Buying a youngster...

[ImmyS]

Hi guys,

Been a while since I’ve posted on here. Some of you might remember I had the lovely Arlo. He was sold to my lovely yard owner early this year and they are getting on great. I sold him in order to save for my first home which I am now in the process of buying one, which is rather exciting! If all goes well with the house and goes through OK I would like to think about getting another horse. Due to needing to do initial work on the house and deposit etc I wouldn’t have the funds to purchase a ‘ready made’ horse so to speak For potentially a few years, so I am considering buying a yearling-3 year old. I really miss the handling and being around horses and would love the opportunity to buy and produce my own young horse (with support). Would be looking to put on young stock livery (there a few options locally) until ready to be backed. Just looking for advice and other people’s experiences of buying and producing your own young horse? Pros and cons etc..

Just looking for people’s stories really and any pictures of people’s young horses through to their ridden life always welcome!

 

[Lipglosspukka]

I would say, it may appear cheaper, but by the time you have paid 2-3 years of livery, feeding, farrier etc. It works out costing more than just saving up for that ready made horse.

 

[eggs]

Afraid I have to agree with lgp above.

Might be worth looking for a share horse in order to get your horsey fix or maybe doing some part time work on a yard.

I have bred and bought a number of foals but I keep my horses at hone which does reduce the cost. Sadly over the years I have lost three of them when they were only three years old (all unrelated incidents). Never underestimate a youngsters ability to self harm. I am in the lucky position of not having to sell any of my horses but in all honesty there have been a couple over the years that I would not have bought as an older riding horse as they were not really my type of ride.

you hear a lot about people ruining a youngster and whilst certainly some do get messed up a fair bit of it just comes down to the individual horse’s personality. I have had three foals by the same stallion - two of them turned out to be sparky but safe whilst the third was always unpredictable with no sense of self preservation.

it always sounds a lovely idea but the reality isn’t necessarily as rosy

 

[ImmyS]

I understand in the long run the overall cost won’t be any cheaper - it’s more having the initials bulk amount of money which currently you’re looking at the £8000 plus mark and I can’t see the horse market getting significantly cheaper, nor do I think it should particularly as good horses should fetch good money!

 

[LadyGascoyne]

I decided to get a youngster when I realised that my job wasn’t going to allow me much time to ride for a few years. Best decision I have ever made!

I looked for 2-3 year olds, coming out of the “turned away with other babies” phase because I didn’t need to worry too much about having age-appropriate play mates.

I also decided to buy something with a fabulous nature, in the category of “family horse/ general hack” so that I didn’t feel pressured to produce the next Valegro.

Mim was not quite three when she arrived and has been an absolute joy to have around. She spent her 3yo year walking in hand and learning about farm machinery, traffic, children and dogs. I backed her as a 4yo and she goes in western and English tack and bitless or bitted, no problem. She now does some light hacking but we actually still do a lot in-hand or bareback and in a headcollar ?.

She has walk and trot, steering, rein back and poles down but we don’t have a great canter yet. I’m pottering for winter and will do more with her in spring / summer.

As a five year old I would like her to achieve a balanced canter, popping some small jumps and the start of some basic lateral work.

She’s nearly full Arab so is a slow-maturing breed and I am in no rush. By the time she is seven, I’d like her to be a “real” horse. And by the time she is seven, I’m hoping my job will have calmed down!

 

[ImmyS]

Just interesting to get other people’s experiences! As I know there will be good and bad and I’m currently just weighing up options.

 

[TGM]

Will you have any chance to ride other horses much whilst your youngster is maturing? Going from no riding or very little riding to dealing with a freshly backed youngster is not the the ideal situation. Also buying youngsters is a bit of a gamble, they might not grow to the size you require or have the temperament or abilities you want. It is not a cheap approach either, if you saved the money you will spend on a youngster and it's keep (plus vets bills, breaking/schooling/training fees etc) then you will probably find you have the funds to buy a more established horse.

Having said that, we did buy a 2yo five and a half years ago for my daughter to bring on. But we do keep the horses at home which makes it cheaper, she had other horses to ride all the while and also she had plenty of experience riding youngsters for other people. It was still a bit of a rollercoaster though, so not for the faint-hearted!

