Expected price from safe cob

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dougan

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How much would you be expected to pay for a 15.3hh, 5year old cob. Been hunted, fun rides etc by teen girl. Steady safe ride, snaffle mouth, good to clip/shoe/teeth etc. Broomproof as possible can be. Very easy to handle. Comes with tack but based in Ireland so would have to buy unseen and transport over.
As just seem I that I’ve fallen in love with but shocked at the price.
As just lost my heart horse and not bought one in over 26 years so maybe just got to wake up to the new prices of them
 
A friend brought one of these 3 years ago for about 11k. She got a bargain- he was green as grass, but he is a total gem. I would expect it to cost more now, probably 15k.
I would say though, do pop over and actually try the horse, it's very easy to fly to Ireland
 
Agreed - probably 10 - 15k for a super-safe cob. You would probably be paying a premium for the general temperament of a horse like this - it does sound fantastic, but at the end of the day it's a 5 year old so too young to have already been there/done that (although could easily get even better with experience!)
If parting with that amount of money I'd definitely try and get over to have a look, although there are apparently some excellent dealers who are 100% honest and descriptions are always accurate.
 
That price is not out of the way at all. But I would urge you to book a cheap return flight on Ryan Air. Hire a car for the day and go and try the horse thoroughly yourself before arranging an independent vetting.

I would also research the seller and even ask on here if anyone has any knowledge of them. There are plenty of us on here from Ireland and plenty have bought from Ireland.
 
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Mrs. Jingle said:
That price is not out of the way at all. But I would urge you to book a cheap return flight on Ryan Air. Hire a car for the day and go and try the horse thoroughly yourself before arranging an independent vetting.

I would also research the seller and even ask on here if anyone has anyone knowledge of them. There are plenty of us on here from Ireland and plenty have bought from Ireland.
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100% this. The price of a weekend in Ireland is nothing to the amount you will have to pay out if you fetch it over and it turns out to have problems.
More than the shock at the increase in prices, be shocked at the increase in straight out liars and rip off merchants.
 
Amymay Again said:
I wouldn't pay out what it should cost you without viewing first.
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Sound advice and do remember what the Irish say is safe and educated isn't necessarily what that classification is in the UK. Be prepared for it to be a bit greener that expected. Hunted in Ireland is been out once or twice and been chucked over a few dykes/banks.
 
Nancykitt said:
Agreed - probably 10 - 15k for a super-safe cob. You would probably be paying a premium for the general temperament of a horse like this - it does sound fantastic, but at the end of the day it's a 5 year old so too young to have already been there/done that (although could easily get even better with experience!)
If parting with that amount of money I'd definitely try and get over to have a look, although there are apparently some excellent dealers who are 100% honest and descriptions are always accurate.
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Daisy Trayford will also go ride the horse and check it over for you, Trayfords are the best in Ireland for this service.
 
3 years ago when I was looking i was offered that same description (but England based) for £12k. Very, very nice mare but I couldn't stretch to that much.

Probably would have been easier than the rising 4yo I did buy where I had to put a lot more work in. The mare I could have popped straight out to a clinic or small competition, hence her price!
 
dougan said:
How much would you be expected to pay for a 15.3hh, 5year old cob. Been hunted, fun rides etc by teen girl. Steady safe ride, snaffle mouth, good to clip/shoe/teeth etc. Broomproof as possible can be. Very easy to handle. Comes with tack but based in Ireland so would have to buy unseen and transport over.
As just seem I that I’ve fallen in love with but shocked at the price.
As just lost my heart horse and not bought one in over 26 years so maybe just got to wake up to the new prices of them
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All these mentioned prices may be currently realistic for a big, steady cob, but if you can hang on, there are likely to be plenty of horses coming up for sale this winter, particularly the one owner / one leisure animal type.
fodder availability and prices will climb, grass turnout will be poor in many areas of the UK, behavioural issues emerge, and more people than usual need to get rid.
If determined to pay a lot now, definitely go and view it beforehand, though. Good luck!
 
I have a mini version of the above (14 handsish). He's out on loan at the moment. I adore him. And I'm not sure I want to sell him... And I definitely won't sell him for a year. I'm shocked at the prices though. I'm in Ireland . I really don't think the prices are the same here. If I did sell, I d love to see him go to someone like me (happy but nervous hacker). Maybe I should think about selling him in the UK. But I couldn't deal with a dealer so maybe not.
 
