first time buyer!

[Winters100]

thankyou everyone - even for the harsh truths that hurt to read earlier in the day? i definitely don’t want my heart to lead and make a poor decision which is why im not 100% set on something unbroken and unseen is definitely not the ideal for me, it was just something i felt i might have to consider. i do want to add though, i’ve never had a “made” pony to show me the ropes so to speak, i’ve always had to take the rides i was offered so i can wholeheartedly say i do not feel i need an older horse as a first horse, however i am being realistic in why im wanting at least a native type for the lower maintenance (i know they’re still a big responsibility! just less than an ex racer) and something known for a more chill temperament, and yes i am aware that a lot connies can be quite quirky. should also add i will not be 100% alone, yes im an adult but whatever i end up with will be for my mum to be involved with too, who is clued up and of course i can trust - she’s just useless for the buying side!? but a bit of a geek for the research lol. after being initially disheartened by the responses earlier i just wanted to reply and say im definitely taking it on board, but with a pinch of salt because of course myself and the horsey people in my life know my ability and experience better than what can be taken from the limited info i’ve given on here. my horsey family members will definitely not allow me to bite off more than i can chew, especially whilst im living at home until i finish my masters and if i end up in hospital it’ll be my mum that has to do the mucking out? very long reply so apologies, but can anyone offer me a advice more specific than “don’t buy a youngster you plonker!” in terms of what to look out for etc and how to find what i want? there’s a few dealers that i know others have had good experiences with, not in ireland lol, but i’m also sceptical to buy from a private seller because at least with an actual dealer you have legal rights ie having to return and the good dealers value keeping a good name for their business

Bless you. No one thinks that you are a 'plonker' as you put it! I think it is just that some of us, who have been around the block, and made what have in some cases been expensive and heart breaking mistakes, would not like you to do the same.

I totally get what you say about having to take what rides you were offered, and never having a 'made' pony. The thing is though, that when you offer a horse to someone to ride, you usually have an idea that it is within their capabilities. With an unbroken youngster, particularly one that you buy without viewing, you have no idea how it will be. Maybe a nice easy horse who you can ride with a bit of help, but maybe not. And once you own the horse it is very different to a loan that you can walk away from if it is not fun.

I also really worry about how you will finance and have time for such a project as you say that you are still saving up. A youngster who needs to be handled and trained every day, come rain, shine or exams, and who may need extensive professional help will be expensive both in terms of time and money. And what about a sudden injury or illness - will you have funds available for vet care and possibly buying in help with rehab? Even simple things, such as paying a groom to handwalk a few times a day after injury, can add up to significant amounts.

Sorry if I am sounding negative, but my own experience of buying youngsters has been that it has cost much more to get them to the stage that I truly enjoy them, than buying a made pony who I can enjoy day 1, and also it is 50/50 whether you end up with something that is what you really want.

 

[dottylottie]

Bless you. No one thinks that you are a 'plonker' as you put it! I think it is just that some of us, who have been around the block, and made what have in some cases been expensive and heart breaking mistakes, would not like you to do the same.

I totally get what you say about having to take what rides you were offered, and never having a 'made' pony. The thing is though, that when you offer a horse to someone to ride, you usually have an idea that it is within their capabilities. With an unbroken youngster, particularly one that you buy without viewing, you have no idea how it will be. Maybe a nice easy horse who you can ride with a bit of help, but maybe not. And once you own the horse it is very different to a loan that you can walk away from if it is not fun.

I also really worry about how you will finance and have time for such a project as you say that you are still saving up. A youngster who needs to be handled and trained every day, come rain, shine or exams, and who may need extensive professional help will be expensive both in terms of time and money. And what about a sudden injury or illness - will you have funds available for vet care and possibly buying in help with rehab? Even simple things, such as paying a groom to handwalk a few times a day after injury, can add up to significant amounts.