 

[DirectorFury]

A few years ago I worked out that it would cost roughly 10k to keep a weanling on livery until it was old enough to break, and that’s assuming nothing went wrong! Obviously cheaper if you have your own land or find cheapish young stock livery. I agree with LGs suggestion of getting a rising 3yo.

Judging by the 8k price tag I’m guessing you want something flashy/sporty/hot blooded?

 

[ImmyS]

I decided to get a youngster when I realised that my job wasn’t going to allow me much time to ride for a few years. Best decision I have ever made!

I looked for 2-3 year olds, coming out of the “turned away with other babies” phase because I didn’t need to worry too much about having age-appropriate play mates.

I also decided to buy something with a fabulous nature, in the category of “family horse/ general hack” so that I didn’t feel pressured to produce the next Valegro.

Mim was not quite three when she arrived and has been an absolute joy to have around. She spent her 3yo year walking in hand and learning about farm machinery, traffic, children and dogs. I backed her as a 4yo and she goes in western and English tack and bitless or bitted, no problem. She now does some light hacking but we actually still do a lot in-hand or bareback and in a halter ?.

She has walk and trot, steering, rein back and poles down but we don’t have a great canter yet. I’m pottering for winter and will do more with her in spring / summer.

As a five year old I would like her to achieve a balanced canter, popping some small jumps and the start of some basic lateral work.

She’s nearly full Arab so is a slow-maturing breed and I am in no rush. By the time she is seven, I’d like her to be a “real” horse. And by the time she is seven, I’m hoping my job will have calmed down!

Thank you for sharing I have quietly followed your posts with Mim and she seems absolutely lovely! I feel I am in a similar position where life is going to be a little bit hectic but I do also have the time to do the basics and just spend some time enjoying horse company again. As you say I just want something that is going to develop in a nice all round sort!

 

[DabDab]

I thoroughly recommend it, particularly if you already know that you really enjoy the handling and producing bit of horse ownership.
The downsides are that in the long run it is probably more expensive than buying an older horse and is definitely more effort. There is also always a fair chance that it won't be the type of horse you ideally want once it has matured, so not the best idea for someone who has a really fixed idea of what they want to do with the horse when grown, but if you're happy to either get what you get or to sell on once produced...

The upsides are that it is great ?. I love youngsters so I'm not the best person to talk you out of it. I've owned my current 3 from youngsters, they are all very different adults now and have presented different sets of challenges along the way, but I adore them all. Dabs was pretty tricky, he could be quite melodramatic about a lot of things when younger and it took a lot of work to install reliable manners. Arty was mainly a physical challenge because she suffered with her stomach when younger. She was always a joy to ride but has a typical tb posture and way of going and has taken some work to develop that before progressing her. Pebbles was feral, but once not feral anymore she has always been easy...been here before that one has. Has a bit of a nap in her though, so am always mindful to keep on top of that.

Have lost all my pictures recently so can't share, sorry.

 

[ImmyS]

A few years ago I worked out that it would cost roughly 10k to keep a weanling on livery until it was old enough to break, and that’s assuming nothing went wrong! Obviously cheaper if you have your own land or find cheapish young stock livery. I agree with LGs suggestion of getting a rising 3yo.

Judging by the 8k price tag I’m guessing you want something flashy/sporty/hot blooded?

Nothing flashy but looking for a solid Irish draught type that will hopefully be safe, to hunt, low level event etc - which for an established I think you would be looking at at least 8k up to a lot more than that

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I have had two Arabs from yearlings and still have them as adults. I personally would always buy youngsters now rather than adult horses. I found it really rewarding. It depends what you want from horse ownership and if you have the right set up and support (if required).

 

[ImmyS]

I thoroughly recommend it, particularly if you already know that you really enjoy the handling and producing bit of horse ownership.
The downsides are that in the long run it is probably more expensive than buying an older horse and is definitely more effort. There is also always a fair chance that it won't be the type of horse you ideally want once it has matured, so not the best idea for someone who has a really fixed idea of what they want to do with the horse when grown, but if you're happy to either get what you get or to sell on once produced...

