"Five star home"

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SaddleUpSin

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Looking in advance at horses for sale and I note a lot include for sale to "5 star home" only. What would you call a five star home? What, for you, would compromise a sale?
 
If it was a childs pony, I'd look for experienced parents, and the child either having lessons or going to PC/RC.

For a horse - I'm not sure.. Experienced owner, (if not necessarily experienced rider), keeping horse at home, or pre arranged place at livery yard, attitude towards horse/shoeing/vet etc....

Actually, that's a hard question to answer...

Are you buying or loaning, because I'd be so so so fussy about requirements in a loaner lol...

Fiona
 
I think what people really mean is that your home will be like the one they either offer the horse, or the one they aspire to offer the horse. 5 star home will mean different things to different people.

For me, it means daily turnout, a rider who is sensitive and educated, safe hacking, a good arena, appropriate transport/vets/tack etc.

For someone else it may mean posh rugs, a walker and a heated wash room!

For still others it may mean 24/7 turnout...
 
A loving owner with a good amount of experience in a good set up(yard wise).

But mostly someone I trust would look after my/my previous horse. :)

The owner would compromise the sale for me.... Definitely. Its all about how you treat the horse.
But that's just my opinion there would never be a 5 star home for my boy I love him too much :p
 
It is very subjective. For me, it would mean 24/7 turnout with company, good shelter and a box available if needed. An experienced owner with a sensible approach to feet/vets/feed. A decent rider with soft hands who is tuned into them.
 
It would probably be easier to list negatives that will cause a seller to cancel a sale.

I suppose a sale at auction might be considered null and void if the purchaser turned out to be a dealer or even a horse slaughterer as neither, by definition, has the intentions of giving a horse a permanent home, good or bad!
 
It is not something I have ever put in a sales ad, to me it is a bit like putting no timewasters, no one thinks of themselves as timewasters or that they may not be offering the best of homes, I have turned away many people over the years that have offered homes that for some reason I have not felt suitable but what would be unsuitable for one horse may be ideal for another therefore I will decide on an individual basis.
Most recently I had one that I knew would be happier in a small private yard so I stopped a few people coming who would have kept him in big DIY yards, one or two preferred to live out so I tried to find homes where turn out was not going to be restricted too much, others have been easier as they go with the flow but part of my job when selling is to try my hardest to find the most suitable rider with the most suitable home, whatever that may be, 5* with all the luxuries is not always offering the best deal for the horse, they are usually more than happy with a safe field, a few nice friends, plenty to eat and a sensible caring owner.
 
Well, I've known of people who have bought a horse and kept it an excellent yard with lovely big boxes, great facilities etc. However, the owners managed to turn a nice easy going horse in to a hyper bucking bronco by not riding it enough and stuffing it full of oats despite being shown by the seller exactly what she fed it. So maybe they should be asking for a Five Star Owner :)
 
be positive said:
It is not something I have ever put in a sales ad, to me it is a bit like putting no timewasters, no one thinks of themselves as timewasters or that they may not be offering the best of homes, I have turned away many people over the years that have offered homes that for some reason I have not felt suitable but what would be unsuitable for one horse may be ideal for another therefore I will decide on an individual basis.
Most recently I had one that I knew would be happier in a small private yard so I stopped a few people coming who would have kept him in big DIY yards, one or two preferred to live out so I tried to find homes where turn out was not going to be restricted too much, others have been easier as they go with the flow but part of my job when selling is to try my hardest to find the most suitable rider with the most suitable home, whatever that may be, 5* with all the luxuries is not always offering the best deal for the horse, they are usually more than happy with a safe field, a few nice friends, plenty to eat and a sensible caring owner.
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Exactly this !! I've got a really nice 6 yr old for sale, only been kept at the breeders farm and then quietly with full turnout with me. The first person to try him wants to keep him in a big livery yard with limited turnout. I've already said that I don't want that for him at his age, so won't be selling to her, I think. To me, if it's a young horse just starting out on a career, it's best for them to go to somebody who will give them " one to one! and have their own setup. So easy to spoil a youngster with big lifestyle changes.
 
I do worry a wee bit that when it comes to looking someone wont sell me a horse because I've not owned before, but all I want is to have my best friend and look after them to the highest quality of care possible! I want to be that "five star home" its just hard to know what that is to some people! :)
 
SaddleUpSin said:
I do worry a wee bit that when it comes to looking someone wont sell me a horse because I've not owned before, but all I want is to have my best friend and look after them to the highest quality of care possible! I want to be that "five star home" its just hard to know what that is to some people! :)
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It depends on the seller, some couldn't care less where they go but that is probably not the right horse for a first time buyer, others will be realistic about what you can offer as the new owner, it is not about the fancy facilities, especially for a first horse type, it is about you being able to spend time, learn, listen and give the horse the best life possible while enjoying it and what it can offer you in return.

