For those actively looking to buy a horse - how hard is it now?

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I know it’s going into winter, but the prices strike me as reasonable. Gone down a rabbit hole and love this coloured, the side eye makes me think he’s cheeky! https://www.horsequest.co.uk/advertisment/321534

I think dismissing the younger (and therefore often cheaper) horses is not necessarily the best idea. I bought a 5 year old and he was fab, very level headed (mostly!) There are some interesting ones out there.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I ended up paying £10k for a horse advertised at £15k once by telling them I would like to view but only had £10k to spend. They said as long as I could complete the deal before their mortgage payment was due they would take it.

It's not fair not to tell them before viewing, but you can only ask, what's the worst that can happen?
.

Yeah, sometimes due to personal circumstances, people will take a lesser amount, especially if it meets certain time constraints that they may be under. You have to be upfront about it though, just as you were.

My thing is, if you don't ask, then the answer is no. Just ask upfront.

 

[SO1]

Yeah, sometimes due to personal circumstances, people will take a lesser amount, especially if it meets certain time constraints that they may be under. You have to be upfront about it though, just as you were.

My thing is, if you don't ask, then the answer is no. Just ask upfront.

I didn't make an offer his price dropped on his advert and then I was the first to view. I was just lucky. I don't think the photos on his advert really did him justice.

 

[SO1]

Sorry OP off topic, but how is Bert?

He is on field rest until Tuesday when vet will come back to review. He was sound again including on flexion on Thursday when vet came back to review him. He couldn't find anything obvious wrong with him though his stifle did lock twice on the lunge which has not happened before. So he said field rest him and then he will check him again on Tues and we will go from there. At the moment he thinks his stifle might have locked badly and that might have caused him to be 6/10 lame when he came on the Saturday and the few days rest and bute settled it. I think he is possibly have a growth spurt and filling out he is less bum high and looking more chunky. He gets more turnout/grass than he did on his old yard.

 

[LEC]

A few years ago I wouldn't have given either of mine a second glance. Funnily enough though, after having these and a more spirited share, I could be tempted to a more sporty type again, but to have got one a couple of years ago, when out of practice, would not have gone well for me.

Another vote for thicker legs and slower brains.

BTW. I had a generous budget for a smaller version of when birker is looking for and still couldn't find one for love nor money. But, by buying a thinker legged and slower brained version, I have enjoyed bringing on a 4yo, which was certainly not my intention initially, especially a grey one!

From what you describe birker, I think you may have to save a bit more than the 12K that have been the price tags on the ones you have been considering, for a sound, sane one that is. maybe not if it is towards the 14yo age, with some controlled conditions.

they actually have faster brains but slower legs… but it also means they process and regulate themselves quicker. Warmbloods have slower brains but faster legs so hence fright or flight is much stronger.

 

[Tiddlypom]

It's so hard when you don't currently ride too. There is a horse at the livery yard I can ride but at £60 a pop I'm not sure I can do that too often.

Getting some muscle memory and riding fitness back before you start looking at and trying potential horses is pretty much essential. It is hard enough buying a new horse when you are riding fit.

I’m older than you and I’ve posted variously on HHO recently about getting myself back in the riding swing, from lessons, to a mechanical horse, then to riding in open country and multi day trail rides.

I’m a much better and more confident rider now than I was a few months ago. I’ll never be the rider that I was when I was in my 30s, but I’m ok.

£350 for 6 x 2 hour rides in open country on good horses (which is what I pay) before you start trying horses would be a great investment. I’ve ridden maybe 8 times at this place, which I believe is closer to you than to me, and have ridden 5 different horses there, all good, 3 of which were 17hh plus. One of them, a Dutch warmblood x ID, is now in my avatar.

A fun afternoon's trekking on Cannock Chase

Operation 'get me fit enough to book on a multi day trail riding holiday' has now entered the third phase, after getting rather waylaid over the last year by post double covid fatigue. First phase was this time last year, returner riding lessons in the arena at an excellent local riding school...

forums.horseandhound.co.uk

 

[Red-1]

they actually have faster brains but slower legs… but it also means they process and regulate themselves quicker. Warmbloods have slower brains but faster legs so hence fright or flight is much stronger.

