Buying horses in England vs. US

[IQ3day]

Hello,
I am needing advise on buying horses in the UK. I am coming over from the US in September to watch Burghley and we are considering doing a horse shopping trip. Does anyone have any adivce. I am looking for an upper level event horse (Two star atleast).
Thanks!
Coren

 

[Tia]

Have H&H sent across to you or search the ads online. Ask as many questions as you can on the telephone so as to short-list the amount of horses you view over there.....do mention that you are looking to have the horse exported as some Brits are funny about this and could be very hacked off to find this out later on in the proceedings.

Just the usual buying procedures to be honest - Brits are similar to us over here when buying and selling horses although I think the biggest difference you will find is that a lot of Brits are far more sentimental about their horses than we are this side of the Pond and they will likely ask YOU loads and loads of questions! So do expect this.

I expect you will find a cheaper horse in England than in the States, however you should also take a look at what is available in Canada.....prices are slightly lower up here than in the States and you would also save on the shipping.

 

[CrazyDog]

If you want to have xrays taken, make sure you mention it right away. Xrays are much more expensive here and are hardly ever taken. You will need to provide a list of the xrays you want taken and book enough time to have them done or be prepared to take the horse to a clinic for xrays.

I agree about looking in Canada. I'm from Canada and live in Scotland now. I think the prices here are a little lower than you would find back home, but with the shipping it might work out equal. Still, you probably have more selection of higher level event horses in the UK.

 

[Petrie]

I would say that if you are looking for an elite event horse (ie. 2* upwards) you will be lucky to find it in the H&H ads. You do see the odd one now and again, but they usually go by word of mouth, if they're half decent!

There is one good website that does show a lot of the upper end of event horses, it's called horseselect, but I'm not sure of the exact web address. A google search may come up with it.

Your best bet, in my opinion, is to go direct to the professional riders and ring round. A good start might be to look on www.britisheventing.com at the accredited trainers list, then just do some cold calling! There are loads around the Burghley area as you are close to the county of Leicestershire, where many of them are based.

Or, you could try one of the riders that have set themselves up as 'agents'. One that springs to mind is Rachel Wakefield - she promotes herself as having access to all the top riders both here and abroad, and has a list from them of top level horses that are up for sale. I can't say whether she's good or bad, I've just seen her advert! Obviously, she will get a cut from the seller, so it's not the cheapest option, but it will be peanuts on top of what you will be paying for a decent 2* or above horse!

Burghley is great - only 20 mins from where I live - you'll love it. Good luck with your horse hunting.

 

[MagicMelon]

Well, although slightly less choice. Horses are generally cheaper in Scotland than England!

I would definately prefer to buy one here in the UK though as horses in the USA seem VERY VERY expensive!

 

[IQ3day]

Thanks for all the help! I am deffinately looking for a ** horse. I do know a trainer in the UK that I ride with a few times a year when he is in the US (Moray Nicholson). Anyone know him? I was thinking of having him help me.

I will forsure want a full pre purchase exam, xrays, drug testing, and many other things.

Im going to look at some in Canada. Just thought since I was coming to Burghley, I would start there.

Plus we will be visiting with my sister who is in France (which allows more horse shopping time

)

Thank you everyone!