Buying horses for a new mummy

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Cluelessblonde

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So this horse thing with being a mummy is turning out to be quite difficult!!

Sold my old quirky high maintenance beautiful horse and brought a raw coloured cob. Thought hey ho I'm a mummy now so let's be sensible... Turns out the cob was NOT as described and ended up selling him for Penny's.

so after this whole experience my faith in the industry is completely in a shambles.

I am a decent enough rider have broken horses in the past good enough seat still but confidence is in a shambles after a regular rearer and then the second throwing himself on the ground before trying to kick me in the field when I went out to check on him.

All this taking into consideration, I've been looking for a schoolmaster type but the prices are mental. Im saving for a budget of 6k but the issue is there is nothing out there.

We have open fields so that's what I have to ride in. So my options are:

Keep looking

Or

Buy unbacked and get professionally schooled.

Ideally I want something that is a lovely person that I can jump 90-1m classes and compete in prelim.

Yeah I'm aware that I will have to wait if I get a young horse.

I can only ride 4 days a week and I can't justify spending over 6k on a horse

I have considered an ex racehorse but my only thing is I REALLY hate blotting.
 
I've owned 3 ex racers and never had one take off, and I hate it too as I was properly bolted with many years ago and the horse slammed itself into a stable door and catapulted me over the top, breaking my collarbone.
You are looking for more or less what everyone else is looking for, hence the prices. In your shoes I would look for either - ex racer or youngster - but put it off for a few months and spend the time building your confidence back up with lessons on something decent. I found getting on board 7 weeks post-birth pretty daunting, and I had no good reason to be worried other than the instinct to protect one's offspring overrides pretty much anything else!
 
Nudibranch said:
I've owned 3 ex racers and never had one take off, and I hate it too as I was properly bolted with many years ago and the horse slammed itself into a stable door and catapulted me over the top, breaking my collarbone.
You are looking for more or less what everyone else is looking for, hence the prices. In your shoes I would look for either - ex racer or youngster - but put it off for a few months and spend the time building your confidence back up with lessons on something decent. I found getting on board 7 weeks post-birth pretty daunting, and I had no good reason to be worried other than the instinct to protect one's offspring overrides pretty much anything else!
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Thanks 15 year old me put on an ex racehorse not actually retrained taken in a group xc has resulted in this fear of bolting.

I'm currently in the process of getting my confidence up. Did you send them off for schooling or do it yourself?
 
I’ve been looking for the same thing for a while now, I just want an allrounder sports cob! My search is on hold as house renovations have taking over my life, but I’ll probably go down the latter option.. buy a youngster and send to a good professional.

temperament is key, and with a good education, dream horse will emerge!

Good luck x
 
eahotson said:
JUST ASKING.iF you do go down the backing/schooling route have you anyone in mind to do it?That can be a potential mindfield as well.
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I have a good few mates who do it also tried and tested from the last horse who was veryyyy quirky so I no who can actually ride and who can't cause they've been tested before ha
 
Why not consider a M&M? No reason why they can’t jump up to 1 metre and do a decent dressage test, the good broken ones with miles on the clock will be around 5k if not more. Alternatively an unbroken one could be 3-4K then send to someone who knows the breed and is able to break and get out and about for a few months. with good conformation most will accommodate a tall jockey.
 
gallopingby said:
Why not consider a M&M? No reason why they can’t jump up to 1 metre and do a decent dressage test, the good broken ones with miles on the clock will be around 5k if not more. Alternatively an unbroken one could be 3-4K then send to someone who knows the breed and is able to break and get out and about for a few months. with good conformation most will accommodate a tall jockey.
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M&M??
 