10-15k but as others have said don’t expect a dope on a rope.

I’ll caveat this by saying I love a good solid Irish horse and some of my best horses I’ve brought over unseen as youngsters, I find they’re bred to be more level headed, are expected to get on with the job and are generally good all rounders, but you have to bear in mind they often have a very different education.

A lot of cobs will be backed and start their life out on the hunt field, the riders are brave and no-nonsense. They often haven’t been taught to stand at a mounting block as you just get a leg up and off you go. If the horse pops a few ditches and doesn’t try to kill you then it’s good to go.

I’d expect it to be green as grass on the flat and be careful it doesn’t thoroughly take the p*ss out of a softer rider. But if you’re prepared for 12 months putting some basics in and filling in the gaps, you’ll likely have a cracking horse.
 
AdorableAlice said:
Sound advice and do remember what the Irish say is safe and educated isn't necessarily what that classification is in the UK. Be prepared for it to be a bit greener that expected. Hunted in Ireland is been out once or twice and been chucked over a few dykes/banks.
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People also just add money on if they are marketing the horse to be sold to England 👀
 
The prices from a reputable dealer or breeder are very similar to prices you see in the UK. To produce a decent honest all rounder costs money in both Ireland and the UK. Those decent breeders and producers also need to be able to put food on the table here as anywhere else.

Low end dealers and some private sales could very well be cheaper but buyer beware, again, same as anywhere else.
 
Whilst appreciating you may have "lost your heart" to this horse, please do bear in mind that anyone can bum-up an ad to look good. There are certain dealers in my area who I am aware utilise the same basic gumpf for everything they sell, suitably tweaked to appeal to whatever particular buyer they think they can hook. Also it might look OK and going sound in a video (if there is one to look at), but it's easy to bung a bit of bute in it for the camera, and then make sure that you show it on its good side........ just sayin'.

IF and I say if you are considering this horse; I'd agree with everyone else and say go and actually SEE it yourself. Or ask a well-recommended Agent to do it for you. You just might be glad you did.

But being totally honest here, unless you are very experienced indeed and can deal with literally anything a horse presents itself with - and are prepared to have a few surprises which are less than pleasant (and a good few pounds to put towards a possible vets bill), I'd personally steer well clear of this sort of buying unseen scenario. Yes I have horses at my yard who's owner "bought unseen"; but they were experienced enough to deal with what they got, plus they have had to spend an awful lot of time (2yrs) rehabbing not just physical issues but behavioural ones as well, with several set-backs en route.
 
Friend bought similar unseen. Stunning. She walked it out, long lined , all great. Got on and was dumped several times. Other people tried, all declined second ride! Finally it was sold to a novice who loved him and got on well. Still happy. I can only presume they don’t put him on the bit or ask too much.
 
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Lucky Snowball said:
Friend bought similar unseen. Stunning. She walked it out, long lined , all great. Got on and was dumped several times. Other people tried, all declined second ride! Finally it was sold to a novice who loved him and got on well. Still happy. I can only presume they don’t put him on the bit or ask too much.
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I’m generalising and I did buy all mine unseen and expected to have some bumps along the road. But I’d always be prepared for a ‘quirk’ or 2. Like I say they’re not necessarily backed or started in the slow way we’re used to with horses over here and all mine have had a bit of anxiety or gap in education to work through. They can also be a little ‘shut down’ not through any bad treatment, but like I say, they’re backed and ridden by good, strong, confident riders who expect them to get on with the job. Irish horses are also work horses and much less over fed and underworked than your typical hobby horse over here.

I think people often fall into the trap of buying them, putting them on our rich dairy grazing, feeding them up and treating them as pets. Then boom a few weeks or months down the line you’ve got a very well feeling cocky teenager on your hands.
 
