Buying process

[Blueyblues]

Hi all,
I'm going to use this thread to keep progress of my horse buying journey, and also hopefully as a place for advice from people more experienced.

After a few false starts I am now properly "horse shopping" for my first horse, although the viewing which I have next week is a pony at 14hh. While it ticks all of my boxes on paper, I'm 5 foot 7 so a bit concerned about being too big although the pony is a chunky type so hopefully will take up the leg.

I'm also thinking about vetting, and trying to decide between 2 and 5 stage when the time comes. I want the horse or pony to do some low level schooling, some hacking/beach rides and if it can pop a small jump then that's nice but not essential. I'll be honest and say that I am working within quite a limited budget and with the low level of work required of the horse am leaning towards 2 stage.

I'd be interested in other perspectives about the vetting, and will of course update the thread when I have viewed the pony.

 

[AdorableAlice]

It matters not what level of riding and competing you want to do, you will need the new horse to be sound so a 5 stage vetting would be my recommendation with blood stored and undertaken by the best equine vet in the area.

Viewing and trying the horses should be done with the guidance of a trusted and experienced second opinion.

 

[misst]

I would go for 5 stage vetting even for a cheaper horse unless you are a very experienced purchaser. It could be a false economy to do a 2 state vetting. I personally would get bloods taken too - you don't have to get them tested, but again, if you are inexperienced in buying horses it is money well invested.

 

[Squeak]

Agree with AA and MissT, I'd definitely get a 5 stage done, it can save you a lot of money in the long run and a vets experience and knowledge can be invaluable for buying your first horse.

Good luck with the viewing next week and keep us updated with how it goes

 

[SO1]

If you have a limited budget I would definitely go for 5 stage as if you would struggle to pay a large vet bill then it is even more important to have a healthy sound horse as possible.

 

[Red-1]

I either not vet or go for a 5 stage. There isn't that much difference in £ between 2 and 5 stage really. If you speak with the vet beforehand, they are usually quite willing to stop at 2 stage if the result is not going to be favourable.

I only 'not vet' if I'm willing to take the loss or if I am buying a companion only. Vetting is much more sensible.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Blueyblues]

Thank you for all of the advice, I think now that 5 stage is the way to go. As you say, it's only a couple hundred but could prevent having to spend thousands in vet fees.

 

[Red-1]

What is your budget and area, maybe someone will spot one that would suit?

 

[Blueyblues]

I'm looking anywhere in Scotland, max 4k budget for a chunky type to potter about on and enjoy ?

 

[maya2008]

5 stage definitely

 

[Barton Bounty]

Nice one in troon?

 

[Fire sign]

Any particular reason you are looking at a 14 hand pony ? Is it a breed that takes up the leg? Highland pony ? Cob ?

 

[Blueyblues]

Update: I viewed the pony today and left a deposit pending 5 stage vetting and strangles test outcome. I had been concerned about the size, but he's a very leg in each corner, chunky cob with lots of bone and I felt proportionate when riding.

Thank you to everyone for your advice!

 

[Puzzled]

One piece of advice…if strangles test comes back positive then don’t bother re-testing in two weeks just have them flushed straightaway.

 

[ycbm]

Update: I viewed the pony today and left a deposit pending 5 stage vetting and strangles test outcome. I had been concerned about the size, but he's a very leg in each corner, chunky cob with lots of bone and I felt proportionate when riding.

Thank you to everyone for your advice!

Don't use a vet recommended by the seller.

I hope he passes, looking forward to a picture
.

 

[Blueyblues]

Thank you, I asked the seller what vet he uses and so chose a different local practice. Fingers crossed it all goes well and then I will add some pictures!

 

[Blueyblues]

So to update, the vetting went well and should receive new pony on Wednesday! Super exciting...

 

[Merry neddy man]

Well done. We all look forward to more info and loads of pictures.

 

[Squeak]

Great news, wishing you all the best with your new horse and photos are obligatory!