The upsides are that it is great ?. I love youngsters so I'm not the best person to talk you out of it. I've owned my current 3 from youngsters, they are all very different adults now and have presented different sets of challenges along the way, but I adore them all. Dabs was pretty tricky, he could be quite melodramatic about a lot of things when younger and it took a lot of work to install reliable manners. Arty was mainly a physical challenge because she suffered with her stomach when younger. She was always a joy to ride but has a typical tb posture and way of going and has taken some work to develop that before progressing her. Pebbles was feral, but once not feral anymore she has always been easy...been here before that one has. Has a bit of a nap in her though, so am always mindful to keep on top of that.

Have lost all my pictures recently so can't share, sorry.

Thank you for your experience, sounds like you’ve ended up with an interesting bunch! I don’t really have a fixed idea of the end result, just more interested in the journey and have always enjoyed the groundwork, handling side of owning horses probably more so than the riding!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

just more interested in the journey and have always enjoyed the groundwork, handling side of owning horses probably more so than the riding!

Then I suspect that having a youngster would suit you.

 

[Michen]

I’m on my second. I would only do it if you have the funds to get pro help if you need it, unless you are very careful with what you buy (aka don’t go buying unseen off Facebook from Ireland like I do ?‍). The first needed lots of professional input. The second needed lots of help on the ground from a friend but is now very straightforward.

Tbh, the first one was a pain in every single way even the things I didn’t get pro help for. Was it enjoyable... no not really at the time. It was stressful. However when he started to come good, it was the best feeling in the world. I don’t think you quite get the same bond with a horse you don’t have from the beginning of their education, as you end up knowing them inside out... he terrified me for a good year and now I’d trust him with anything.

I couldn’t have been that put off as did it again with the second one ?

 

[Abi90]

A few years ago I worked out that it would cost roughly 10k to keep a weanling on livery until it was old enough to break, and that’s assuming nothing went wrong! Obviously cheaper if you have your own land or find cheapish young stock livery. I agree with LGs suggestion of getting a rising 3yo.

Judging by the 8k price tag I’m guessing you want something flashy/sporty/hot blooded?

£8K doesn’t go very far at the moment. I saw a pretty and sensible Cob x something finer that was green and overbent in the school, had never competed (even UA Intro Dressage) and had been on hound exercise once who had been on the market for £9.5K the other day!

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Thank you for sharing I have quietly followed your posts with Mim and she seems absolutely lovely! I feel I am in a similar position where life is going to be a little bit hectic but I do also have the time to do the basics and just spend some time enjoying horse company again. As you say I just want something that is going to develop in a nice all round sort!

She’s an absolute sweetheart. I’m even considering getting another baby ?

I’d love a weanling, it’s just the company issue and whilst I could get two, it does feel more appropriate for them to grow up in a proper herd of them.

 

[TheMule]

Young horses are really quite boring- you can’t particularly do much with them, especially if they're living as they should, out 24/7 in a herd. There's not much handling to do!

 

[Gloi]

I would say, it may appear cheaper, but by the time you have paid 2-3 years of livery, feeding, farrier etc. It works out costing more than just saving up for that ready made horse.

But it's worth it ?

 

[splashgirl45]

i bought a filly who was 15months old, she was turned out in a mixed herd of older horses which i now know isnt ideal, did in hand showing and really enjoyed it, did all the handling and backing myself with the aid of books, i was lucky that although she was part bred trakehner and also had tb in her she had a calm temperament and she turned out well as an all round riding club horse. i also still had my old horse to ride until she was broken.. i lost her at age 24 and was heartbroken. shame you had to sell arlo as he was such a diamond and you progressed really well with him .... i am assuming you want something sane and safe and that is what you pay the premium for, hot and flashy are cheaper ....may be worth looking at older horses in their teenage years who have been there and done it ...

 

[PeterNatt]

You are far better off buying a ready made horse.

 

[ImmyS]

i bought a filly who was 15months old, she was turned out in a mixed herd of older horses which i now know isnt ideal, did in hand showing and really enjoyed it, did all the handling and backing myself with the aid of books, i was lucky that although she was part bred trakehner and also had tb in her she had a calm temperament and she turned out well as an all round riding club horse. i also still had my old horse to ride until she was broken.. i lost her at age 24 and was heartbroken. shame you had to sell arlo as he was such a diamond and you progressed really well with him .... i am assuming you want something sane and safe and that is what you pay the premium for, hot and flashy are cheaper ....may be worth looking at older horses in their teenage years who have been there and done it ...

