Going to see a prospective new horse

I

idefixbis

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I am going on Saturday to have a second look at and try 2 horses. They are both 3 year old hannoverian geldings. I already have a preference for one over the other but thought I would have a look and try of both.
I want a horse so as to compete in dressage, but also a horse who I can hack out with generally and with a good temperament.
I will be having regular lessons and help from a professional, but as he is the one who's horses I am going to see I can't expect an unbiased opinion.

Unfortunately I don't have any good knowledgeable horsey friends over here or at any rate not ones who I can ask to come and help me in my choice and give me an opinion.
I am therefore on my own in making a decision.
I tend to go by feeling (horses look, whether he is friendly, calm etc..)
I will also see how I feel on board

I will take some photos and video to send to a good friend who's advice I trust.
however I don't want to make a mistake
What should I be looking for?
What questions should I ask?
Any thing that I may forget or not think of.
I will be getting a complete check by the vet if I do decide on one of these horses.
 
Post the pics for us to have a look!
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Get the vids and look at them in turn, making notes (if you are like me and have a mind like a sieve and NEED notes!) on how you felt at the time, and how it looked. Think like a dressage judge - paces etc. But how you felt when you were on board is a huge factor

E.g. my friend looked really calm and collected on this gorgeous horse who looked good, but apparently from her point of view he was really fizzy and raring to go.
 
Also consider whether a 3yr old is your best bet if you're wanting to compete - if you're wanting to compete straight away you won't be able to (have to be 4yrs to compete) and even a 4yr old won't be at a particularly high level (I hope).

However if you have the time and experience to bring it on then fine.
Write down questions you want to ask before you go as if you're anything like me you'll forget as soon as you get there lol and take someone along to perhaps film you riding it - so you can watch back afterwards.
 
In the long run I want to compete, but I also really want to (with help) bring on a young horse, watch him develop and hopefully progress and learn alot too myself. There are competitions for 4 and 5 year olds over here which is what I will start with.
I am in a panic as I thought that I could take videos with my new camera but turns out it doesn't do that. So unless I find someone with a video recorder to lend me before tommorrow (will be difficult) then I'll only have photos.
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The thought of either a young rider or a relatively new rider buying a young horse & bringing them on together & learning together sounds wonderful & idilic. Unfortunately this is rarely the case & very often is a recipe for disaster.

A young or inexperienced rider rarely has the knowledge or ability to bring on a young horse. Even with the assistance of a proffesional it is extremely difficult as they not only have to teach the horse but also the rider.

I don't want to rain on your parade but I believe that at your stage it appears you would be better to get an older animal who already knows their job. That way the instructor can turn their attentions to you. Possibly after your ability has increased you may be in a possition to bring a youngster on successfully.
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I understand your concern,
however, I am 26 and have been riding since I was 7. I already have one horse Joshua who is now 10 and who I have had since he was 5 and who I am having to semi retire for health reasons.
I have thought this out and am doing it with an experienced dressage rider who will work my horse for me on a weekly basis and give me lessons on him also on a weekly basis.
Any problems and he will be there for me.
 
Hi!
I bet your well excited to be getting a new horse, i would be!
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It is a good idea to try them both (also good to try another horse from a different place just to compare).
I think you are right just by to go with what you feel / but these three year olds can find you a bit strange also, so i would make more allowences due to age.
Ultimately as long as you feel safe, and feel like you can work through any issues with the horses temperment (i.e. you don't clash!) and you have faith the horse has got enough talent to do what you want - eventually. Personally i would like to see a three year old loose.
I would say don't worry to much if the horse doesn't look that great until it's got tack on (most 3 year old warmbloods won't in the stable!).
Oh, and if you like either of them, don't say anything, think about it, then go for another look - handle him/tack him up and get on him from the start the second time.
Re: the other post (i know this is a bit Off Topic) Obviously i don't think someone straight out of a riding school should buy a three year old but i actually am of the opinion a good natured young horse can be 10x more forgiving than an older horse. As long as people are aware what they are able or prepared to put up with from a horse - any horse - age shouldn't really be that much of an issue!
Finally, any horse anyone ever buys is a risk. Obviously (and quite rightly) you want to minimize this risk, but ultimately it is a risk none the less
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