They are like hens teeth, but I would look for a good ridden highland. Even as youngsters the right one started properly will be easy. My 2yr old is a utter dope on a rope. Hes from 2 bloodlines that are known for sweet and easy ponies. I'm a recent highland convert and cant believe I've not had one before! You will find one for 6k easily. They seem to be between 3 and 5k for a reasonably established, ridden pony

Or equally my little cob would do your job. I bought her as a 5yr old just sat on. She was hacking out with a novice rider within a few weeks with relatively little input. She was under 1k

I think you were looking along the right lines with a cob or native type, you just picked the wrong one!
 
You have no idea how sharp a 3/4yo may turn out to be once they grow into themselves.
Would you not consider something mid teens which has been there and done it and you can enjoy it for a few years and get your confidence back?
Doing the 'first' things with a baby horse (first clinic, first show) etc, even if professionally backed, are not activities for someone on low confidence imho (and I'm speaking as someone who does regularly suffer from the same!)
 
Mountain and moorland, ie natives. I have Dales and Fell now, having got sick of vets bills for big warmbloods and TBs. There are natives out there who will do what you want, mine are ride and drive, the Dales will eventually be a solid all rounder although I have only just backed her.
Current prices for a 2/3 year old unbacked Dales are 1-2k, I know someone who is asking 3k for a just-backed rising 4yo but that's too much for the little she has done imo. Providing your weight is reasonable you would have no issues with a Dales or Highland, although some people have unrealistic expectations of what they can carry. There's a thread on a FB page with riders who are definitely too big for their Dales but everyone is being "super supportive" and telling them they look fine, when they are not.
 
It is a bit of a myth that everyone should have a cob to be safe. I have always been an old age rider and have ridden two very safe and ordinary ISH - may be one was only part ISH. They didnt jump or do dressage or anything smart - But hacked safely and you could put a chid on them. One was used for RDA. To be honest I find these ca 15h horses easier to ride than the RS ponies.
 
Nudibranch said:
Mountain and moorland, ie natives. I have Dales and Fell now, having got sick of vets bills for big warmbloods and TBs. There are natives out there who will do what you want, mine are ride and drive, the Dales will eventually be a solid all rounder although I have only just backed her.
Current prices for a 2/3 year old unbacked Dales are 1-2k, I know someone who is asking 3k for a just-backed rising 4yo but that's too much for the little she has done imo. Providing your weight is reasonable you would have no issues with a Dales or Highland, although some people have unrealistic expectations of what they can carry. There's a thread on a FB page with riders who are definitely too big for their Dales but everyone is being "super supportive" and telling them they look fine, when they are not.
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1-2k for an unbroken registered native of any large breed that has been well handled is unrealistic. How much do you think it costs the breeder to get them to that age, no wonder there are fewer and fewer being bred, 3k would be a reasonable amount for a 3/4 year old.
You probably can buy cheaper but as in all areas you generally get what you pay for.
yes some bloodlines produce sharp horses in all breeds but a bit of research will quickly show you which to avoid and which have consistently produced good sensible all rounders.
 
Nudibranch said:
Mountain and moorland, ie natives. I have Dales and Fell now, having got sick of vets bills for big warmbloods and TBs. There are natives out there who will do what you want, mine are ride and drive, the Dales will eventually be a solid all rounder although I have only just backed her.
Current prices for a 2/3 year old unbacked Dales are 1-2k, I know someone who is asking 3k for a just-backed rising 4yo but that's too much for the little she has done imo. Providing your weight is reasonable you would have no issues with a Dales or Highland, although some people have unrealistic expectations of what they can carry. There's a thread on a FB page with riders who are definitely too big for their Dales but everyone is being "super supportive" and telling them they look fine, when they are not.
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Agree with this /\

A lot of people ride New Forest ponies round here. They all appear very level headed (although ponies are individuals). A lot do ODE and one I know of locally has done very well BD. You can pick them up quite cheaply to if you have an eye for a diamond in the rough.
 
I'm a big fan a native x TB - for me specifically Section Ds but all big natives have the potential to make a very nice fun sports horse crossed with a TB.