Sorry if I am sounding negative, but my own experience of buying youngsters has been that it has cost much more to get them to the stage that I truly enjoy them, than buying a made pony who I can enjoy day 1, and also it is 50/50 whether you end up with something that is what you really want.

im not comfortable to to divulge my income on here (which of course nobody would expect lol) but i do work full time hours on a good wage, with very minimal outgoings beyond my cheap, low maintenance car (sorry flora ?) and rather high maintenance poodle, so the cost for upkeep of the horse isn’t a concern for me, but i doubt there’s vary many working class folk who have upwards of 6k sitting around to shell out for a pony? i only started this job recently after working crappy hours for even more crappy money in hospitality jobs so beyond having a comfortable emergency fund sitting in my savings i wasn’t in a position to be saving the amount i am now haha.

as for time, again not an issue and my mum will be all hands on deck for any days im pushed for time, which has already been agreed with her. i can comfortably afford for the pony to be on full livery if for whatever reason we both found ourselves super busy, and will be insured in case of emergency with of course he or she’s very own emergency fund?

i know in terms of wanting a youngster i may be being naive, hence why im open to something more experienced, but in terms of preparedness i’ve worked very hard to get to the position im in now to be able to have my own.

for anyone reading before they reply i hope you get this far lol, my take away so far is that i pinky promise not to buy unseen?? and will most definitely not rule out anything backed (which i hadn’t anyway)!?

if i do decide to buy from ireland, i’ll go in person to view and have someone such as equine viewer ireland accompany me - there’s only one dealer over there who’s horses have particularly caught my eye so i’ll wait until he has at least more than one that i like the look of.

 

[splashgirl45]

i bought a 15 month old filly and did view her, I backed her myself and bought her on to be a well behaved, good riding club horse(RC because of me not her ) however she was my second horse and if she had been my first I doubt I would have had the confidence or knowledge to have been so successful.. my first horse was an 8 year old ex hunter and I had loads of fun with him and gained lots of experience which was invaluable when dealing with my youngster. those Of us on here who are older (some of us VERY old) have seen many disasters with people being overhorsed and I just hope that you are a bit cautious and do not buy unseen and unbanked, and please look for an older horse that you can sit on and try properly…and natives are not necessarily easy to manage, many of them cant be turned out on rich grass etc..

 

[Maryann]

There are horses out there that are 'unbroken' because people have tried to break them and failed. I do know of two home breds that never did get broken in because they were too difficult. One became a brood mare (!) and the other was sold at auction.

 

[Barton Bounty]

As long as you have some guidance on what to do and when, you will be fine. ?

 

[dottylottie]

Thankyou to everyone who has replied, again i hope people will read this before replying again -

im taking everything on board that has been said and definitely won’t buy unseen, but i think im going to stop replying now. it seems that whatever i say is being twisted and i don’t think it’s deliberate but some of what i’ve said has been taken out of context.

for clarity, i do have experience with youngsters and backing and will have help every step of the way from my mum, with professional help too, if that’s what i decide to get. i may not end up with a youngster at all.

i understand the down sides to natives as well as the benefits, i know how proactive you need to be with good do-ers and how prone they are to lami etc.

i do appreciate everyone’s advice, and i do still pinky promise not to buy unseen lol

 

[Vodkagirly]

thankyou for the reply - i don’t seem to have gotten my point across very well that i haven’t already decided i want to buy unseen or 100% what i want, i know that as much as i want a lovely dun gelding with connie or sport horse breeding, i could well end up with a coloured mare because i get that “feeling” from them! i would love to view and buy in the uk, but this option is relatively straightforward to organise as opposed to finding dealers worth a visit in ireland haha, hence why i asked for more info on that side. Im not opposed to viewing horses whatsoever, i’d rather have some pony days out that buy one unseen and it arrives and that’s the excitement of the process over? but i also feel guilty for viewing horses just for the experience of the process, even though i know it’s very much necessary- i don’t want to be labelled a “joy rider” for viewing something even if i do like it and it ultimately being the opposite of what i want. i know i’ll need to find out what i don’t want in order to find what i do want, but i think i worry far too much about what the seller will think of me rather than the steps i need to take for my own sake?

Horse buying always sounds fun until you start.
Once you organise your day around a viewing, bribe knowledgeable people to come, drive for ages then turn up and its not as described/lame And have drive back again and look again.
But it's a million times better than handing over all your savings then a lame/too small/vicious/nervous horse turns up and you have to deal with it.