Arlo was lovely but definitely not easy at times and taught me a lot. I prefer to work with younger horses, Having an older been there, done that type just doesn’t appeal!

 

[ycbm]

I bought my current one at 2 and he has been a joy. I previously had a yearling and he was a lot of fun too.

It's a definite yes from me

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Just looking for people’s stories really and any pictures of people’s young horses through to their ridden life always welcome!

Always happy to share a pic or 10

I did it when I wanted a project when the twins got their first pony. Bought a barely handled rising 3 year old and loved every minute of producing her. In-hand showing, lots of hacking, lots of groundwork. She was incredibly easy though! It was cost effecgtive in that she cost less than £1000 in the first instance and barring illness/injury, was always going to sell for far more once under saddle. Which she did as she became a very sweet allrounder. But I was not looking to make money or get a cheap horse: I just wanted the experience and fun of bringing up a youngster. She was so confidence giving that she restored my love of jumping and allowed me to fulful the dream of eventing. I then got Amber, thanks to what I learned with her.

Pics of the journey from 3-5:

Day I viewed her. I loved her calm curiosity.

Backing her.

Hacking her. Katie REALLY needed to check her stirrups! Bad mum moment there.

She was very trusting!

Arena Eventing. She loved it.

Our first ODE at Eland. Double clear! I'd found a cavesson by then.

 

[JackFrost]

My experience is almost identical to LadyGascoigne, so I won't repeat all the details. Bringing on and backing your own horse is a unique experience. Mine was a 2 year old. I was very aware that it was a gamble -for all sorts of reasons it might not work out and the horse might not be the right one for me. I don't know if I've been lucky or have great instinct for horses (I like to think it's this ) but the horse has turned out to be my perfect partner in every way. When you know the horse really well it is easier to make judgements on how to deal with any issues that arise, and you can create a very deep bond.
I determined from the start that I would do my best for the horse but be willing to rehome/ resell if i felt that I was not the right home for it long term.
If your motive is finance, go down the more certain route of finding a mature horse. But if you want the experience of 'creating' your own future horse, do it!

 

[DabDab]

Young horses are really quite boring- you can’t particularly do much with them, especially if they're living as they should, out 24/7 in a herd. There's not much handling to do!

Yep, very true. I like buying them at 2.5-3yrs so there is 6-12 months of not doing much with them at all and just getting to know them a bit. Any younger and it can be a bit dull, particularly if you have no other horse to play with

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Some Mim growing up photos

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I have recently bought a house and done it up and all I can say is don’t underestimate how much money you need to do it up. I wouldn’t have wanted to take on a new horse in the middle of that (mine is a super cheap to keep native pony) but obviously don’t know your financial position/how much doing up your house needs. Just something to bear in mind as I did not appreciate quite how much money we would be spending! But then ours was a proper gut and do up job.

Also doing up a house takes up so much time and energy! Having a full time job, sorting the pony and then having DIY to do at home almost finished me off. My pony doesn’t need exercising every day so that took one pressure off. Plus we did most of the house work over summer so there was less time pressure re the horse.

Sorry all sounds a bit negative, just sharing my experience! I personally would want to wait and dedicate 100% of my energy on a youngster rather than stretch myself too thin.

 

[ImmyS]

Always happy to share a pic or 10

I did it when I wanted a project when the twins got their first pony. Bought a barely handled rising 3 year old and loved every minute of producing her. In-hand showing, lots of hacking, lots of groundwork. She was incredibly easy though! It was cost effecgtive in that she cost less than £1000 in the first instance and barring illness/injury, was always going to sell for far more once under saddle. Which she did as she became a very sweet allrounder. But I was not looking to make money or get a cheap horse: I just wanted the experience and fun of bringing up a youngster. She was so confidence giving that she restored my love of jumping and allowed me to fulful the dream of eventing. I then got Amber, thanks to what I learned with her.

Pics of the journey from 3-5:

Day I viewed her. I loved her calm curiosity.

Backing her.

Hacking her. Katie REALLY needed to check her stirrups! Bad mum moment there.

She was very



trusting!

Arena Eventing. She loved it.

Our first ODE at Eland. Double clear! I'd found a cavesson by then.

thanks for sharing! She is lovely and glad you had such a good experience

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Sorry that the ridden pic is blurry.

Yearling to ridden.