ex comp horses

[lauradarita]

Just wondering how common the loan of ex competition horses is. I would really like an ex eventer that cant compete at the level it was, due to injury. Is this type of sceniro common? Ideally i would like an easy going, horse to do a novice, prehaps elem dressage and pop a few jumps once a month no bigger than 2ft 6.

Is this asking for too much?

 

[Gingerwitch]

A good ex comp horse - can be a little bit of a tricky ride i.e if you don't ride them at the standard they were used too ie forward into a contact, they can and often will find all of your weak points. The horse will not know it is only jumping 2ft 6 he will be expecting to power round the course and possibly be waiting for you too tell him what to do. Many ex comp horses end up at various colleges, due to this very problem, also they are not used to being "loved" - they are there to do a job and are just not used to the fuss we can often shower on them.

If you are prepared to learn from the horse and have a good horse trainer to hand - i would recomend you take one on, but i would be cautious if you are on your own.

 

[lauradarita]

thanks gingerwitch! i dont plan to look for a major competition horse something like an ex pre-novice/novice eventer would be as far as i would go!

 

[kerilli]

depends hugely on the horse! i have sold on 2 of my former eventers, one as a dressage schoolmistress, which she did beautifully for years, the other recently as a hack/ light dr (because although he's good, he's also a cheeky git who spooks at everything to amuse himself).
some horses are kind and genuine and will easily adapt to an easier life, some won't... depends on their temperament, breeding, how they're kept, etc etc etc.
i think there are often broken-down eventers available, who won't stand up to comp any more but can make someone a really nice fun horse as long as not pushed too hard...