First horse

[Amylaurenx]

Been loaning for a couple of years riding for 10+ years, ready for my own horse and would be at the yard with the people I loan from so lots of experience around me, however everything in my budget has injury’s or is a project (which I’m definitely not looking for) I’ve seen 2 beautiful horses in my range however one has had a previous hock injury but is now back in full work and one had a neck injury (yet to find out what kind of neck injury) in 2018 but is now back in full work has been for a while and been sound ever since this one is non jumping but that is fine with me..
Would either if these things be enough to put you off buying ? Any experience with these injury’s after treated? Thanks

 

[Meowy Catkin]

What is your price bracket? What are you looking for?
Could you maybe look at unfashionable breeds and get more for your money? Definitely stay away from fashionable breeds and pretty colours that add ££££.

I've never had a big budget and have had the extra issue of needing any horse I buy to be suitable for a disabled handler/rider. Luckily my favourite breed (and its crosses) is deeply unfashionable so I have found horses (both ridden and youngstock) without much issue.

 

[Amylaurenx]

What is your price bracket? What are you looking for?
Could you maybe look at unfashionable breeds and get more for your money? Definitely stay away from fashionable breeds and pretty colours that add ££££.

I've never had a big budget and have had the extra issue of needing any horse I buy to be suitable for a disabled handler/rider. Luckily my favourite breed (and its crosses) is deeply unfashionable so I have found horses (both ridden and youngstock) without much issue.

Yeah I really don’t have a type if you like haha and around 4k! I’m looking at everything in budget and right size, I don’t want to go out competing tbh just something to love and have fun with which is why I was considering and old injury that doesn’t seem to be an issue anymore as I won’t be pushing them to the extremes

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Well I would advise not buying trouble, horses can injure themselves so easily, you may as well start with a sound one. Of course an old injury that is cosmetic wouldn't bother me. My grey ripped herself up pretty bad in a horse V fence accident once but was never unsound. She has scars that you can see when she's in her summer coat and that's fine.

Could you ride a large pony/small horse? As long as it's not a Connie that size range can be better value IME.

 

[equestrian7474]

Like Meowy said I think you’re better off starting with a sound one

 

[vhf]

For me it would depend on the age of the horse, the type of injury, how the injury occurred, and how long they had been in work (and how much work) since. Then armed with all that info, I'd have a chat with some highly knowledgeable people I absolutely trusted, including a vet, and gauge opinions. Every case would need considering on its own merit. When you're strapped by budget you either have to compromise on something or forget buying until the budget is bigger. It is possible in some circumstances that an old injury is a better compromise than some others might be. Just remember that if you change you mind about, say, never jumping, or never schooling, you will then have to do the right thing by the horse.
MC makes a good point - there are 'unpopular' sizes that mean you get more for your money so long as you are still a good fit.

 

[Winters100]

For me an old injury would not necessarily mean a 'no', but I would approach with extreme caution.

Firstly I would talk with the seller about exactly what I wanted to do with the horse. For example hacking for me includes fast canters and sometimes popping over tiny obstacles, while for some of my friends it means a gentle walk, maybe a couple of trots. If the seller told me that the horse was already doing the same or more for some time I would try it, but before buying would want it seen by my own vet, and would only proceed if he felt that the horse was up to the job.

Do also remember that you need to keep enough money for vet treatment, and that anything that has been a previous problem will likely be excluded from insurance.

Good luck!