 

[Barton Bounty]

Very exciting!

 

[Blueyblues]

So new pony has been with me a few days now. He's a very nervous boy, and is proving difficult to catch and lead. I've bribed him with food to get the headcollar on, but he's also keen to 'pull back' from bring held in hand or lead. I think the problem is that I lack confidence and am nervous to do anything wrong or stress him further, and in turn that increases his nervousness :-(

Any tips on how to build my own confidence and also catching/leading nervous horses would be appreciated!

 

[hobo]

Just take your time he has been through a stressful time moving. Are you on a yard or is he at home you need a kind person who you trust to help you. Spend time just fussing him find his itchy spot , move slowly , talk to him . Spend time with him everyday even if you are not riding. Go at your own pace. How old is he?
Winter is not the easiest time to get to know a new horse but if he is stabled at night just spend time with him. Have you got tack sorted ? Good luck it will not happen over night so do not rush.

 

[hobo]

On the catching having bought my first one that is a bit tricky to catch I have found if on the approach she backs of a bit I back off till she stops and then approach again. I do have a treat ready and visual but this is only given when the headcollar is on. If pony is in a field with others be careful showing the treat. The leading is something you are going to have to practice around the yard giving lots of praise when he walks nicely at your side.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Nervousness is normal in this situation, for you and him. You've both had a big change in your life.
Do you have someone experienced who could be around a few times just so you know there's back-up present?
Spend as much time with him as you can. Just be near him. Have a chat & tell him about your day. Even sing him a song!
Make everything the same so he knows what to expect. The daily routine, but also the little details, down to what you say as you tack up, what ring he's tied to, the order you groom him, the order you pick his feet up etc.

 

[Red-1]

I would ask around to find someone to come and help you. I used to do this quite often when I was teaching. I couple of lessons could transform a new partnership and many first lessons were just on leading and holding.

Congratulations on your new pony!

 

[Blueyblues]

Thank you to everyone for your advice, I've booked an instructor to come out next weekend to help with groundwork, catching/leading etc and working on my confidence with him. He let my husband catch him today and I picked out his feet no bother so we're making a little bit of progress each day. I just need to be patient with him and more confident!

 

[Gloi]

Thank you to everyone for your advice, I've booked an instructor to come out next weekend to help with groundwork, catching/leading etc and working on my confidence with him. He let my husband catch him today and I picked out his feet no bother so we're making a little bit of progress each day. I just need to be patient with him and more confident!

The good thing about getting a pony at this time of year is that the grass isn't good so he will soon start looking forward to seeing you, being caught up and getting his dinner from you.
Good luck with him , just spend time getting to know each other, there's no hurry.

 

[Gloi]

Thank you to everyone for your advice, I've booked an instructor to come out next weekend to help with groundwork, catching/leading etc and working on my confidence with him. He let my husband catch him today and I picked out his feet no bother so we're making a little bit of progress each day. I just need to be patient with him and more confident!

What do you know about his history OP? How old is he?

 

[Blueyblues]

He's 15, and I tracked down a previous owner who sold him a year ago, he since made his way to the dealer I bought him from. The dealer and the vet who did the vetting noted that he's a nervous personality, although previous owner insists this is a new thing and he was a dope on a rope with her. Which makes me suspect the past year hasn't been kind to him, but who knows when they're passed around. He definitely has a home for life with me, even if it takes a while for him to relax into it.

 

[Upthecreek]

Walk out to see him in the field, give him a treat and a fuss and then walk off and leave him be. Catch him and bring him in, give him a feed and a brush and pick out feet and turn him back out. His whole world has changed and he needs time to settle and get used to you. Don’t expect too much too soon if he is nervous. Focus on building your relationship and showing him he can trust you. Sometimes you just have to fake confidence initially, but you will hopefully feel more confident as you get to know each other. The first few weeks with a new horse are usually a bit stressful and it’s completely normal to doubt yourself and feel out of your depth.