LOL, not so sure BH has a fast brain. He tends to give a 30 second warning before anything untoward happens. He has to think about it. Long way between his brain and legs too

 

[Birker2020]

At the same time, it's rude to waste a sellers time or take part in "riding tourism" as some call it.

It's hard because you do need to find what suits, but you also don't want to unfairly waste others time if you have no true intent or possibility to buy.

I wouldn't dream of doing that, that's why I haven't. I will wait till the right one comes along.

 

[SO1]

Getting some muscle memory and riding fitness back before you start looking at and trying potential horses is pretty much essential. It is hard enough buying a new horse when you are riding fit.

I’m older than you and I’ve posted variously on HHO recently about getting myself back in the riding swing, from lessons, to a mechanical horse, then to riding in open country and multi day trail rides.

I’m a much better and more confident rider now than I was a few months ago. I’ll never be the rider that I was when I was in my 30s, but I’m ok.

£350 for 6 x 2 hour rides in open country on good horses (which is what I pay) before you start trying horses would be a great investment. I’ve ridden maybe 8 times at this place, which I believe is closer to you than to me, and have ridden there 5 different horses, all good, 3 of which were 17hh plus. One of them, a warmblood x ID, is now in my avatar.

I think also if you have ridden the same horse a lot it and got comfortable with them it can take a while to get used to assessing other horses under saddle.

When I lost Homey I rode twice a week at a RS for a year just getting used to riding other horses to get a feel for what they are like and getting comfortable and confident in doing so. I appreciate it is not a cheap option when you are also saving for a new horse.

Birker I am sure the right horse will come in time. I think the more you view the more you can define what is and is not important and that helps you hone in what imperfections you may be willing to accept and what are deal breakers. I think with what you have to currently spend there will be some compromises that will need to be made. In the end I ended up getting younger than I wanted to get the breed that I wanted and to get a pony that would pass a 5 stage with X-rays.

 

[Birker2020]

Yeah, sometimes due to personal circumstances, people will take a lesser amount, especially if it meets certain time constraints that they may be under. You have to be upfront about it though, just as you were.

My thing is, if you don't ask, then the answer is no. Just ask upfront.

I bought Lari for 2.5k less than his sale price so I've done it before.

I'm not ready yet as I keep saying. I want a contingency fund behind me, a years insurance premium, the vetting cost, MIPS riding hat cost and a good stock of shavings and pellets and rugs as mine are with Lari.

I'm in no rush, Spring will be fine. I can't make another 'mistake' although Lari was a nice 'mistake', we've just been to see him, love him to bits!

Hopefully I will have lost some more weight and can then start some riding lessons as I'm over the weight limit at the moment.

I'm very patient.

 

[Ceriann]

Getting all your ducks in a row before buying isn’t a bad plan and building your reserves etc and budget too. As I said I waited a long time to find the right one - I felt pretty stupid at times, especially with horsey friends who I sent dozens of potentials details to but I’m glad I did.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I bought Lari for 2.5k less than his sale price so I've done it before.

I'm not ready yet as I keep saying. I want a contingency fund behind me, a years insurance premium, the vetting cost, MIPS riding hat cost and a good stock of shavings and pellets and rugs as mine are with Lari.

I'm in no rush, Spring will be fine. I can't make another 'mistake' although Lari was a nice 'mistake', we've just been to see him, love him to bits!

Hopefully I will have lost some more weight and can then start some riding lessons as I'm over the weight limit at the moment.

I'm very patient.

It sounds as though you're making some sensible choices.

 

[Bernster]

I was also a bit surprised at the ones you linked Birker.

I totally get going for something a little older so they’ve had some mileage and you’re not doing a whole lot of firsts with them, which can feel a bit risky.

I also def concur with revising your wish list based on where you’re at currently/in the near future. I got v lucky with Finn as a just turned 5yo as he had the temperament and sanity so he turned into an amazing confidence giver but it took a lot of lessons and schooling and I don’t know if I would take that on again!