 

[Glitter's fun]

i do appreciate everyone’s advice, and i do still pinky promise not to buy unseen lol

 

[rara007]

I’ve done Holland and Denmark as horse shopping day trips around a busy job, always just seeing 1 a time but 1 that had been well selected. I’m sure you could sort something I ‘reserve’ the horse by vetting it before I go, as I don’t want a horse that fails the vetting and that’s easier to arrange than me travelling!
I bought 1 unseen (via German stud auction during covid) and she was the most beautiful horse I’ve ever had but I wouldn’t do it again if I was being sensible! She was way too sharp and tricky for my needs.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I bought my tb from just a picture ? it wasnt easy at first but we got there ?

 

[dottylottie]

I’ve done Holland and Denmark as horse shopping day trips around a busy job, always just seeing 1 a time but 1 that had been well selected. I’m sure you could sort something I ‘reserve’ the horse by vetting it before I go, as I don’t want a horse that fails the vetting and that’s easier to arrange than me travelling!
I bought 1 unseen (via German stud auction during covid) and she was the most beautiful horse I’ve ever had but I wouldn’t do it again if I was being sensible! She was way too sharp and tricky for my needs.

has that always worked for you re vetting before viewing? it definitely seems a sensible idea so you don’t have chance to fall head over hooves for something that then fails a vetting, but id be concerned that it would pass the vetting only for me to not like it? ireland is definitely far a field enough for me, and as much as you have to be careful about picking the good from the bad i think i would rather go with a dealer/producer so at least i have legal rights - do dealers allow you to reserve with a deposit that they will refund if you don’t end up buying? i have heard of other people doing this, just wondering if it’s a common thing!

 

[Barton Bounty]

has that always worked for you re vetting before viewing? it definitely seems a sensible idea so you don’t have chance to fall head over hooves for something that then fails a vetting, but id be concerned that it would pass the vetting only for me to not like it? ireland is definitely far a field enough for me, and as much as you have to be careful about picking the good from the bad i think i would rather go with a dealer/producer so at least i have legal rights - do dealers allow you to reserve with a deposit that they will refund if you don’t end up buying? i have heard of other people doing this, just wondering if it’s a common thing!

Yes, lady from My last yard flew over to holland for a friesian ? an unbroken friesian, stunning and is now an amazing dressage horse getting first nearly every time ?

 

[Barton Bounty]

And she broke her by herself too

 

[dottylottie]

Yes, lady from My last yard flew over to holland for a friesian ? an unbroken friesian, stunning and is now an amazing dressage horse getting first nearly every time ?

oh wow that’s brilliant! a friesian is definitely not on the cards for me, but i wouldn’t say no to a trip to holland!?

 

[Barton Bounty]

oh wow that’s brilliant! a friesian is definitely not on the cards for me, but i wouldn’t say no to a trip to holland!?

Haha, she had two friesians already and she sadly lost one. So heart set on another one. The other friesian was just so lonely too. Trip to holland sounds good! Definitely weigh up your options and dont buy the first thing you see ?

 

[Puzzled]

Why would you want to buy unseen from Ireland? There are plenty of Connemara dealers in the U.K. with excellent reputations (myself included). I travel and view in Ireland every month or two but have spent 20 years doing so and building up contacts. A trip over isn’t as cheap as people think (flights aren’t too bad but car hire and hotels are very expensive). I can’t understand why someone would want to buy a horse that they intend to keep without viewing and assessing its character and temperament. I won’t even do that and I’m buying to sell on. PM me if you’d like to chat further.

 

[Barton Bounty]

My intention was not to buy unseen ? it just happened, much like the chocolate falls into the shopping basket ?

 

[motherof2beasts!]

It’s your money/time to do as you wish with just 2 minor warnings , working full time and having a youngster sucks! I get 100% why you want too but I have been there and especially In winter when it’s pissing down and pitch dark trying to fit all that education in is a real pain, but if you have the motivation and time go for it. With age I’ve gone for the easier option of having one that I can ride every day or once a week without it being an issue.

I had a golden dun Connemara from Ireland was cuffestown breeding, he was retired by the vet within 2 months of owning with kissing spine and spondylitis.

I don’t know where you are in uk but there are plenty of connies here too. I have forgotten the name but I’ll try to find it a breeder near Wales is meant to be very good.

 

[mini_b]

There are horses out there that are 'unbroken' because people have tried to break them and failed. I do know of two home breds that never did get broken in because they were too difficult. One became a brood mare (!) and the other was sold at auction.

my friend bought a really well bred youngster on the cheap cheap because someone tried to break it and failed miserably. she said it was far more difficult re starting that someone’s messed up than a “difficult” fresh one.

