Change of approach to buying another

[Ceriann]

I’ve commented enough about the struggle to find OH a nice hack (capable of low level jumping for me). I can’t move quickly enough (buying off video feels wrong) and scared off by pricing. Was talking to my hacking buddy - incredibly capable rider and has produced in the past - who said she would produce one for us if we wanted to buy younger. So musing - do we go for a nice youngster (temperament being key) and hand over production to someone we trust?! I have the facilities (arena and transport) and she has the time (is pretty much a neighbour) and the capability. If I buy something decent quality and it turns out not right fit for OH we could sell easily in this market or I keep it for me!! I know the arrangement to produce is key as is the right youngster. I have seen a couple of candidates and sitting on my hands!

 

[splashgirl45]

sounds worth a go if you are happy with friend...just remember a youngster can be broken and ridden on and seem fine for a year or so and then when they are stronger may not be what you want where as an older been there done it type shouldnt change once they have settled in....if you wait till we are approaching winter prices and demand may be less

 

[Equi]

I am almost leaning to this because of a pure lack of 16-17hh safe weight carrier hacks around at the moment. It may mean 3 years of not riding my own horse bar a small walk about but it may be the way to go. I just don’t know anymore.

 

[Bernster]

I did toy with the idea of this but for me the extra time, costs for training and livery, and the unknown of what the horse might turn out to be, meant it wasn’t a realistic option really. But if I’d have looked for longer I suspect I might have gone for a greener 4/5yo potentially.

The market is a bit bonkers but horses seem to be coming up for sale regularly. I was the first to view the horse I’m about to buy. ? It worked for me as the seller wasn’t available until the weekend which is when I could view, and the ad had just gone up.

 

[ew0855]

Don't ask me! Was looking for an established safe amaturs horse around the 15hh mark - bought a 17 hh fabulously breed dressage 4 yo!

Prices at the moment are completely crazy - I can either be horseless for the next year or so, or I could spend the money playing owner while something truely special is produced for me. I've just accepted I might not be riding much myself this year

 

[AandK]

If you're willing to wait for someone to produce a youngster for you (with no guarantee it will turn out to be the horse you need), then why not wait for the right horse to come up on the market that is ready to go?

 

[stormox]

I’ve commented enough about the struggle to find OH a nice hack (capable of low level jumping for me). I can’t move quickly enough (buying off video feels wrong) and scared off by pricing. Was talking to my hacking buddy - incredibly capable rider and has produced in the past - who said she would produce one for us if we wanted to buy younger. So musing - do we go for a nice youngster (temperament being key) and hand over production to someone we trust?! I have the facilities (arena and transport) and she has the time (is pretty much a neighbour) and the capability. If I buy something decent quality and it turns out not right fit for OH we could sell easily in this market or I keep it for me!! I know the arrangement to produce is key as is the right youngster. I have seen a couple of candidates and sitting on my hands!

I would say it depends how good a rider your OH is a well produced youngster isnt a schoolmaster and will go backwards quickly if not ridden correctly....

 

[chaps89]

If you're willing to wait for someone to produce a youngster for you (with no guarantee it will turn out to be the horse you need), then why not wait for the right horse to come up on the market that is ready to go?

I've just talked my mum out of doing the same for this very reason

 

[Goldenstar]

Do you have space to do both , so that if you find a baby and get started could you buy the made horse if one turned up .

 

[MuddyMonster]

If you're willing to wait for someone to produce a youngster for you (with no guarantee it will turn out to be the horse you need), then why not wait for the right horse to come up on the market that is ready to go?

Ditto this.

I'd be inclined to wait for the right, established horse too.

 

[Ceriann]

My short term dalliance with this idea has shown me the nice youngsters go just as quick if not quicker than established ones! It’s like frying pan into the fire out there! Back to the been there done that types I think.

 

[maya2008]

It took three years for our three year old to be suitable for my novice husband to take over (with lessons). Coblet is an amazing, sweet tempered soul and is everything we bought him to be - but he wasn’t ready until nearly 6yo to look after someone less experienced. The three years in the middle were definitely worth it as even in the previous market we could not have afforded what he has become - but only cost us keep, as I was doing the producing.

 

[Green Bean]

If you put aside the monthly cost of keeping a youngster plus the cost of travel and cost of bringing on a youngster, you will be able to afford a really good established horse. Not sure what you costs are currently, but if I did this for year, I would have £9k on top of what I had set aside to purchase.

 

[QuantockHills]

I’ve commented enough about the struggle to find OH a nice hack (capable of low level jumping for me). I can’t move quickly enough (buying off video feels wrong) and scared off by pricing. Was talking to my hacking buddy - incredibly capable rider and has produced in the past - who said she would produce one for us if we wanted to buy younger. So musing - do we go for a nice youngster (temperament being key) and hand over production to someone we trust?! I have the facilities (arena and transport) and she has the time (is pretty much a neighbour) and the capability. If I buy something decent quality and it turns out not right fit for OH we could sell easily in this market or I keep it for me!! I know the arrangement to produce is key as is the right youngster. I have seen a couple of candidates and sitting on my hands!

Don't know what area you're in but Quantock Trekking in Somerset have just announced they are closing and selling off all their horses.... might be worth a phone call...?

 

[JGC]

I agree with others that it could be two or three years before a youngster would be ready for your OH and might still not be what you wanted at the end of it (plus the chance of something going pearshaped in the mean time). And overall it will cost you quite a lot of money. I would try putting the money aside for the livery every month and keep sitting on your hands until you find what you need!

I absolutely empathise - I am looking for 7-14 (possibly older) able to go out at medium straightaway (not looking for a winner though) with a budget into 5 figures and I keep nearly contacting people with 5 and 6 year olds because there's so few out there!

 

[Ceriann]

I’m waiting on details of an established one down the road from us - with a dealer that oddly I’d not really looked at and she has a very good rep. He’s bigger than I’d like but I’m told he’s steady and he would def tick the box for OH in looks (hubby needs a kick along but wants it to look like a manly steed ?). I’ll just keep looking if I miss out again!