Buying & selling a cob

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Horsey_Gal

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I am looking for a 'summer project', I thought I would start with a cob to see how it goes as have never bought, schooled/brought on and then sold before also taken advice that a cob will be cheaper and possibly easier than say a TB.

I have seen tons of cheap TB's for sale but where are the cobs? What do you think the chances are of being able to buy a cheap just backed cob? so I can bring it on.... well that's the idea anyway!
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cheap cobs are scarce as they are so easy going compared to TB's and less people are capable of taking on a TB/X racer. go to the sales for a look if your looking for something bit cheaper, or go through the endless private ads out there
 
Me and my sister did a similar thing to make some money to go towards Ru. I would say a cob is not as easy as you think not because they are not willing (although ours did have a stubborn streak) but because we found a young cob takes time. In my limited experience a young fjord (which my mum now has) would be an excellent choice, ours has been a lot easier than a cob.

Also consider with a cob weather you want a gypsy vanner type or a show cob type because ours had a beautiful flowing mane and feathers but by god was it hard work cleaning him for viewings!! Also we found that people were either looking for something bombproof (therefore with a few years experience under it's belt) or a good quality/confirmation show type. Age can put a buyer off if they are looking for something bombproof for all the family you wouldn't want anything too young. also consider the cost in actually getting out and about (again if your selling a bombproof type then you want to do a bit of everything with it). We also had a few buyers that were picky about height - one for showing purposes and one because they wanted the dad to be able to ride. Both wanted 14.2hh plus really.

Also consider other costs - feeding, stabling, farrier, worming, shows, transport (fuel), vet fees.

We were lucky in that we knew a dealer who had hundreds of unbacked/lightly backed cobs available so we had plenty of choice to find exactly what we needed to sell on. Don't pick a horse you love, pick one that is going to sell. Consider confirmation, bone, markings, temperament, trainability, experience, age, height, blemishes, handling.

Look for something that would suit both a child and an adult to widen your market. search adverts and see what is selling for what price, and add up your costs to see if it's worth it. Also think about the time of year you will be selling and what happens if you don't sell him/her. I've found it easier selling going into summer not out which means training during winter which can be harder work.

Personally i wouldn't consider a TB for a quick project, especially something cheap. i've seen far too many go wrong and end up with expensive vets bills and lots of undoing work.

Hope that helps!
 
Hello its me i PM'd you:)
anyway, as i said i think a cob is much cheaper for you to start with...(ONCE YOU'VE PUCHASED ONE)
i wouldnt recommend you look for one privatly because people want silly money for just broken things so go to your local market, cobs are popular there and dont be affraid to come across an unhealthy cob or skinny cob because thats your job..to get it into shape and make a profit!
ask as much questions as you possible can and you should be fine! If its your first time and you want a kick start why not buying a 4-5 year old brought on through the winter??
And again TB are cheap when young and arnt doing anything but i would advise you NOT to by a TB for your first go because they are so sensitive to cuts and bruises out in the field and they may become lame or even worse have a perminant scar or splint(which i have experianced) they are hard work TB's great to school dont get me wrong they are the best for learning and competing but for your first time i recommend you get a cob, throw it away out on tack for the first few months so it can get a body back on it(worm it first if prev owners havnt) and then bring it back into work and start right away:)
hope i could help!:)
dont go wasting your monmey on half a job look for a very cheap, rough looking thing that you can work on!
Helen xxx
 
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