For those actively looking to buy a horse - how hard is it now?
- Thread starter Birker2020
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AmyMay
Situation normal
I spent time at the end of one summer (years ago) starting to get fit a 15.3 cob for one of our local hunts (Whip’s horse). He was amazing. I’m only 5ft3”, the Whip was about 5ft.10”. He was a lovely, safe, gentle ‘giant’. But boy could he shift and jump.
Lovely old boy
Lovely old boy
ihatework
Well-Known Member
I spent time at the end of one summer (years ago) starting to get fit a 15.3 cob for one of our local hunts (Whip’s horse). He was amazing. I’m only 5ft3”, the Whip was about 5ft.10”. He was a lovely, safe, gentle ‘giant’. But boy could he shift and jump.
Lovely old boy
I completely agree, whilst I wouldn’t be a natural cob person, I have ridden 2-3 what I would call turbo cobs and they really surprised me. Now they will never ride like a warmblood, but there are those out there with a bit about them and 200% capable of OP spec. But more importantly I think they would carry weight a little easier than a bigger but sportier horse and thus more likely to actually do the job over a period of time.
Asha
Well-Known Member
Upthecreek
Well-Known Member
Just don’t underestimate the combined impact that the years, not riding much and everything that happened with Lari might have had on your riding confidence. I haven’t been through any of that, apart from the passing of the years, and I certainly enjoy riding the quieter more predictable types these days and that doesn’t mean boring horses with no personality. You really are due some good luck and I hope you buy a great horse, but I think you need to give yourself every chance by looking at the right types for you at this stage in your life and your level of riding confidence.
minesadouble
Well-Known Member
I get where you're coming from as I'm a fan of big horses. I'm also pretty rusty, having been out of the saddle for a number of years.
We have a lovely cob that we keep as a bit of a 'spare'. I rode him the other week and he's a lot of fun.
I'm 5'6, take a guess at the height of the cob.
We have a lovely cob that we keep as a bit of a 'spare'. I rode him the other week and he's a lot of fun.
I'm 5'6, take a guess at the height of the cob.
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nagblagger
Well-Known Member
We all prefer different types of horses, I can understand trying to broaden Birkers horse shopping remit, but if she wants a 17hh finer type horse that is her choice.
Remember there was a lot of pressure for S01 to deviate from what she ultimately wanted, but she held out and got the right New Forest for her.
@Birker2020 go and enjoy the experience of trying various types and hopefully buy your new soulmate, whatever they turn out to be.
Remember there was a lot of pressure for S01 to deviate from what she ultimately wanted, but she held out and got the right New Forest for her.
@Birker2020 go and enjoy the experience of trying various types and hopefully buy your new soulmate, whatever they turn out to be.
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
There was a nice little spotted cob at a previous yard, and when the owner cleaned him up (clipped off all feathers, kept mane short, etc) he looked quite sporty. I know some would be bothered by the hair removal on a cob, but it gave him a totally different look.
As someone that's extremely biased toward Iberians, I can understand wanting a certain type. You do have to be realistic about things though.
As someone that's extremely biased toward Iberians, I can understand wanting a certain type. You do have to be realistic about things though.
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
I think the forum remembers that we’ve done the rounds of this before with the OP, several years ago, and people are trying to (very politely) point her in the direction of a more suitable type of horse.
Personally I cannot see how someone who has hardly ridden in years and not at all for several months can adequately go and try out a horse, let alone the type the OP is talking about, and decide if it’s right for them.
And this is coming from someone who used to ride big competition horses and never imagined she’d be the owner of a 15.1 cob mare who is absolute perfection, fun but safe, a pleasure to produce and will turn her hoof to anything asked of her. Oh, and who my 5’10” YO with legs like a supermodel can ride and look perfectly sensible on, bc the horse takes up the leg but isn’t at all chunky.
Just because I used to ride huge young horses doesn’t mean they’re suitable for me now (and I’m not that ancient yet, I’m just sensible). I’m having so much fun with a horse that never used to be my “type”
gunnergundog
Well-Known Member
It may be a bit late now, but I really would advise getting some riding in before you view.