 

[dottylottie]

It’s your money/time to do as you wish with just 2 minor warnings , working full time and having a youngster sucks! I get 100% why you want too but I have been there and especially In winter when it’s pissing down and pitch dark trying to fit all that education in is a real pain, but if you have the motivation and time go for it. With age I’ve gone for the easier option of having one that I can ride every day or once a week without it being an issue.

I had a golden dun Connemara from Ireland was cuffestown breeding, he was retired by the vet within 2 months of owning with kissing spine and spondylitis.

I don’t know where you are in uk but there are plenty of connies here too. I have forgotten the name but I’ll try to find it a breeder near Wales is meant to be very good.

hi, i’m so sorry to hear what happened with your connie!

without going in to major detail, i do long days a few times a week as opposed to a 9-5, so always have a good chunk of time off during the week and my uni days are short when im in - i think the novelty of having to work with a youngster no matter the weather would definitely wear off for me when im older and my days are more full haha but as of right now im very motivated, i do very little with my time (saddo) and horses are the only “hobby” i’ve ever really wanted to devote all my time to, im very much a home body who doesn’t like socialising haha. used to get the bus straight from school to the yard and had to ride and look after 2 come rain or shine and i really miss it, although im more than happy with just 1 haha.

as i’ve said im more than open to something more established especially because unbroken connies fetch the same price as something else that’s already riding away lol

 

[dottylottie]

my friend bought a really well bred youngster on the cheap cheap because someone tried to break it and failed miserably. she said it was far more difficult re starting that someone’s messed up than a “difficult” fresh one.

this is why i would want something genuinely unbroken over a “project” and would be very careful to ensure that’s what im getting haha, i’ve had far better experiences getting on something for someone for the first time than riding something for someone that supposedly just needs a bit of extra schooling - the most chillaxed pony i’ve ever been around has actually been a young stallion, but my mum has been looking after him since he arrived as a scruffy neglected yearling so i already knew he was a total sweetheart from the start and has impeccable manners! he is a cob though, so he’s got the cool dude act down to a T without the bargy-ness that can sometimes come with them?
just realised that’s very long, but he’s such an angel he deserves a mention lol

 

[mini_b]

this is why i would want something genuinely unbroken over a “project” and would be very careful to ensure that’s what im getting haha, i’ve had far better experiences getting on something for someone for the first time than riding something for someone that supposedly just needs a bit of extra schooling - the most chillaxed pony i’ve ever been around has actually been a young stallion, but my mum has been looking after him since he arrived as a scruffy neglected yearling so i already knew he was a total sweetheart from the start and has impeccable manners! he is a cob though, so he’s got the cool dude act down to a T without the bargy-ness that can sometimes come with them?
just realised that’s very long, but he’s such an angel he deserves a mention lol

you don’t always know if they are genuinely unbroken - caveat emptor.

Basically what everyone is trying to say you are best having a sit on the first one you spend all your hard earned savings on.
that might mean you buy a school master with a few creaks and a few miles on it, it DOESNT mean you can’t ride etc etc but it gives you a massive indicator of what you do and don’t want.

People will always say oh well I bought an unbroken unicorn for 10p unseen and it was my horse of a lifetime. But generally, folk tend to say the same thing because it’s right. Honestly. If you don’t want what little money you have to go down the drain then actually try it out and see if it’s a good fit.
there’s some nice competitively priced horses/larger ponies older PC types often available on hunting classified or equestrian noticeboard.

*in reference to your above post, bargy stallion would very quickly become a gelding!!!!

 

[dottylottie]

you don’t always know if they are genuinely unbroken - caveat emptor.

Basically what everyone is trying to say you are best having a sit on the first one you spend all your hard earned savings on.
that might mean you buy a school master with a few creaks and a few miles on it, it DOESNT mean you can’t ride etc etc but it gives you a massive indicator of what you do and don’t want.

People will always say oh well I bought an unbroken unicorn for 10p unseen and it was my horse of a lifetime. But generally, folk tend to say the same thing because it’s right. Honestly. If you don’t want what little money you have to go down the drain then actually try it out and see if it’s a good fit.
there’s some nice competitively priced horses/larger ponies older PC types often available on hunting classified or equestrian noticeboard.

