Darley Thoroughbred Rehoming

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zoon

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I was just wondering who'd got a horse from them and what the experience was like?

To those who have applied - what were you looking for and how long did you wait (or are still waiting?)

To those who have been there - what were the people like to deal with? What were the horses like? What are the facilities like?

To those that have a Darley horse - what are they like? What were they doing when you got them and what are they doing now? What problems have you encountered with them?

Anything else I should know if I'm thinking of applying?

Thanks!
 
i have my new boy from them, had him 2 weeks this week, and he is amazing, only 4 so a bit of a baby, but showing some good work so far!
i was very happy with everything from start to finish, really nice people who do a great job of matching horses to potential owners, very friendly when you go to try the horse and just generally a real nice yard.
i cannot recommend them highly enough, and look forward to some real good fun with my boy!
 
goneshowjumping - how long did you wait for your boy between application and going to try him? And what was it you were looking for int he first palce and does he meet your criteria or have you had to compromise?
 
You do have to be v.v.v.very honest on your application as to what you are looking for. I wanted something to jump and possible ODE, now as you can appreciate these are ex racers that for whatever reason have not made it, so you always have to expect them to not be perfect! I clearly stated I wanted a jumping horse, so i think i waited around 6 months, but got a call last month to say they had a baby in who might suit me.
i think if your looking for general hacking horse then you might get something sooner, as a lot of them do have leg problems that prevent them from jumping or doing hard work.
i was lucky with my boy, he seems ok in every shape and form, just a bit of a baby when it comes to schooling, although he is very intelligent!
i think as long as your honest on the application then they will find you something to suit.
im very happy all round with my boy, and i dont think ive had to comprimise on anything really.
 
I will have had my boy from Darley a year next month. I was lucky enough to only wait a week between sending my application and going to try 3 horses that Victoria thought might suit me, but my circumstances were a little unique! I really didn't have a long list of wants and I think this helped as the previous post mentions because many of the horses there have past issues. My boy had had a tendon injury which they felt would limit his jumping. I found the whole experience a little daunting, but I am not the most confident person when I feel I am being scrutinised. Having said that the girls there were very friendly and Victoria (Yard manager) was very supportive and extremely helpful in guiding me to decide which horse was in fact the best one for me. My boy had not been back in work for all that long before I brought him home. (I think he'd only begun cantering the week before I tried him) But I'm not sure that this is typical. Our first year together has been a learning experience for us both but I wouldn't change anything and I am extremely grateful to Darley for my "bargain boy" lol! Good luck, I hope you get a response from them soon.
 
Goneshowjumping- which horse did you get? I've worked there a bit over the last year or so, and would probably know your boy :)

To the OP- they are lovely people and they try and do the absolute best by the horses and for the people that buy them. As to your other questions, it totally depends on the indivdual horse.
 
Generally all of the Darley horses are very well bred and good looking.

Its about time Darley did something like this (i know its been running for a few years). They have so many nice horses that can go on to do plenty of other jobs. I think Darley owe it to these horses to find them good homes. At least they are one of the few places that put horses into raing and at least move them on to decent places. Good on them!
 
Shiekh Mohammed has always done his best by his horses and personally pays for each horse's stay at Badlingham, wether they need 2 years rehab or just 2 months he'll give them exactly what they need. Even the trainers hacks go there to be rehomed.
 
I wish I had known about this place when I was looking for an ex racer. I tried the place in Shropshire who said they had a horse suitable for me (I'm experienced particularly with TBs and wanted a horse for bringing on mainly in dressage but bit of everything else. The said horse turned out to be 12. When I said I was really looking for something younger, the woman was really quite unpleasant and told me about horses of 25 doing endurance! Without meaning to sound rude, I didn't want a 12 yr old (that I would have to pay market value for) but was made to feel very guilty for my decision. Now proud owner of 8 yr old ex racer!! And he's all mine!
 
seabiscuit- my boy is entisarat, ive just sent victoria some pics of him. he is just a little star, and love him to pieces.
the whole experince for me has been great from start to finish, and I liked the idea of re-homing a horse and giving him another chance in life.
too many racehorses are sold onto people just looknig for a cheap horse, and they do not know how difficult they can be! at least darleys ensure each horse is suited to the rider and its not all about money.
the yard is amazing and the horses equally amazing, they are well cared for and virtually re-trained before they leave the yard.
all the yard staff and riders should receive a pat on the back for the excellent work they do ensuring these horses go on to have the best life possible, i cannot praise them enough.
good luck with your application and I hope you end up with a horse as nice and as loving as mine.
 
Have probably missed the boat on this one, but I have one too!!! His name is Lyme & he is such a superstar cool dude fantastic young chappy!!!!

He is adored & also adores us - such a nice natured boy who tries his heart out whatever! He is of course prone to a buck & a leap when it suits him though! I have had him since January 09, & he is just turned 5 yrs!

I did some unaff ODE's & SJ with him last year & am hoping (all being well) to do some BE90's & British Novices showjumping this year - he is super brave!

Please feel free to PM me with any questions, I didnt wait very long, maybe a month or two between application & going to see & fall in love with lyme! xxx
 
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