Can you not blag a sit on or two at the yard you have a stable reserved at?
Can your physio friend not pull a string or two for you to have a sit on? Even if it is just sitting on something to walk it off as a cool down it would be a start and help loosen you up. Alternatively, look at a lesson on the simulator at the RDA at Lowsonford?
Good luck.
Can you not blag a sit on or two at the yard you have a stable reserved at?
Can your physio friend not pull a string or two for you to have a sit on? Even if it is just sitting on something to walk it off as a cool down it would be a start and help loosen you up. Alternatively, look at a lesson on the simulator at the RDA at Lowsonford?
Good luck.
nagblagger
Well-Known Member
I actually agree with you @Rowreach , but the OP has to learn this lesson herself. I now have a cob, but if someone told me years ago that i would end up with one i probably would have laughed at them. (i was an arab lover in my prime.) I now actually have more fun plodding round the lanes on a mule !
gunnergundog
Well-Known Member
duplicate...sorry
maya2008
Well-Known Member
Just a thought about 17hh+ horses - statistically they are more prone to injury as the horse ‘design’ isn’t meant to go that big. Can’t find the research now as I read it a few years ago, but it was a very interesting read about biomechanics etc.
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
I went from a 17.3 heavyweight show hunter to a 17.2 middleweight show hunter, both top competition horses, to a maxi cob. Absolutely adore her, she looks after my old bones, and now her health is where it should be, she is a pocket rocket, but safe and fun to ride. She actually only measures 16h but is so deep she takes a tall riders leg up easily. Finding one of these is not an easy task though.I think the forum remembers that we’ve done the rounds of this before with the OP, several years ago, and people are trying to (very politely) point her in the direction of a more suitable type of horse.
Personally I cannot see how someone who has hardly ridden in years and not at all for several months can adequately go and try out a horse, let alone the type the OP is talking about, and decide if it’s right for them.
And this is coming from someone who used to ride big competition horses and never imagined she’d be the owner of a 15.1 cob mare who is absolute perfection, fun but safe, a pleasure to produce and will turn her hoof to anything asked of her. Oh, and who my 5’10” YO with legs like a supermodel can ride and look perfectly sensible on, bc the horse takes up the leg but isn’t at all chunky.
Just because I used to ride huge young horses doesn’t mean they’re suitable for me now (and I’m not that ancient yet, I’m just sensible). I’m having so much fun with a horse that never used to be my “type”
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Surbie
Well-Known Member
He sounds just my kind of horse.
Also looks like my current horse, which is only a plus as he's stunning in my eyes.
expanding_horizon
Well-Known Member
Interesting I’m 5ft6 and about 11-12 stone (currently lower end of weight). Ive got long legs for my body. I’ve now got a 17hh warmblood, and smaller would be easier, was looking for max 16.2hh (which is what current horse is advertised as I was just a bit blinded to him being bigger until after the purchase!)
I’ve not really seen many horses under 16hh though that are both athletic enough and take up my leg and I’m not too heavy for. Either on the market or across the range of horses my friends own.
Though the above is on the shipping list for the next one.
I’ve not really seen many horses under 16hh though that are both athletic enough and take up my leg and I’m not too heavy for. Either on the market or across the range of horses my friends own.
Though the above is on the shipping list for the next one.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure why you think I want a huge young horse. I'm looking at 16.3hh to 17hh aged 8-12.I think the forum remembers that we’ve done the rounds of this before with the OP, several years ago, and people are trying to (very politely) point her in the direction of a more suitable type of horse.
Personally I cannot see how someone who has hardly ridden in years and not at all for several months can adequately go and try out a horse, let alone the type the OP is talking about, and decide if it’s right for them.
And this is coming from someone who used to ride big competition horses and never imagined she’d be the owner of a 15.1 cob mare who is absolute perfection, fun but safe, a pleasure to produce and will turn her hoof to anything asked of her. Oh, and who my 5’10” YO with legs like a supermodel can ride and look perfectly sensible on, bc the horse takes up the leg but isn’t at all chunky.