*in reference to your above post, bargy stallion would very quickly become a gelding!!!!

thankyou, im definitely not ruling anything out - i do want something suited to low level showing at the very least, my first pony was a cracking little jumper and we did well in the workers/riding club/equitation (first and only sash was won with her in my first equitation class, the judge came over to us whilst we were loading and told my mum never to let me stop riding because i was “the next charlotte dujardin” - he was definitely just being kind to a nervous little girl, im capable but im definitely not up to her standards lol, but it’s a lovely memory), but she was a welsh x shetland so we never got far in anything else haha and i had the ride of a gorgeous section a who again was ace in the showjumping and inhand but did not enjoy a normal ridden show. i LOVE the atmosphere without the intense pressure of actual showjumping etc and i definitely don’t expect to end up with a HOYS pony but i’d like something that stands a chance at local level?

other than that, as long as it’s between 14hh and about 15.2hh and not a cob or tb (personal preference) i’d consider it! but would rather a native to avoid plaiting lol.

had he been a little git he would’ve definitely been a gelding! personally i wouldn’t have kept him entire anyway since he’s not being used to breed from so would rather him be able to play out properly with other horses but he’s not mine anyway and that’s a completely different area for opinions?

*edited to add* thankyou for the “it doesn’t mean you can’t ride” - whilst i understand where everyone is coming from it was a bit of a smack in the face to be told i need something older to teach me haha

 

[mini_b]

thankyou, im definitely not ruling anything out - i do want something suited to low level showing at the very least, my first pony was a cracking little jumper and we did well in the workers/riding club/equitation (first and only sash was won with her in my first equitation class, the judge came over to us whilst we were loading and told my mum never to let me stop riding because i was “the next charlotte dujardin” - he was definitely just being kind to a nervous little girl, im capable but im definitely not up to her standards lol, but it’s a lovely memory), but she was a welsh x shetland so we never got far in anything else haha and i had the ride of a gorgeous section a who again was ace in the showjumping and inhand but did not enjoy a normal ridden show. i LOVE the atmosphere without the intense pressure of actual showjumping etc and i definitely don’t expect to end up with a HOYS pony but i’d like something that stands a chance at local level?

other than that, as long as it’s between 14hh and about 15.2hh and not a cob or tb (personal preference) i’d consider it! but would rather a native to avoid plaiting lol.

had he been a little git he would’ve definitely been a gelding! personally i wouldn’t have kept him entire anyway since he’s not being used to breed from so would rather him be able to play out properly with other horses but he’s not mine anyway and that’s a completely different area for opinions?

if you want a chance at local level, get a nice gypsy cob. I know you said you didn’t want one but there’s every chance you’d get to GYS or HOYS with one.
Within your height and I’m guessing price range.
And you don’t need to plait.

 

[dottylottie]

if you want a chance at local level, get a nice gypsy cob. I know you said you didn’t want one but there’s every chance you’d get to GYS or HOYS with one.
Within your height and I’m guessing price range.
And you don’t need to plait.

one thing i’m very fixed on is not having a cob haha, i know they make wonderful horses but they are really not for me. i have ridden lovely cobs who were very well schooled and also was given the ride of a young cob that i did show and whilst i adored him, i just don’t enjoy them - i know how versatile they are but i don’t particularly enjoy riding them and i don’t like feathers/how hairy they are, if i was to have a cob type they would have to be of the clipped variety? i do think they deserve more credit though! the one i rode gave me a lot of fun with dressage/showing clinics and had a lovely pop on him, although we did have a fall in our first workers class because he put his legs in the middle of the oxer and we both ended up eating mud lol, but the owners other more native cob type got us a 1st in her first workers class so swings and roundabouts! her owner did a lovely job with her, she was wonderful all round.

i do know of a lady who produces beautiful cobs local to me though, so you never know!

 

[Barton Bounty]

one thing i’m very fixed on is not having a cob haha, i know they make wonderful horses but they are really not for me. i have ridden lovely cobs who were very well schooled and also was given the ride of a young cob that i did show and whilst i adored him, i just don’t enjoy them - i know how versatile they are but i don’t particularly enjoy riding them and i don’t like feathers/how hairy they are, if i was to have a cob type they would have to be of the clipped variety? i do think they deserve more credit though! the one i rode gave me a lot of fun with dressage/showing clinics and had a lovely pop on him, although we did have a fall in our first workers class because he put his legs in the middle of the oxer and we both ended up eating mud lol, but the owners other more native cob type got us a 1st in her first workers class so swings and roundabouts! her owner did a lovely job with her, she was wonderful all round.

i do know of a lady who produces beautiful cobs local to me though, so you never know!