 

[Peglo]

I agree not to discount a younger horse. Tali was 6 the day she arrived and she has been amazing at everything I’ve asked of her. She just took everything in her stride. Showing, dressage, jumping, XC, riding club, large group hacks. We’ve done so many firsts together and she just seems to do it. It’s all been her being so great, nothing to do with my (very basic) skill. And I’ve felt safe riding her from day one and like it’s just meant to be.

So if you do see one that you love but it seems younger than you’d like it may be worth going and having a look. It could be the one.

 

[ycbm]

I bought Lari for 2.5k less than his sale price so I've done it before.

I'm not ready yet as I keep saying. I want a contingency fund behind me, a years insurance premium, the vetting cost, MIPS riding hat cost and a good stock of shavings and pellets and rugs as mine are with Lari.

I'm in no rush, Spring will be fine. I can't make another 'mistake' although Lari was a nice 'mistake', we've just been to see him, love him to bits!

Hopefully I will have lost some more weight and can then start some riding lessons as I'm over the weight limit at the moment.

I'm very patient.

You plan is very sound.

I'm pretty sure that i'm not alone in being extremely confused about why you are listing your search criteria and pointers to multiple adverts if you've got no intention of viewing for 6 months.

Now I know you aren't buying, I'll stop trying to give you advice.
.

 

[SO1]

I bought Lari for 2.5k less than his sale price so I've done it before.

I'm not ready yet as I keep saying. I want a contingency fund behind me, a years insurance premium, the vetting cost, MIPS riding hat cost and a good stock of shavings and pellets and rugs as mine are with Lari.

I'm in no rush, Spring will be fine. I can't make another 'mistake' although Lari was a nice 'mistake', we've just been to see him, love him to bits!

Hopefully I will have lost some more weight and can then start some riding lessons as I'm over the weight limit at the moment.

I'm very patient.

I think that is sensible. You have had a stressful time with Larry and some time over the winter to relax is sensible.

Horse buying is risky and however cautious you are and even if you had a mega budget there is no guarantees that something won't go wrong. What happened with Lari was bad luck don't blame yourself for that you were cautious, you got him vetted, you didn't get him from a dodgy dealer. It could have happened to anyone.

 

[AdorableAlice]

they actually have faster brains but slower legs… but it also means they process and regulate themselves quicker. Warmbloods have slower brains but faster legs so hence fright or flight is much stronger.

The dumb bloods need leaving to the pro riders who can organise the horse to within a nano second of what is being asked of it, work it hard and consistently and sit on it when it chucks a hissy fit. There are some ISH blood lines that are not best suited to leisure riders too.

https://theequestriannoticeboard.co.uk/hunting-allrounder-horses-sale-wanted.html Try this platform for good solid hunters and pleasure horses.

 

[Birker2020]

You plan is very sound.

I'm pretty sure that i'm not alone in being extremely confused about why you are listing your search criteria and pointers to multiple adverts if you've got no intention of viewing for 6 months.

Now I know you aren't buying, I'll stop trying to give you advice.
.

Because you don't read my posts correctly. I just said I liked the look of the horses in the adverts, and they were the type I was looking for, I didn't say I was going to view them. I've said many times in this thread I'm not looking at the moment as I need to save more money so I don't know with all those clues why you should be confused.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Did you look at that link above @Birker2020 ? There looks are few good solid types there. Might be worth keeping in mind for future

 

[Birker2020]

Did you look at that link above @Birker2020 ? There looks are few good solid types there. Might be worth keeping in mind for future

Had a quick look, there's a good variety, certainly worth considering in the future. Thanks AA and BB

 

[Barton Bounty]

Had a quick look, there's a good variety, certainly worth considering in the future. Thanks AA and BB

Mind you, i saw one at 23,500 i nearly choked

 

[ycbm]

Because you don't read my posts correctly. I just said I liked the look of the horses in the adverts, and they were the type I was looking for, I didn't say I was going to view them. I've said many times in this thread I'm not looking at the moment as I need to save more money so I don't know with all those clues why you should be confused.