IMO cobs are rarely the quiet obliging ride many people think they will be. I've a few friends have been sold unfit cobs a a safe ride, got them fit and they've turned into nightmares and accidents have happened. Also unless they have been properly handled as youngsters and had good manners installed they can be a unpleasantly bargey to handle.
 
Leo Walker said:
You will find one for 6k easily. They seem to be between 3 and 5k for a reasonably established, ridden pony
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Can I ask where you are seeing these ponies? I've been looking for a ridden highland, 6-10 years ish, for over a year and there is absolutely nothing under about 8K that doesn't say "for showing home only" or "quirky". We're in Yorkshire.
 
I wouldn't be looking for a schoolmaster, in your position, I would look for a confidence giver/family horse/suitable for novice. At this stage you need something that doesn't need to be worked everyday, or even most days. IMO you need something that has been there and done that. It might not be your forever horse but it needs to be your 'for now' horse. You should be able to pick one of those up fairly cheaply.
 
We needed similar (less bothered about jumping ability but he has jumped out of the arena so has scope lol). Bought an unbacked 3yo from a breeder who breeds for temperament. Best thing we ever did. He did try rearing (small size) at 3.5-4 ish but only a few times and was easily dissuaded from doing it again!

Otherwise is just the loveliest person, so genuine and kind. You can leave him for a week, or two days, ride him in gale force winds and driving rain/hail, he hacks out solo or will lead a youngster or a child on the lead rein. Even if that youngster tries to wind him up, he will just sigh and put his ears back, no getting upset or worried while I sort them out. He looks out for my children and will let them have bareback rides back to the field. All that and he doesn’t turn 5 until April! Good breeding (for what you want - I also have another from the same stud and she is just as amazing) is definitely the way forward!!!

And to add - I have always bought youngsters, yes the 5yo year can be interesting but after that the 6yo you get is the same as the sweet 4yo you had (if you handle the 5yo strops appropriately!). And this lad and his sister have been much easier about their ‘firsts’ than any of my sparkier ones were.
 
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Widgeon said:
Can I ask where you are seeing these ponies? I've been looking for a ridden highland, 6-10 years ish, for over a year and there is absolutely nothing under about 8K that doesn't say "for showing home only" or "quirky". We're in Yorkshire.
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Theres one on the highland pony page on FB at the minute. Won at county level and she posted saying people thought 5k was too much.

Theres few on here as well. Theres a ride and drive mare in cumbria which isnt a million miles away. I wouldnt be put off by showing home only either. Thats how mine was advertised. We will do some in hand and he might do a bit under saddle if I find a rider but I am very definitely not a showing home!

https://www.highlandponysociety.com/shop/ponies-for-sale.html

The main problem is people buy them as youngsters and hang on to them so theres not many about. They are out there if you look and are prepared to travel
 
gallopingby said:
1-2k for an unbroken registered native of any large breed that has been well handled is unrealistic. How much do you think it costs the breeder to get them to that age, no wonder there are fewer and fewer being bred, 3k would be a reasonable amount for a 3/4 year old.
You probably can buy cheaper but as in all areas you generally get what you pay for.
yes some bloodlines produce sharp horses in all breeds but a bit of research will quickly show you which to avoid and which have consistently produced good sensible all rounders.
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No, it's not unrealistic, it's the current going rate in the Dales world. I have the DPS sales lists and bought one myself that price in 2018. Superb lines, county show standard, nicely handled but not overdone, shown a few times as a yearling/2 yo, old school breeder and well known judge so I know what I'm talking about. Some of the good breeders can run stock on at minimal cost, minimal fuss, and do it for the love of the breed. You just need to know what you're doing to find one.
I know what the person asking 3k for a 3yo paid for it 6 months ago, and what they've done with it since, and it's basically just dealing as they turn around youngsters very quickly. I'm not talking about a breeder.
 