You have a type! So do I , its very common ? I just broke in a mini cob for my friend last year, he is lovely but not my type, my other friend has a beautiful big lionheart cob, he is massive and goodness do I feel it after I have ridden him. He is lovely too but still not my type. As you said its the feathers and the hairiness, same …. I wouldn’t discount a cob x with ID or TB you could definitely get a nice non hairy type from that ?

 

[motherof2beasts!]

hi, i’m so sorry to hear what happened with your connie!

without going in to major detail, i do long days a few times a week as opposed to a 9-5, so always have a good chunk of time off during the week and my uni days are short when im in - i think the novelty of having to work with a youngster no matter the weather would definitely wear off for me when im older and my days are more full haha but as of right now im very motivated, i do very little with my time (saddo) and horses are the only “hobby” i’ve ever really wanted to devote all my time to, im very much a home body who doesn’t like socialising haha. used to get the bus straight from school to the yard and had to ride and look after 2 come rain or shine and i really miss it, although im more than happy with just 1 haha.

as i’ve said im more than open to something more established especially because unbroken connies fetch the same price as something else that’s already riding away lol

I do love a Connie ! That’s good re shifts I’m forever trying to escape 9-5 as riding in the dark and rain is no fun .

 

[dottylottie]

You have a type! So do I , its very common ? I just broke in a mini cob for my friend last year, he is lovely but not my type, my other friend has a beautiful big lionheart cob, he is massive and goodness do I feel it after I have ridden him. He is lovely too but still not my type. As you said its the feathers and the hairiness, same …. I wouldn’t discount a cob x with ID or TB you could definitely get a nice non hairy type from that ?

i’m the same! im short and petite so i don’t want to be walking like a cowboy permanently?

 

[motherof2beasts!]

one thing i’m very fixed on is not having a cob haha, i know they make wonderful horses but they are really not for me. i have ridden lovely cobs who were very well schooled and also was given the ride of a young cob that i did show and whilst i adored him, i just don’t enjoy them - i know how versatile they are but i don’t particularly enjoy riding them and i don’t like feathers/how hairy they are, if i was to have a cob type they would have to be of the clipped variety? i do think they deserve more credit though! the one i rode gave me a lot of fun with dressage/showing clinics and had a lovely pop on him, although we did have a fall in our first workers class because he put his legs in the middle of the oxer and we both ended up eating mud lol, but the owners other more native cob type got us a 1st in her first workers class so swings and roundabouts! her owner did a lovely job with her, she was wonderful all round.

i do know of a lady who produces beautiful cobs local to me though, so you never know!

I too always said this but this is now my horse of choice! I do clip him and he’s a very pretty cob. I think people think cobs =plod but my boy is by far the most forward tank on the yard and outruns the TBS and marches out like he’s on a mission everywhere. Drawback is he is very strong.

 

[gallopingby]

has that always worked for you re vetting before viewing? it definitely seems a sensible idea so you don’t have chance to fall head over hooves for something that then fails a vetting, but id be concerned that it would pass the vetting only for me to not like it? ireland is definitely far a field enough for me, and as much as you have to be careful about picking the good from the bad i think i would rather go with a dealer/producer so at least i have legal rights - do dealers allow you to reserve with a deposit that they will refund if you don’t end up buying? i have heard of other people doing this, just wondering if it’s a common thing!

If your think a horse meets your requirements then yes a 5 stage vetting before viewing if fine. it at least signals some commitment. You May still be asked for a deposit refundable if the vetting isn’t satisfactory but not if you decide not to buy. You need to weigh up the time / travel costs re the costs and the number you’ll have to see before travelling. If you’re still set on a connie have you looked on marteye which will show you prices at the sales for auctioned ponies? Remember you’ll still have to add to these but it gives an indication then maybe add on a % and remember some of these will make fabulous ponies with the correct education at £200 - £250 per week x ???Weeks, this then could give you an indication of the price for a pony to do the job you want. Young Ponies sold as broken at the sales are often sadly just that and will only have been sat on the week before the sale.