You'll have to forgive me I'm afraid,. I was fooled by three things.

Somebody else quoting your stated criteria having stripped off the part where you said you weren't buying yet.

You listing five horse adverts without saying why you were listing them.

The fact you said you are paying to keep your stable free while also paying livery somewhere else for Lari. It simply never crossed my mind that you would do that for 6 months and not just keep Lari where he was if you weren't buying another. I made the incorrect assumption that you were prepared to buy sooner.

I will look forward to you doing a proper horse search in the spring.
.

 

[[153312]]

Not sure there's much point seeing what the market is doing in the autumn if you're planning on buying in the spring though; even putting the current cost of living issues aside, prices always change hugely between spring/summer and the start of winter anyway.

Edted to add - and there's certainly no point bookmarking adverts now because if something hasn't sold in that amount of time, run a mile.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

The dumb bloods need leaving to the pro riders who can organise the horse to within a nano second of what is being asked of it, work it hard and consistently and sit on it when it chucks a hissy fit. There are some ISH blood lines that are not best suited to leisure riders too.

https://theequestriannoticeboard.co.uk/hunting-allrounder-horses-sale-wanted.html Try this platform for good solid hunters and pleasure horses.

I really hate the term “dumb bloods” I have had a BWB and a DWB jumping lines the second of which had a fair BS competition record (I jump about 70cm max) and both were / are lovely all-rounders and much saner and more polite to handle and intelligent than many an Irish bred or cob I’ve personally come across. They’ve definitely have their moments but nothing I haven’t been able to work on and deal with. Both were mature when I bought them at 9 and 10 yrs old. I’m no pro-rider by any means. My unproven theory is that most have been professionally bred and handled from a young age and been properly taught how to behave.

 

[ycbm]

I really hate the term “dumb bloods” I have had a BWB and a DWB jumping lines the second of which had a fair BS competition record (I jump about 70cm max) and both were / are lovely all-rounders and much saner and more polite to handle and intelligent than many an Irish bred or cob I’ve personally come across. They’ve definitely have their moments but nothing I haven’t been able to work on and deal with. Both were mature when I bought them at 9 and 10 yrs old. I’m no pro-rider by any means. My unproven theory is that most have been professionally bred and handled from a young age and been properly taught how to behave.

To be fair to AA she did make that comment responding to a description by someonecelse characterising warmbloods as having "quick legs and slow brains", and those do exist. I agree that any mass categorisation of warmbloods as dumbloods is out of date these days when the breeding is very mixed indeed. In the early days of continental warmbloods in this country, 30+ years ago, it was very apt.
.

 

[Fielder]

Keep us updated.

on second viewing he looks even smaller (daylight) Id say he's 14.1 at best, am I being too picky? He's also more kick along than I intend on but only 5 so may get less lazy with work. Went to look at another height looks, but he's a bit impatient and get a jiggy jog when asked to stop which could be worked on but probably part of his personality. Surely I should be just set on one not left confused?? - is it rude to ask to remeasure horse no. 1 or should I just keep looking?

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

https://theequestriannoticeboard.co...r-genuine-allrounder,4159.html#dj-classifieds

I am utterly utterly in love, if he was liver chestnut he would be my absolute dream horse. I love big, ginger IDs. Wow!

 

[Barton Bounty]

https://theequestriannoticeboard.co...r-genuine-allrounder,4159.html#dj-classifieds

I am utterly utterly in love, if he was liver chestnut he would be my absolute dream horse. I love big, ginger IDs. Wow!

Oh i saw him, he is gorgeous!!!

 

[JBM]

Oh i saw him, he is gorgeous!!!

I’d poop me pants at that height

 

[AmyMay]

https://theequestriannoticeboard.co...r-genuine-allrounder,4159.html#dj-classifieds

I am utterly utterly in love, if he was liver chestnut he would be my absolute dream horse. I love big, ginger IDs. Wow!

Hideous front legs.