I wouldn't sell a green youngster to a novice with no facilities or back up but would sell a made first horse or happy hack to that person if I felt they got on well together, it is having somewhere safe to live, a stable if required, company and an owner that will try to do their best, if you are as caring as you come across on here you should have no problem finding the owner of a much loved horse is willing to let you buy but do expect a bit of a grilling and possibly a home check if someone is being really fussy.
 
be positive said:
It depends on the seller, some couldn't care less where they go but that is probably not the right horse for a first time buyer, others will be realistic about what you can offer as the new owner, it is not about the fancy facilities, especially for a first horse type, it is about you being able to spend time, learn, listen and give the horse the best life possible while enjoying it and what it can offer you in return.

I wouldn't sell a green youngster to a novice with no facilities or back up but would sell a made first horse or happy hack to that person if I felt they got on well together, it is having somewhere safe to live, a stable if required, company and an owner that will try to do their best, if you are as caring as you come across on here you should have no problem finding the owner of a much loved horse is willing to let you buy but do expect a bit of a grilling and possibly a home check if someone is being really fussy.
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I wouldn't mind a home check, the yard I have in mind (not even starting looking til my space is reserved) there's support available, on and off road hacking, school, stables, lovely atmosphere and is very well run! Its not flashy but its clean and safe and homey! I'd love a horse thats come from a loving home because its just peace of mind to know.
 
I'm a potential buyer offering a "5 Star home".

For this, the horse/pony gets:

- a home where any inspection is welcomed pre-purchase, and references i.e. vet/professional recommendations can be provided

- a home where previous owner is welcome to stay in touch with the horse's progress (within reason: as long as this doesn't become too clingey!)

- a knowledgeable home, with company

- an owner who, if any behaviour issues develop, will quickly access professional help if needed rather than let something develop

- an owner who is continually updating and improving upon their own existing knowledge and experience

- an owner who will call the vet if there's any doubt about anything rather than leave things go

- regular farrier, vet & dentist checks

- ditto saddle fitter

- firm, fair consistent handling both on the ground and in the saddle so the horse doesn't get spoilt or bad mannered

- lots of variety in work not just doing one thing

- owners own yard where pasture etc is well maintained (so not liable to have to move livery and end up somewhere awful)

- a home FOR LIFE, and that means until the end of its days, when the intention would be to provide a peaceful euthanised death without stress if the horse is in pain and/or nothing else can be done for it
 
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MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
I'm a potential buyer offering a "5 Star home".

For this, the horse/pony gets:

- a home where any inspection is welcomed pre-purchase, and references i.e. vet/professional recommendations can be provided

- a home where previous owner is welcome to stay in touch with the horse's progress (within reason: as long as this doesn't become too clingey!)

- a knowledgeable home, with company

- an owner who, if any behaviour issues develop, will quickly access professional help if needed rather than let something develop

- an owner who is continually updating and improving upon their own existing knowledge and experience

- an owner who will call the vet if there's any doubt about anything rather than leave things go

- regular farrier, vet & dentist checks

- ditto saddle fitter

- firm, fair consistent handling both on the ground and in the saddle so the horse doesn't get spoilt or bad mannered

- lots of variety in work not just doing one thing

- owners own yard where pasture etc is well maintained (so not liable to have to move livery and end up somewhere awful)

- a home FOR LIFE, and that means until the end of its days, when the intention would be to provide a peaceful euthanised death without stress if the horse is in pain and/or nothing else can be done for it
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Brilliant answer.. love it...

OP good luck in your horse search, I'm sure you will find that special someone :)

Fiona
 
I've just bought a horse (subject to vet) that I was able to buy not because I was the one offering the most money or the person that got there first but because I was offering the type of home that the person thought most suitable to the horse. The police had been interested as had a purely hunting home. However as I am offering a low level RC home but ultimately a horse to love and spoil this is what the seller thinks he is most suited to. Plus, at the viewing she said she liked how I acted and spoke to him, and could see that he would have a good home. Also, as he is roughly 180 miles away she asked if she would be able to deliver him for me (if I cover the cost of diesel) so she was able to see where he was going which I was more then happy to oblige, however I am not sure how it would play out if for some reason she did not like my yard?? Who knows (though I know no reason why she shouldn't!!)
 
Fiona said:
Brilliant answer.. love it...

OP good luck in your horse search, I'm sure you will find that special someone :)

Fiona
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Just had "the one" I'd fallen in love with..... fail a vetting :( This in spite of her passing a Riding School vetting earlier in the Spring, surprisingly. Vet picked up hind-leg lameness, possibly stifle, so not just a footy issue. Am feeling just gutted at the mo; plus had another lovely little mare in my sights back in the summer who's owner "wanted her to go to a family" and not to an older rider like me.
 
