buying a showjumper

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becoolbarnaby

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www.horseandhound.co.uk
any one got any good tips of how to look for a showjumper that will go far, onloy got enough money to buy a 4/5 year old? had a horse in the past that didnt pick up his feet and wasnt scopey...
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Look for something that "picks up" on the fence on it's own, so you can actively see it is working out the question. Loose schooling can give you an idea of how careful it is, but it's technique may change a lot under saddle. It is good for looking at attitude to the fence though!

When you see the horse ridden to a fence, does it light up, or drop back a pace to take it in? The ones that drop back are probably more cautious and won't be brave enough to take on bigger tracks.

Look at it's back end and how athletic it is over a fence, does it kick out behind or cramp up? You want something that looks fluid and athletic over a fence.

If you're relatively inexperienced, you want something that WANTS to jump, so it will forgive you if you make mistakes. That was my no.1 priority when looking alongside attitude, and then athleticism. You can work on technique as long as it has a healthy attitude to a fence and wants to get to the other side without demolishing it!!

I'm sure there are a lot more experienced people than me to advise, but thats what I have been taught to look at :D
 
As above it's all about attitude and technique. Also I like to see youngsters able to work out some questions themselves......it's no good having a horse who cannot think for itself around a course.

Conformation will also play a part, if the horse is weak in the back/ haunches you won't have as much power to get you over the fences.

Elastic paces are another thing I personally look for, you want to be able to adjust a horses stride length, having one that canters to the normal 12' stride may struggle round the more techical courses.
 
becoolbarnaby said:
any one got any good tips of how to look for a showjumper that will go far, onloy got enough money to buy a 4/5 year old? had a horse in the past that didnt pick up his feet and wasnt scopey...
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You say that you only have enough money to buy a 4/5yo, but you want one that will go far.

My thoughts;


* Anyone worth their salt with a 4/5yo that will go far will not be selling them cheap, they will want to keep hold of them to maximise potential and return.

* With 4/5yo's you are quite often selling on potential, not proven records, so therefore they can tend to be a little more expensive then say a 6-7yo that has ability but has not proven that it will go on to a high level.

* You have to ask yourself, and be realistic, "how far can I take one?" I am not trying to discourage or attack you in anyway, but having had a look at your website, it says that you have competed to NC. You have to ask yourself; "do I have the knowledge, experience and support to produce a young horse to the highest levels?" Is a horse "that will go far" in your mind something that will end up at Fox level, 1.30m , 1.40m or International level?

I agree with Kat that loose jumping is a nice way to see how much scope and how careful a young horse is, but it is also a bit of a minefield. Not so many years ago I bought a nice 4yo, just sat on, for a lot of money that when you loose jumped it looked Olympic, would come to 1.50m and be 1.80 over it. Unfortunately he never ever reproduced that jump under saddle.

On the other hand, I have bought ones that when loose jumped couldn't get their legs out of the way for toffee, yet when ridden and educated through grids and learned what to do with their legs became ultra careful.

Nowadays I tend not to buy them without atleast seeing them ridden and riding them myself to assess their temperament. I think trainability is a HUGE factor to bear in mind.

Take a good hard long look at the horses basic canter, a naturally balanced horse is much easier to produce than something with a massively unbalanced or short choppy stride.

My advice in this situation would be to be realistic in your expectations of what you can purchase with a limited budget, although I note that you have not said what this is.

You never know your luck with buying horses, but my advice is to always keep your eyes open, you never know where one might pop up.

Have you any more info on budget etc??
 
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I'm just loving the fact that someone who is advertising their services as an Equine Agent is on here asking this question!
 
I have only competed up to NC as i have had 4/5 year old who i have sold on. But thank you all very much for all the info, i only ask as i have lots of knowledge myself but just wanted to know if anyone knew any other tips, (which mbequest) has given me, as my old horse at first when over from ireland looked an idea type, but as we went on he grew and got more bone and is now a hunter.
and jemim_too, i have alot of experince buying and selling horses, but not proper showjumpers, and i just wanted to get some little tips that might come in handy, the smart arse comments just dont help!!!
 
mbequest said:
You say that you only have enough money to buy a 4/5yo, but you want one that will go far.

My thoughts;


* Anyone worth their salt with a 4/5yo that will go far will not be selling them cheap, they will want to keep hold of them to maximise potential and return.

* With 4/5yo's you are quite often selling on potential, not proven records, so therefore they can tend to be a little more expensive then say a 6-7yo that has ability but has not proven that it will go on to a high level.

* You have to ask yourself, and be realistic, "how far can I take one?" I am not trying to discourage or attack you in anyway, but having had a look at your website, it says that you have competed to NC. You have to ask yourself; "do I have the knowledge, experience and support to produce a young horse to the highest levels?" Is a horse "that will go far" in your mind something that will end up at Fox level, 1.30m , 1.40m or International level?

