipline it will be easier for you and the horse if you choose a breed that is bred for the purpose.

If you mainly want to have a great buddy and good allrounder then the breed, age, colour etc etc couldn't matter any less.
 
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Jellymoon

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Mary3050 said:
Yes I totally agree I was more looking for a horse looking for a quieter life. Not loads of competitions etc
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I think if you asked your 6 nearly 7 yr old what sort of life he is looking for, he’d be delighted with a quieter one, not loads of competitions!!
I suppose, I would ask myself, why do I want an older schoolmaster? Is it to advance your riding journey and learn the moves from an experienced horse so that you can improve/do well in competition/teach the younger horses? If this is the case, then I would probably keep looking. If it’s more about just wanting something nice and safe to have fun on occasionally at the lower levels, then I would snap up the lovely sounding 7 yr old.
 
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Jellymoon

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Oh, and in answer to your actual question (sorry!) I have veered off the wish list in terms of height or age, but never in type, if you know what I mean. The best horse I ever bought was a hand bigger and a year or two younger than I was looking for, but was still an Irish hunter type.
 
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Not bought anything too different from what I was looking for but have learnt over the years that sometimes they come with an old head on young shoulders - and that is a magic combination.

Don't be too fixated by what is on the "clock".
 
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southerncomfort

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Mary3050 said:
Yes I totally agree I was more looking for a horse looking for a quieter life. Not loads of competitions etc
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Well I'm of the opinion that the horse won't care if he doesn't spend his life going to comps! I'm sure he'll love being in a hacking home. ?

I also set out looking for an older ready made, get on and go, native/cob to hack.

I bought an unbacked 4 year old Fell pony and backed and rode him away myself. He is BRILLIANT! I utterly adore him. He is safe but oh so much fun. ?

Go ride the horse. Its the only way to know if he can do the job.
 
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