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Never thought about this before - I've seen it a lot but it certainly means different things to different people.
I also think that pretty much every buyer will be of the opinion that they are offering a five star home. I can't imagine anyone saying 'Well I'd like to buy that horse but I can only offer a four star home so I won't bother phoning up.'

The lady who sold my pony to me said that she really wanted him to go to a hunting home because that's what he'd been brought up to do and he loved it.
My instructor wouldn't sell to anyone who was a Parelli devotee. Some people came to view a pony she was selling and came equipped with carrot stick and long rope. They were turned away in spite of their insistence that they could offer a 'five star home'.

It's not a very helpful phrase and if sellers are fussy about their horse going (or not going) to a hunting home/competition home/small yard/large yard/24 hour all year turnout - then it's best to specify rather than 'Five star home essential.'
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Just had "the one" I'd fallen in love with..... fail a vetting :( This in spite of her passing a Riding School vetting earlier in the Spring, surprisingly. Vet picked up hind-leg lameness, possibly stifle, so not just a footy issue. Am feeling just gutted at the mo; plus had another lovely little mare in my sights back in the summer who's owner "wanted her to go to a family" and not to an older rider like me.
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Try not to feel disheartened, searching for ponies is exciting but so gutting! You will find the special one :) I would have no problem selling to a first time buyer in general, unfortunately my boy just isn't a first horse so it would be irresponsible to. I would sell to a first time buyer everyday over someone who bought horses like they were toys.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
I'm a potential buyer offering a "5 Star home".

For this, the horse/pony gets:

- a home where any inspection is welcomed pre-purchase, and references i.e. vet/professional recommendations can be provided

- a knowledgeable home, with company

- an owner who, if any behaviour issues develop, will quickly access professional help if needed rather than let something develop

- an owner who is continually updating and improving upon their own existing knowledge and experience

- an owner who will call the vet if there's any doubt about anything rather than leave things go

- regular farrier, vet & dentist checks

- ditto saddle fitter

- firm, fair consistent handling both on the ground and in the saddle so the horse doesn't get spoilt or bad mannered

- lots of variety in work not just doing one thing

- owners own yard where pasture etc is well maintained (so not liable to have to move livery and end up somewhere awful)

- a home FOR LIFE, and that means until the end of its days, when the intention would be to provide a peaceful euthanised death without stress if the horse is in pain and/or nothing else can be done for it
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I agree with all of the above except for this:

MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
- a home where previous owner is welcome to stay in touch with the horse's progress (within reason: as long as this doesn't become too clingey!)
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I've never sold a horse, as I keep them in their retirement as a companion for the next horse I buy, but I'd like to think that if I did sell a horse that I'd have the grace to accept that I'd had my time and now it was the new owners time. If I've sold the horse and ensured they've gone to a good home then as far as I'm concerned its none of my business as to what the new owner does with the horse.

I know someone who bought a horse from a lady who had to sell because she lived way beyond her means. She constantly wanted updates, which then turned into visits to see "her boy." Then it was unannounced visits, then it was drunken texts and abusive phone calls because she expected my friend to drop job, family and arrangements to accommodate the mad bint. Then it was FB posts implying my friend had "stolen" her horse. In the end the police were involved and my friend got a restraining order against her.

Not suggesting you would be like that of course, but plenty of former owners of horses do behave like that (not necessarily to the same extreme behaviour as the woman I used in my example, but not far from it!). I just find the whole "you must keep in contact and update me regularly" incredibly intrusive.
 
My friend, who's a very experienced owner/rider, bought (or so she thought!) a pony for her daughter. She paid for it by BACs transfer & paid for it to be vetted as well.
The pony's owner turned up to look at the yard where it was going to be liveried. It's a bit rough & ready but with nice big airy stables & plenty of turnout, & a sand school. It's in a small, pretty, rural village with plenty of off-road hacking. In easy driving distance of some competition venues etc etc.
The owner didn't like the yard & didn't consider it a suitable environment for her pony to live in.
She cancelled the sale & returned all monies to my friend.
 
My idea of a five star home is a kind and knowledgeable owner who is looking for a horse to keep for themselves and not sell it on again. Obviously, sometimes they might have to, if they find they are completely mismatched or finances or circumstances change, but it is the INTENTION that is the important thing. They must also have the finances to care for the horse well and the facilities at home or at livery that meet the horse's needs. These don't have to be posh, or super spotless, or have an arena, etc. Just have to meet the horse's needs.
 
I think its a really stupid thing to put in an advert- Once a horse is sold you have absolutely no control over what sort of home its kept in. If the '5 star home' wants to sell to a dealer they can.
 
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