feeling like a rubbish rider at viewings!

Just keep in your head that they were probably more into watching the horse and whether it was showing itself off as well as , not you.. When I've sold horses I'm usually standing there thinking, "oh heck, he can do a much better trot than that, and did he just miss a strike off when they asked, and he could have jumped that a lot cleaner..." I wouldn't really be looking at the rider, unless I thought they weren't safe.

I think any rider trying a horse should be able to ride the horse out on the road (I would suggest watching someone else ride it first on the road - you would be better finding out it shoots off at the sight of a bus with someone else on..!).
 
Mmmm, may I offer another suggestion??

Having been in exactly the same situation...... and then being sold a horse which was lovely but way too sharp for the rider I was then, I was advised by a really good horsey friend to go to an agent.

This is just a suggestion. A good agent will talk to you to suss out what sort of horse you are looking for (and what you're not!!) and what you'll be doing with the horse/where keeping it etc. She/he will see you ride and see how you cope in a controlled and safe situation i.e. in a school. The agent I went to said to bring photo's of all the horses I'd had to give her an idea of the type I was looking for.

Then they will know what sort of horses to look for which may suit you. This will save you a lot of time and effort BUT also you'll have the security of the fact that the agent will have weeded out a lot of horses which would be unsuitable for you.

You need a good agent tho' - best way/only way is through personal recommendation. A good agent is worth having; and might not be as costly as you might think.

Alternatively (and I urge caution here), put yourself in the hands of a good and reputable dealer who will do their best to find something to suit you. If they're good and have a good reputation, it will be their reputation at stake so they should do their best for you - accepting that horses are unreliable things and can change with whoever's riding.

But with both an agent & a dealer, do take care and ask around for recommendations and also who to avoid.

Also - if you're viewing something I'd never go without either instructor/trainer and/or knowledgeable (and cold-headed!) friend along with me. You deffo need someone who can sit back and see the situation objectively; also someone who can perhaps pop on the horse and see what its like first, watch it trotted up etc.

Good luck anyway!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top