Dealers vs buying privately

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rubymay

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Hi everyone, I'm currently looking for a new horse and am wondering about whether it's best to buy privately or from a dealer. I'm wanting something as safe as possible that I can do some low level riding club stuff with, around 14.2-15.2 , although I have been riding a long time I am now more nervous and just wondered if people thought I would be better trying to buy through a dealer I have had my last horse for over 20 years so looking for a new one is a bit daunting. I am based in East Anglia but happy to travel to reputable dealers. Please could people let me know their experiences and also if there are any dealers that people recommend it would be much appreciated, thank you
 
I would prefer to go to a dealer i have heard good things about rather than a private seller as PS almost always overprice horses/ overestimate abilities as at that hight you could well be getting one from a teenager. also you can try more than one at a dealer. (nothing wrong with teenagers as i am one just know a few that think their horse should be 10k because its done be90 and not thrown them off!)
 
I have bought privately and through a dealer and both horses turned out to be great. I think they key is to be realistic about your ability and what to expect from the horse and take someone knowledgeable with you, regardless of whether you are buying privately or from a dealer. I think unsuitable horses are sold by both.
 
My advice if you want a nice safe laid back horse of known safe temperament is to advertise locally.
Ask your local equine contacts to keep an eye out for you and put up wanted notices in local tack shops/feed merchants. Also contact local pony and riding club.
That way you will find one who's history, temperament etc. is known to locals.
Dealers will rarely have the true history of a horse.
Good luck.
 
PeterNatt said:
My advice if you want a nice safe laid back horse of known safe temperament is to advertise locally.
Ask your local equine contacts to keep an eye out for you and put up wanted notices in local tack shops/feed merchants. Also contact local pony and riding club.
That way you will find one who's history, temperament etc. is known to locals.
Dealers will rarely have the true history of a horse.
Good luck.
Click to expand...

Excellent advice.

Everyone wants that perfect horse, reality is they rarely come to the open market, and why should they. A good one becomes known and is easily to pass on by word of mouth or within the pony club/hunting community.

Dealers of all levels and morals have a place in the horse world and it is up to the vendor to make wise decisions. It is easy to buy a pig in a poke privately or from a dealer. The best advice for the OP is to ask for trusted help with the viewings and do lots of research.
 
I do both .
With a dealer you just have to assess the horse in front of you on the day with private you see more of the whole picture of the job the horse has been doing .
 
I sort of bought from a dealer, but she specialises in small cobs, produced for families and novice riders. And he is exactly what she said he was (and to me perfect in all ways except a really go doer!)

Mind, I'd been to other dealers before and what was in the tin was not what was on the box! I know I got lucky with my new boy, hence I didn't even bother to haggle. He was coming home!
 
I've done both and there are pros and cons. But PeterNatt is absolutely right. The sort of your you are looking for at the moment rarely comes on the market and you will find it through word of mouth far more easily. Why would anyone send something as saleable as that to a dealer?!
 
I have bought horses from both dealers and private homes and viewed horses that I didn't buy from both as well. Either way, you need to be absolutely sure what you are not prepared to compromise on, only view horses which fit your criteria and listen very carefully to what the vendor says. I always take someone with me who asks similar questions and we compare the answers!
IMO it doesn't matter where the horse is, it needs to be exactly what you are looking for, in order to be the right horse for you.
 
Make a list of your requirements and do not bend from this. I tried to help someone find what you are looking for and when I was away on holiday the person went out and bought from a professional producer, a 4 year old, just backed and 'not yet taught to canter because we do not want it to learn to buck' (wtf!) and 'always kept out' (proved to be a nutter in a stable!) When I questioned why she had deviated from her list she 'felt sorry for it' and it was 'pretty'. Pretty awful proved to be the only bit that was pretty and it was the nastiest horse that I have had the misfortune to meet.

Do not feel sorry for anyone else's horse, do not even go to see anything that does not appear to meet your criteria and remember the old saying 'if in doubt do without'

Good luck. Your horse is out there somewhere and you will find it in time. It may well take time but you are looking for a long term partner.
 
Thanks Ormsweird, are you able to PM me where you went?

Thanks for the advice everyone I will definitely ask around locally and put some adverts up in the local tack shops etc. As everyone has said it does seem what I'm looking for is almost impossible to find. It's so hard as I had such an amazing horse in my mare and have had her for so long it is daunting beginning that journey with another horse.
 
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PeterNatt said:
My advice if you want a nice safe laid back horse of known safe temperament is to advertise locally.
Ask your local equine contacts to keep an eye out for you and put up wanted notices in local tack shops/feed merchants. Also contact local pony and riding club.
That way you will find one who's history, temperament etc. is known to locals.
Dealers will rarely have the true history of a horse.
Good luck.
Click to expand...

I would agree with this. Any dealer is making a living from the profit which means a bit like cars they often do not have them long, they have to turn them over quickly. If you are knowledgeable, know what to ask and the dealer is a good one you may get a nice horse but realistically they will not have it long and will have been ridden by good riders who know how to get a tune out a horse and present it well.
My advice is buy from someone who has the horse a while and rides at a similar standard as you and it has a trackable history. I would also start with your local PC and FB sites, there will be another crop of children going to uni.
 
I have bought my 3 horses privately, I did look at dealers but, as others have said, they have only had them in a short time and generally they are 4-6 year olds. I deliberately looked for my best gelding in September/ October to catch the "owner off to uni" horses for sale. They are often a better price too. Good luck whatever you decide.
 
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