Buying unseen from Ireland. Is it madness?

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sz90168

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I have found a really nice Connemara I like however he is in Ireland and I am not able to get over there for a while.

I have seen videos of him ridden, he is a green 4 year old and many pictures and he sounds ideal.

How would you arrange a vetting? Are there any freelance people who could check the horse out on your behalf? I am quite wary of buying this way but he seems to tick all my boxes.

Any experiences would be appreciated.
 
I would get an agent to view for you and arrange a Vetting - depending on the whereabouts in Ireland you could try contacting IrishGal on here :)
 
Thanks LJR. As an agent I bring people over on buying trips, but there are a few people now offering a service of trying horses, so if you want to PM me I can steer you in the right direction and give you some vets names.

You arrange the vetting yourself over the phone. It's very straightforward and much cheaper than the UK for a five stage. The vet will call you after the examination to talk it through, you can pay them by credit card.
 
Depends on who is selling - I know someone who did that and had a nice well mannered horse. But you need to know whether the dealer is good or not
 
I wouldn't chance it, at the very least do get a vetting Irish Gal sounds like she can sort you out, vetting is much cheaper over there and some of the big vet hospitals are very helpful and willing to go the extra mile.
 
Sent you a PM
Irish gal said:
Thanks LJR. As an agent I bring people over on buying trips, but there are a few people now offering a service of trying horses, so if you want to PM me I can steer you in the right direction and give you some vets names.

You arrange the vetting yourself over the phone. It's very straightforward and much cheaper than the UK for a five stage. The vet will call you after the examination to talk it through, you can pay them by credit card.
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Sent you a PM
 
Madness? Of course not, as long as you get a vetting and deal with people who are trustworthy. I've looked at a few horses (and weanlings) for people on here; just ask them how their horses turned out.
 
I bought a 5yo connie unseen from Galway, he turned out to be the most amazing little horse but I bought from someone very trustworthy and honest that I had known of for a few years. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but only from that person. I can give you his details if you want to message me.
 
Cortez said:
Madness? Of course not, as long as you get a vetting and deal with people who are trustworthy. I've looked at a few horses (and weanlings) for people on here; just ask them how their horses turned out.
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Cortez viewed a weanling filly for me a few years ago. She's now 3 and is a delight, the sweetest horse I've owned. Just backed and going very nicely.
I didn't have her vetted as at that age I didn't see much point.

Thank you again Cortez.
 
Queenie_ said:
Cortez viewed a weanling filly for me a few years ago. She's now 3 and is a delight, the sweetest horse I've owned. Just backed and going very nicely.
I didn't have her vetted as at that age I didn't see much point.

Thank you again Cortez.
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Ah, that's nice to hear; hope she's everything you wanted.
 
Thank you everyone. I will defiantly have him vetted but not sure if it is worth paying an agent to view him on my behalf? Seller has sent me good video's of him in hand and ridden. He is a green 4 year old

If anyone would like to view some video's, opinions would be appreciated.
 
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I have just bought from Ireland unseen for the first time. Like you I saw lots of videos and pictures and had the horse 5 stage vetted. Horse was delivered and so far she's been great (touch wood). She's only 5 years old and green so I expected a horse to come which knew nothing and anything she does know I have seen as a bonus.
 
sz90168 said:
Would anyone be happy if I send them a video of the Connmara to get a second opinion?
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If it's Connie, please consider the HWSS gene test, it's a nightmare condition and in the early stages can be hidden from a vetting by trimming back or new shoes.

I buy unseen, but only if I'm prepared to sell the horse if I don't like it and can afford to lose what it cost of it's a real dud. I've not bought a bad one yet, and the cracker I have now was bought just from one photo.
 
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I'm originally from Ireland and wouldn't hesitate to look over home for a horse, the selection of decent horses is as good as any. I think if you go about it in a sensible way like you are doing the risks are no greater than any other horse purchase. I would say go with your gut as well as all the evidence, if there's something to aren't 100 percent happy about walk away and look some more. I got stung buying unseen over here, turns out the horse had old serious suspensory injuries, he broke down when I had had him about 9 months (had been gently worked and built up etc after 6 months down time from racing), scans showed old holes in both his fronts and masses of scar tissue. Had never had a day lame before this. I'm still a sucker for something with a bit of Connie or Irish Draught. Fingers crossed for you.
 
No, definitely not madness!! I know someone who has bought 3 fantastic horses from Ireland. 2 of them were unseen, 1 her daughter tried a year before they decided to buy! 2 of them have turned out to be awesome hunting horses, and the other would excel in the show ring!! She has recently bought a foal unseen from Ireland and he is the sweetest little thing - and hopefully will turn out like the others she has bought!!
 
Any opinions on these front legs?

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I do think the irish list is still pretty thin on the ground! Hopefully the more well known it is and the more people ask about it the more will be tested.
 
ester said:
I do think the irish list is still pretty thin on the ground! Hopefully the more well known it is and the more people ask about it the more will be tested.
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It's so preventable by breeders. I have a Connie who I bought unseen from Ireland, but I did check this list before I bought him. His sire is German and did a stint at stud in Ireland. Thankfully his result was negative :)
 
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