I agree with Kat that loose jumping is a nice way to see how much scope and how careful a young horse is, but it is also a bit of a minefield. Not so many years ago I bought a nice 4yo, just sat on, for a lot of money that when you loose jumped it looked Olympic, would come to 1.50m and be 1.80 over it. Unfortunately he never ever reproduced that jump under saddle.

On the other hand, I have bought ones that when loose jumped couldn't get their legs out of the way for toffee, yet when ridden and educated through grids and learned what to do with their legs became ultra careful.

Nowadays I tend not to buy them without atleast seeing them ridden and riding them myself to assess their temperament. I think trainability is a HUGE factor to bear in mind.

Take a good hard long look at the horses basic canter, a naturally balanced horse is much easier to produce than something with a massively unbalanced or short choppy stride.

My advice in this situation would be to be realistic in your expectations of what you can purchase with a limited budget, although I note that you have not said what this is.

You never know your luck with buying horses, but my advice is to always keep your eyes open, you never know where one might pop up.

Have you any more info on budget etc??
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budget is 9,000 and i want something that will defo do foxhunters in the futer, as i am a young rider who has been unlucky with previous horses, and started comepting late, just really hoping to move up the grades over the next few years and especially in my gap year.
 
becoolbarnaby said:
budget is 9,000 and i want something that will defo do foxhunters in the futer, as i am a young rider who has been unlucky with previous horses, and started comepting late, just really hoping to move up the grades over the next few years and especially in my gap year.
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With that budget, and bearing in mind you are looking for a 1.30m horse of the future, I think you shouldnt have a problem finding something nice............

Any other questions please feel free to give me a shout, either on here or externally, contact details are on my website

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thanks for the help! ive been looking around my area, and selling a horse atm means not much time for travelling. Also as i am only 17 i am hoping my riding will keep getting better, but i can ride young horses, and so think a horse that will keep getting better would be best. Ive also dont the schoolmaster bit 2 year ago and so learnt how to ride properly, just really hope i find something nice soon, and as you say they do turn up in funny places.
 
9k is a v.gd budget! I spent half that on a mare who should easily jump fox (though maybe not with me! Lol!) who I brought as a 4yr old. You've just got to know how to work with them :)
 
That's a great budget. Like Kat mine was less than half that and again with a better rider (or maybe me with a lot of practice!) is more than scopey enough for foxhunter.
I'd also say maybe look at some smaller breeders etc see what they have as some of the bigger studs seem to put a premium on.
 
go to a good sports horse yard, like sports horses internation, Steve Lamb. Gatwick. He will give you the best poss advise and 3 month trial
 
Actually that's a good idea from kayfm, my boys mum and dad were both with summerlees sport horses in Kent before he was born. If you find someone reputable they should give you a good idea of a horses potential in their opinion. My boy's mum jumps 130s now and his dad was jumping fox as a 7 year old last I heard.
 
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If you decide for an older horse I know of a lovely 9 year old who is currently jumping 1m30 courses with scope for more and is really easy to ride and very careful. Previously has evented and british dressage so minimul BSJA winnings and would race up the grades. He is in Somerset so PM me if you want details. Is advertised for £10,000 but might go down to £9000 to a nice jumping home as so far they just haven't had the right people viewing him. PM me if you want details
 
My personal advice to you would be to forget the real baby and go for a 6yo/7yo which is probably already jumping 1.10m's. You are not experienced above NC's yourself and the idea of bringing a youngster up through the grades yourself, whilst a lovely dream, all too often will end up in disappointment. You need to get the experience at 1.20m / 1.30m yourself and there are dozens of 7yo's out there who have jumped upto 1.30m but who won't make it all the way to the top which get sold for a lot less than your £9k budget. These horses will more than likely be good to take you to 1.30m / 1.40m as they mature...but that is obviously a long way short of where they need to be to compete internationally.

When you've ridden at those higher levels you will have a much better idea of what to look for in a baby to bring on....but remember, horses with 'potential' at 4yo/5yo cost a looooooot more than ones who've been 'sussed' at 7yo+.
 
Rambo said:
My personal advice to you would be to forget the real baby and go for a 6yo/7yo which is probably already jumping 1.10m's. You are not experienced above NC's yourself and the idea of bringing a youngster up through the grades yourself, whilst a lovely dream, all too often will end up in disappointment. You need to get the experience at 1.20m / 1.30m yourself and there are dozens of 7yo's out there who have jumped upto 1.30m but who won't make it all the way to the top which get sold for a lot less than your £9k budget. These horses will more than likely be good to take you to 1.30m / 1.40m as they mature...but that is obviously a long way short of where they need to be to compete internationally.

When you've ridden at those higher levels you will have a much better idea of what to look for in a baby to bring on....but remember, horses with 'potential' at 4yo/5yo cost a looooooot more than ones who've been 'sussed' at 7yo+.
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Really, Rambo? This is a part of the market that I keep an eye on and I've never seen anything under about 18yo that is straight, sound and jumping 1.30's for "a lot less than 9K". Not meaning to be contentious at all but don't want to give OP false hope. Horses that jump 1.30 and are generous are hard to come by and pricey in my experience.