Just because I used to ride huge young horses doesn’t mean they’re suitable for me now (and I’m not that ancient yet, I’m just sensible). I’m having so much fun with a horse that never used to be my “type”
As you so patroningly and condescending put it, 'you did the rounds with me years ago'. Listen to what you are saying and stop being so rude. Blimey. I only lost Bailey mid 2021. Lari wasn't a mistake, in that I wasn't over horsed, he wasn't some kind of wild stallion. He had arthritis, KS and SI problems. He was reactive and I don't blame him.
And I'm not sure why there's anything wrong with wanting something 16.2hh-17hh, my last six have been that. I don't want a 15 hand something or other.
You have to strip the last bit of joy and excitement out of everything and pull me down all the time don't you?
I really wish I'd not bothered to say anything. I never learn. There is always someone happy to tear someone down in order to elevate themselves. Mist people on here a lre kind but there's some real rotters.
I'll be certain not to report back if I do buy anything that's for sure which is a shame.
Widgeon
Well-Known Member
Ooh a challenge....I'm 5'8" (so a bit taller than you) and my legs were a bit lower on a 13.3 Highland. So....13.3?
Nice cob by the way, lucky you having one that nice just as a "spare"!
Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
And here we go.
I said that I used to ride big young horses. Not that you were looking for one.
And I really despair at the way you have, for years, accused me of pulling you down. I don't, and I never have. I've never said anything that multiple other people haven't said to you. But you are prone to an overreaction and you do like to have a pop at me.
And we have all lost horses along the way.
You have to understand (and you have been on this forum for years and years) that if you post about huge chunks of your life on here, you will get lots of people responding, and you may not agree with all the answers. I'm actually amazed at myself for bothering to try to offer you some advice (which loads of people upthread have also offered) to save you going down the same road, yet again.
paddy555
Well-Known Member
Really?? to my mind any self respecting cob would have sorted the weight problem by eating the carrots.But he's a tank! Seriously he would carry you me and a bag of carrots!
Barklands
Well-Known Member
Hear hear!
I bought a young, fresh off the track 17h TB after having not ridden for 4 years. One of the best decisions ever. Having a break from riding does not mean you are not competent, IMO it's like riding a bike! Go for it, buy the big horse and screw em! They're often the gentle giants, my huge ID will vouch for that!!
I am very tall and not as slim as I used to be, so would feel less confident on something too small than something bigger! You buy what makes you happy and I hope you have a great deal of fun in the process!
tristars
Well-Known Member
you know what you want, you are an experienced competition rider, you are not old, a decent rider can get back on and pick up where they left off, unless its a lunatic which i am sure it is not
go for it B
go for it B
nutjob
Well-Known Member
@Birker2020 I bought a new horse about the same time as you bought Lari. Mine has also gone horrifically wrong, he's a wobbler. He was fine as a 2yo, I backed him at 3.5yo, rode for about 8 months no problem then had 2 absolutely crashing falls. He has unstable vertebrae rather than the typical birth defect so it didn't show up straight away. Like you I am now looking for another horse. Also like you it's not my fault I cannot ride my current horse or that I fell, and his condition is not a result of bad riding or mismanagement on my part. I will definitely get another big moving warmblood or at a push ISH. This next horse will hopefully be the last I need to buy so I'm going to get the best I can afford.
Stick with your dream and get what makes you happy, I wish you good luck with the purchasing process. I had some shocking incidents last time around which was why I bought a youngster.
I hope you can post about your experience this time, but if not feel free to pm me, I will be interested in how you get on.
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
There is a young RID by Cloonacauleen Grandpa on the Irish Draught Breeders page. 17.2 at 4 so he will be a big lad when he finally finishes in another 3 years time. Just started, and very orange, but he does look a super type.
paddy555
Well-Known Member
possibly but not always. I think a lot realise that what they did when younger would now be very much harder mentally.
I think the other point that has to be taken into account with women of a certain age. The menopause. For some it doesn't affect their riding, I imagine if you ride daily you probably don't notice too much. I hadn't given it much thought until on other threads ladies started talking about anxiety etc and it did seem to affect their confidence riding.