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Leo Walker said:
Theres one on the highland pony page on FB at the minute. Won at county level and she posted saying people thought 5k was too much.

Theres few on here as well. Theres a ride and drive mare in cumbria which isnt a million miles away. I wouldnt be put off by showing home only either. Thats how mine was advertised. We will do some in hand and he might do a bit under saddle if I find a rider but I am very definitely not a showing home!

https://www.highlandponysociety.com/shop/ponies-for-sale.html

The main problem is people buy them as youngsters and hang on to them so theres not many about. They are out there if you look and are prepared to travel
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Thanks Leo. Will take a look. It is a pain, not being able to advertise on FB any more. You're right, I probably shouldn't worry so much about the showing thing. After all the horse is never going to know its enormous potential is being wasted just hacking around!
 
gallopingby said:
1-2k for an unbroken registered native of any large breed that has been well handled is unrealistic. How much do you think it costs the breeder to get them to that age, no wonder there are fewer and fewer being bred, 3k would be a reasonable amount for a 3/4 year old.
You probably can buy cheaper but as in all areas you generally get what you pay for.
yes some bloodlines produce sharp horses in all breeds but a bit of research will quickly show you which to avoid and which have consistently produced good sensible all rounders.
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Mine is the top end of that estimate and hes only 2, but he is exceptional quality, dun and going to make full up 14.2hh. I could have picked up a more ordinary 2yr old highland from £1000, probably less if I had hunted about. I had a breeder giving me grief the other day saying that no one should pay more than £800 for a youngster.
 
If you want to know what you’re getting you have to have ready made ... backing yourself / pro doesn’t tell you what you are going to finish up with.. and the most bonkers horses I’ve ever owned are cobs they are not all safe plods some are nutters
 
Unfortunately I'm 5'7 it's not really weight but my leg length I squeeze on a heavy ish 15.2 but my horse I fit perfectly was a ish 16.3hh and I'm happy to ride over 17hh (horse before than was 17.2hh)... It's not actually the schooling work that is an issue I can handle quirks in an arena it's the hacking that I have panic attacks because you are in a very open space. I was talking to hubbie last night and I explained yes a youngster has no experience so everything is new but at least you know that going in. A older quirky horse is actually scarier because they know what they are doing rather than a younger horse just uneducated
 
Best idea is to go and have a sit on some M&Ms. You may find they ride bigger than you think. 5’7 really isn’t very tall. Plenty ridden by people of 6’. It’s all down to conformation and a little bit to ‘sizeism!!’ Ie l wouldn’t/couldn’t be seen on a hairy pony even if it was the best schooled and easiest to manage.
 
They’re definitely out there, it’s just a question of finding then
m before someone else buys them! There was a big 6 year old wb, jumped like a dream, on sales livery at my yard. If mine had needed to be pts when he was having issues, I’d have been seriously tempted to get back in the saddle. Dream to hack, nice person, affectionate. He’s my gold bar standard now! Owner wanted-and got-£6K.
 
Cluelessblonde said:
Unfortunately I'm 5'7 it's not really weight but my leg length I squeeze on a heavy ish 15.2 but my horse I fit perfectly was a ish 16.3hh and I'm happy to ride over 17hh (horse before than was 17.2hh)... It's not actually the schooling work that is an issue I can handle quirks in an arena it's the hacking that I have panic attacks because you are in a very open space. I was talking to hubbie last night and I explained yes a youngster has no experience so everything is new but at least you know that going in. A older quirky horse is actually scarier because they know what they are doing rather than a younger horse just uneducated
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I am taller than you at 5'9", with very long legs and I coped with our 14.3 hh cob. Admitttedly, I wouldn't have wanted to only ride her but 15.2 is absolutely fine for me, my current cob and her predecessor are 16hh, I have had horses up to 17 hh and been very comfortable on them but so long as they take up the leg, they don't have to be particularly tall. I think you might need to change your mindset in order to find the right horse.
 
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