Buying question, help me please!!

[Firewell]

Im very excited, starting to look for a horse next week but have no idea of price!!!!
when i look on horse mart etc they all range so much... im going to a dealer next week and he wants to know what my budget is... I dont want to say the wrong number and be taken advantage of, or be unrealistic!

Please help! What sort of price range should I expect to pay for a safe riding club allrounder type??

Im looking for a 6-10yr old, 15.1 - 16.1. Dont care about breed, looks, colour but I cant have something to heavy (only 5ft4 and 8st) I also have artheritis in my wrists so it cant be strong at all. Im not the bravest rider so it needs to be 100% genuine to jump, no stoppers!! also must be good to clip/box/shoe/catch/traffic. I dont want a world beater just something straightforward to do British novice/disco on, intro's and some dressage.

What should I expect to pay for this??

Thank you

 

[JenHunt]

you could spend a fortune, so i would say (particularly with a dealer) you tell him a sensible figure that you can comfortably afford and refuse to budge execpt if the horse is perfect for you....

and please make sure you get a full vetting!

 

[Booboos]

Without thinking about price I would say that that is quite a lot to ask for, especially the combination of a competition horse, who is an allrounder, and is perfectly safe to ride and handle. I think this may push the price seriously up. I imagine if you were willing to compromise £4,000 - 6,000 should do it, but if the horse did tick all those boxes, if he were mine, I would not sell him for less that £9.000. Then again people are panicking with the current economic climate so perhaps there is a bargain to be had? It will be interesting to see what other people say.

 

[Acolyte]

You could get something nice for anything between £4k and £8k IMVHO - so it really comes down to how much you want to spend

 

[xmoodyxmarex]

unless you are willing to look at older horses, i personally can't see you getting much for much less than £8k. A horse who doesn't stop, but isn't strong will be hard to find, as super confident jumpers do tend to take you into a fence, and a confident jumper who is never strong is very hard to find and comes at a price. If that budget is too much, i would seriously recommend looking at older ones.

IMO you should look at your finances and see how much you could realistically afford, and then give the dealer a figure a little less than this. also let him know if there is anything you are willing to comprimise on (height, age etc) and I'm sure he will do his best to find you something

As others have said, there are bargains to be had out there, they may just take a long time to find!

 

[kate081]

don't want to stick my nose in, but is a dealer the best option? I'd get an experienced friend & look for yourself. I think you should get something for between 4k-6k. My IDx would fit the bill nicely but I'm afraid she's not for sale!!

 

[Firewell]

Thanks for your comments,

im going to say to the dealer 4k (when i mean 5

)

I dont want one with a competition record, dont mind putting in the training, schooling etc. Just want one thats honest...

TBH all of my horses have been good jumpers and havent pulled, I dont mind them taking me in to a fence just not something that requires a gag and a standing to be controlled! The one I have at the moment is gorgeous, shes so light in the hand but brave, however i panick constantly that im wasting her!! want one like her but less talented and easier to shoe

(mind u after what u guys have said about it being a lot to ask maybe i'll keep her instead)

I have never brought a horse like this b4. All of mine have fallen in to my hands in the past for very little money...

Hmmmmm I guess I will look and c whats around

thank u

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Providing you are going to a reputable dealer I believe you are doing things right. Dealers know the true value of horses & with their connections should be able to find you a suitable horse & hopefully stay within budget.

You will have more come back when buying from the dealer, with a private seller you have considerably less. Additionally private sellers normally price their horses way too high & then wonder why they have no one showing any interest. Good Luck with the search, it may take a while though as you have described a horse that many riders are searching for.

 

[Firewell]

Thank u toby, im in no rush. really dont want to buy a riding club horse for 8k!!! seems a bit overpriced for something that is honest but average and that im willing to school!! Perhaps that is private sellers selling their 2ft9 jumper for 8k

My friend looked for 8 months b4 finding something nice though...

I was thinking of finding something easy and laid back to have instead of my ultra sensitive but stunning to ride TB or as well as (keep her company in the field). But im starting to think that I might just stick with my girlie if it takes 8k to find something as nice to ride for the sake of putting up with a tedious farrier visit once every 5 weeks and a few hormonal to handle days!!

oh well, we'll see what the local dealers are selling for my budget. At least i know what to set it at now

. I might b pleasantly surprised or I might run a mile!

 

[Flame_]

I've been looking for an all-round type leaning towards dressage for the last couple of weeks, and you wouldn't believe the crap that people are pricing at up to £6K. At the same time I agree its ridiculous to have to spend £8K plus just to get something over 15 hands that's well put together, willing and sound. I bet your enthusiasm soon wears thin.

Good Luck though.

 

[dozzie]

Where are you based? I saw a nice 5 year old at dressage on friday. 15.2 coloured going really nicely. They wanted 6.5k for her. Personally a bit pricey for me as she hasnt done much, although what she has done she has done very well,so seemed a genuine horse. I think she is one that will sell by word of mouth!

Horse is near Basingstoke.