Completely agree about the idea of buying a horse with some mileage over bigger tracks though. :)
 
measles said:
Really, Rambo? This is a part of the market that I keep an eye on and I've never seen anything under about 18yo that is straight, sound and jumping 1.30's for "a lot less than 9K". Not meaning to be contentious at all but don't want to give OP false hope. Horses that jump 1.30 and are generous are hard to come by and pricey in my experience.

Completely agree about the idea of buying a horse with some mileage over bigger tracks though. :)
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i have found that too looking!!! you can get one jumping NC but the 1m 30's are like 15-25000, and the ones cheaper look too sharp or have issues!
 
becoolbarnaby said:
i have found that too looking!!! you can get one jumping NC but the 1m 30's are like 15-25000, and the ones cheaper look too sharp or have issues!
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Um, just wanted to point out that Rambo actually suggested buying a horse jumping 1.10s that looks like it will, in time, do 1.30s. Don't think either of you quite read his post right, and he might not look at this thread again to correct you himself.
 
I have been lucky enough to buy a semi experienced SJ that has been jumping 1.30 tracks but has low mileage, as she was owned by a professional in Spain and they only really take the top horses out. She wasn't careful enough to go higher but she is ideal for me, as I am wanting to get experience above newcomers ( I come from an eventing background). I want to take my current horse further but need to not kick like crazy over 1.20 tracks. Poor horse thinks soemthing is up. poeple think there is something wrong with my mare as I got her cheap and she is only 11. There are horses out there. Maybe contact local professionals.
 
KatieA - I usually agree with Rambo but it was the following that lead me to post above:

"there are dozens of 7yo's out there who have jumped upto 1.30m but who won't make it all the way to the top which get sold for a lot less than your £9k budget."

Anyone with these send them my way and to the OP!
 
If you only want to get to foxhunter (ie. 1.20) then really most half decent horses are capable of that. Attitude is the biggest factor IMO, although I only do to 1.20m, my horse isn't anything special by any means - 1/2 his bloodlines are racing, the other 1/2 are exotic dressage types, yet I do eventing and SJ with him in which he has excelled purely because he has an extremely willing attitude. My last horse could jump (IMO) a huge fence BUT his attitude sucked. So don't get sucked in by a "wow" jump necessarily, doesn't mean it'll be reliable under saddle ;)
 
There are some serious bargains out there thats for sure. My boy's mum now jumps 130s, she is 12 now, was sold as an 8 year old as a brood mare! For a pittance really. But thats luck and a good eye for a horse that found her for her current owner....and her finding that ability in her, and me digging into his breeding on his sire's side further leads me to believe my 4 year old definately has the potenial to do 120s. I'd probably value him now at between £3.5 and £5k as a 4 year old going very nicely but without much competitive experience....I'm sure you could find something nice to take you out at 1.15-1.20 height for double that....
Having said all that a friend of mine jumped another friend's horse over a 6 fence course ranging from 120 to 140 the other day - he was bought for a pound...
 
MagicMelon said:
If you only want to get to foxhunter (ie. 1.20) then really most half decent horses are capable of that. Attitude is the biggest factor IMO, although I only do to 1.20m, my horse isn't anything special by any means - 1/2 his bloodlines are racing, the other 1/2 are exotic dressage types, yet I do eventing and SJ with him in which he has excelled purely because he has an extremely willing attitude. My last horse could jump (IMO) a huge fence BUT his attitude sucked. So don't get sucked in by a "wow" jump necessarily, doesn't mean it'll be reliable under saddle ;)
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^^^ This. The only reason i got mine was for a 4 year old he had the most amazing temp. He was advertised as a potential U21 horse (im well out of that age bracket :D) so capable of the big tracks but they wanted a good home as he was such an honest lad. Im not saying i got him really cheap and to be quite honest i dont think he will ever jump the big classes that he could but i know in time we might. And to add im doing this all on a very amature basis.
He is well bred, was sorced and bought over by the dealer because of his temp so im very lucky i now have a horse with the talent for 1.20 plus couses but with the temp for a RC allrounder. You just have to know where to look and get lucky.
 
vam said:
He is well bred, was sorced and bought over by the dealer because of his temp so im very lucky i now have a horse with the talent for 1.20 plus couses but with the temp for a RC allrounder. QUOTE]

VAM what a great way of putting it - I'm very much hoping thats what I have too and he was also bought solely on his temprament and the fact I could see too much wrong with his conformation.
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I'm sure mbequest cannot be seen to advertise by doing so himself, so I'll recommend them instead!

Weezy on here highly recommends them, and I liked the look of several when I was on the hunt. I live in their area, attend their shows, and I'm always impressed.
 
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