I think in Birker's position and based on what she is looking for I would go for a few hacks/lessons on a similar horse just to make sure I was totally confident before I went to view.
Mrs. Jingle
Well-Known Member
Personally I had no idea that Birker is an experienced competition rider and as I am not and never have been, well not in my opinion anyway, I will therefore withdraw my unwanted opinion. Apologies all round.....but I would still go for the handsome Irish cob.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
Thanks but we've spent hundreds renovating the trailer and I can't afford a lorry or a bigger trailer/towing vehicle so I can't go bigger than 17hh/17.1hh.
SO1
Well-Known Member
@Birker2020 the standard response on here to anyone who has not ridden for a while or has lost their nerve is to buy a cob. A lot of people just are not keen on cobs in the same way at the end of the scale people are not keen on TBs.
People make assumptions based on your online persona but they won't have seen you ride.
When I was looking after loosing Homey I was coming off a 20 year old school master that I had had for 15 years and then spent a year at a riding school and not a talented or confident rider quite a few people were recommending I buy unbacked or just backed four years when I had not sat on a youngster for 15 years and wanted a school master type at around in the 8-12 year old age bracket. So you take people's advice as kind and well meaning but only you know what you will feel confident riding and what you like.
I did end up getting another youngster so I have a 5 year old who will be 6 in June but I do have my instructor riding him for me quite a lot mainly due to the unforeseen situation with my parents and work but also as he is young horse he needs to be kept ticking over to prevent bad habits and to build his confidence in his new surroundings and he is not as laid back as Homey was as a 5 year old.
People told me to give up on my dreams of getting a NF again but I am glad I did hold out and get another although it might have been easier for me to get a more schoolmaster cob type but I wanted another forester. You probably want another horse similar to the ones you have loved before rather than a cob and that is understandable.
When you do view it make sure you jump it and don't buy if you don't feel 100% confident jumping.
Good luck.
People make assumptions based on your online persona but they won't have seen you ride.
When I was looking after loosing Homey I was coming off a 20 year old school master that I had had for 15 years and then spent a year at a riding school and not a talented or confident rider quite a few people were recommending I buy unbacked or just backed four years when I had not sat on a youngster for 15 years and wanted a school master type at around in the 8-12 year old age bracket. So you take people's advice as kind and well meaning but only you know what you will feel confident riding and what you like.
I did end up getting another youngster so I have a 5 year old who will be 6 in June but I do have my instructor riding him for me quite a lot mainly due to the unforeseen situation with my parents and work but also as he is young horse he needs to be kept ticking over to prevent bad habits and to build his confidence in his new surroundings and he is not as laid back as Homey was as a 5 year old.
People told me to give up on my dreams of getting a NF again but I am glad I did hold out and get another although it might have been easier for me to get a more schoolmaster cob type but I wanted another forester. You probably want another horse similar to the ones you have loved before rather than a cob and that is understandable.
When you do view it make sure you jump it and don't buy if you don't feel 100% confident jumping.
Good luck.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
I used to jump unaffiliated up to 1.05m and unaff elementary dressage so nothing major but I was out every weekend with dressage/jumping or fun rides.Personally I had no idea that Birker is an experienced competition rider and as I am not and never have been, well not in my opinion anyway, I will therefore withdraw my unwanted opinion. Apologies all round.....but I would still go for the handsome Irish cob.
It was a long time ago and I'd probably be terrified jumping anything over 2ft 9 now
but I intend to have a weekly lesson and won't be competing for a long while yet. I will probably spend a while just getting used to being back on board and getting used to it all again. 20 minute/half hour rides till I'm fitter. I went eight years once from selling my first horse to buying my next and didn't ride once in between and just carried on where I'd left off.I expect I will get some aches and pains till I get used to it but I went 10 or 11 months from riding Bailey till getting Lari and just got stuck back in again so feel confident I will be okay. I jumped Lari when I viewed him so I'm sure I will do the same again.
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AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
It was a general comment for anyone looking for a hunter and with time and knowledge to produce him.
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