Exasperated said:
All these mentioned prices may be currently realistic for a big, steady cob, but if you can hang on, there are likely to be plenty of horses coming up for sale this winter, particularly the one owner / one leisure animal type.
fodder availability and prices will climb, grass turnout will be poor in many areas of the UK, behavioural issues emerge, and more people than usual need to get rid.
If determined to pay a lot now, definitely go and view it beforehand, though. Good luck!
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To be absolutely fair if this horse is as described and is also fully sound then it will be a gem as this sort is not easy to find.
 
frankieduck said:
I’m generalising and I did buy all mine unseen and expected to have some bumps along the road. But I’d always be prepared for a ‘quirk’ or 2. Like I say they’re not necessarily backed or started in the slow way we’re used to with horses over here and all mine have had a bit of anxiety or gap in education to work through. They can also be a little ‘shut down’ not through any bad treatment, but like I say, they’re backed and ridden by good, strong, confident riders who expect them to get on with the job. Irish horses are also work horses and much less over fed and underworked than your typical hobby horse over here.

I think people often fall into the trap of buying them, putting them on our rich dairy grazing, feeding them up and treating them as pets. Then boom a few weeks or months down the line you’ve got a very well feeling cocky teenager on your hands.
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In my experience I would say that many dealers rush the backing especially if they are quiet.They can have them backed,doing a bit of basic stuff in the school and hacking out in company with a strong competent rider in 3 to 4 week
 
Mrs. Jingle said:
A good horse will never be cheap.
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I’d argue a ‘made’ horse will never be cheap. Plenty of good, cheap horses but you’ve got to be prepared to find a diamond in the rough and put some work in.

It’s like the old saying you can have something good, fast or cheap but not all 3:
Good + Fast = Not Cheap
Good + Cheap = Not Fast
Fast + Cheap = Not Good

!
 
frankieduck said:
I’m generalising and I did buy all mine unseen and expected to have some bumps along the road. But I’d always be prepared for a ‘quirk’ or 2. Like I say they’re not necessarily backed or started in the slow way we’re used to with horses over here and all mine have had a bit of anxiety or gap in education to work through. They can also be a little ‘shut down’ not through any bad treatment, but like I say, they’re backed and ridden by good, strong, confident riders who expect them to get on with the job. Irish horses are also work horses and much less over fed and underworked than your typical hobby horse over here.

I think people often fall into the trap of buying them, putting them on our rich dairy grazing, feeding them up and treating them as pets. Then boom a few weeks or months down the line you’ve got a very well feeling cocky teenager on your hands.
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This is absolutely right: there are so many, probably well-meaning, novicey owners on the mainland that shouldn’t have charge of a bowl of tadpoles, let alone a large, powerful animal like a horse - which is then ruined.
 
Exasperated said:
This is absolutely right: there are so many, probably well-meaning, novicey owners on the mainland that shouldn’t have charge of a bowl of tadpoles, let alone a large, powerful animal like a horse - which is then ruined.
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I could write a book about that .Some of the so called "experts" are more damaging than the novices.
 
There are quite a few 5 year olds advertised almost as if they are all things to all people, but I do question just how much a 5 year old can have done, realistically.

Not that I am discounting 5 year olds (we've had two 4-year olds and we've still got them many years later), but surely it takes time for a horse to truly clock up that amount of experience?

The closest thing to a 'made' horse I bought was my wonderful Irish Connie, - he'd been hunted in Galway as a 4 year old, came to England when he was 5 and started flatwork, showing, jumping, hacking out etc. I bought him when he was 8 and he was a lot of money at the time; as it happens, he was worth every penny and gave us all so much pleasure.
But I have to say that other people had put in most of the hard work; I don't think I would have been capable of getting that horse to that standard.
 
I paid £8000 for a very green 4 year old cob.She is a very good quality cob and I have had to pay quite a lot to get the help with schooling etc. that she needed.
She is now about 15hh and yes she was worth it for her temperament alone.She will never be on the open market as there are a few people who are interested in buying her should she ever be for sale.
 
I bought my 15hh irish cob as a youngster over 12 years ago. I could have sold him many times over the years. He has been one of life's blessings. It did take me some time to really get to know him and for him to know he could relax and wasn't being moved on. He was very green and had been produced to sell - somehow we muddled through due to his kindness really.
 
Thank you everyone for your replies. I’ve put my head back on and decided to get one over here. As I would be very annoyed at myself if it wasn’t right for me plus I can’t justify paying the £11000 for it. No matter how ‘perfect’ it is. Got a 7 year old coming on trail for 2 weeks in a weeks time so fingers crossed it’s the one. Plus it’s £4000 cheaper and a nice Idxtb type
 
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