First time buyer looking for recommended people/places to buy

[Rmarshmallow]

Hi
I'm a twenty something that has been riding for a number 15 years and it has been a case of always the bridesmaid never the bride or always the loaner and never the owner in my case! I've finally decided to get my act together and put the wheels of my dream to actually own my horse in motion!
I'm not in a massive rush to buy and have the time to wait and find the perfect horse for me. I am looking out online on preloved and local tack shops. I just wondered whether you have tips for me.
I like the idea of buying from a dealer as I like the comfort that many dealers offer of a return/exchange guarantee, although I am aware that there certain things that you often can't trust in a dealer. Can anyone advise of any common pitfalls to be aware of when buying from dealer? Does any have any good dealers to recommend or bad ones to avoid?
I think that sometimes private sellers also have a bit of astigmatism when you tell them your a first time buyer.
Ideally looking for somewhere in/around the midlands, but don't really mind have to travel further afield.
Would be super grateful for some pointers!
Thanks

 

[webble]

It might be worth you joining the dodgy dealers group on Facebook. Also if you give some details on here of what you are looking for and search area etc

 

[be positive]

Most genuine private sellers will be happy enough to sell a suitable horse to a first time buyer, if it is advertised as a schoolmaster, confidence giver or in a similar way there should be no reason for them to be put off by a first time purchaser as the horse should be as described and anyone selling something that is correctly described as such will expect a few people that are less experienced to show an interest.
You need to read each advert carefully, read between the lines and see what is missing then when you contact the seller ask a list of questions, if you go and view having a friend with you can help, they can makes notes, do a video and may well pick up on something you miss.

Dealers do sometimes offer a return or exchange if the horse does not suit you, (if it is not as described you have rights under the sale of goods act) but you rarely get your money back it is usual that they find you another, often of a higher value with you making up the difference each time, until they eventually get it right or the buyer gives up and keeps the horse so it may seem a good deal but may not be the guarantee you are looking for.

Look on sites such as H&H, horsequest or the PC site they tend to have well written ads with good photos which helps when you really start looking, ask around locally for recommendations and most of all do your homework before committing to a purchase, you can find out a fair amount using google, facebook and coming on here to check out the history of your potential horse.

 

[mc80007]

I was doing the exact same thing as you a few months ago! Although the dealers return/exchange guarantee looked quite appealing, any genuine private seller would probably offer (and want!) a one-month trial or something around that as if the horse has come from a loved home, they would want the horse to be happy as well as you! I ended up looking more with private sellers because of this, although I didn't count out a few dealers. When looking with private owners, I would make sure you know why they are selling, and go and look at the horse a few times, and even if just a happy hacker still get the horse vetted as you never know!

As for where to look H&H, horse quest, PC and RC that are near you, and I look on the Hereford Equestrian website (in the midlands, there are many others for other areas) as people told me most people on there are genuine and would want the right horse and rider combo to sell to. If the horse is suitable, sellers won't usually object to you being a first time buyer, as long as they know you know enough or have found a suitable livery/have enough space at home to keep a horse. I was open to traveling, but as someone told me, buying local can end up being the best option as there is less chance of being lied to as they know you are local! I posted ads on a few websites and told to some horsey friends to get the word out and look for me! In the end someone phoned me after seeing my ad and was local (added bonus!) and had the perfect horse