Gut feeling when buying a horse?

[WelshHoarder]

Definitely on the three most recent purchases

Little Welshie was meant to be an older, been there, done that schoolmaster, not a sassy recently backed 4 year old, but there was something about her advert and videos, and the minute we met her we knew she’d be coming home.

The two babies as well - Penny I couldn’t get out of my head after seeing her ad, and put a deposit down before going to see her as it was at the height of the crazy market. Satin likewise, there was just something about her advert, and then when we met her we just instantly clicked. She’s such a likeable personality, and immediately wants to be your best friend.

I saw a couple before seeing little Welshie that ticked all the proper boxes but just weren’t “it” for us. I just couldn’t tell you what “it” was! With the babies they were the only ones I saw each time, as wasn’t officially looking as such, but I already had a really strong feeling about both of them.

 

[Peglo]

When I bought Tali it was love at first sight (of a picture ) that was definitely a gut feeling and it’s turned out great.

but on the other hand when I went to view Flo there was nothing about her. She was beautiful but no personality. Bought her anyway and she came out of her shell once I had her at home and I loved her.

so I think when I look for my next one I mustn’t get carried away with that “fairy tale” feeling I got with Tali because I don’t think it can work like that every time. But certainly if my gut was saying “no” I would listen.

 

[littleshetland]

I bought one off the internet during lockdown ('what could possibly go wrong' I thought...). Viewed hours of video of him - it all seemed good and ticked all the boxes, and then had him imported over from Spain. We've been fine ever since, and I completely adore him. All this from one photograph of him - my gut instinct just yelled 'Thats the one!'

 

[Merrymoles]

My current one scared me witless both times I tried him as he was so different to my previous horse (heavy set Irish cob to TBxWB) and had a couple of major moments (to me) on both occasions I tried him.

However, my gut said he was a nice lad and I could work with him and when I rang his owner to say I'd have him, she said "well I wasn't expecting that"! We have had a slow start for several reasons but I don't regret buying him for a second. Both of his former owners have visited him (with his last owner riding him occasionally) and both are pleased with how well and settled he is. He is twice the horse I ever expected to own and still makes me hold my breath at times but we understand each other and I am hoping we have a long and happy time.

 

[Roxylola]

Hmm, I wasn't looking, I couldn't afford one, if I was to look I'd want something iberian in a sensible colour.







My gut thought I couldn't possibly walk away from that spotty horse my friend had shown me some pictures of...

 

[oldie48]

Thanks for starting this thread, it gave me an excuse to look at old photos. I was told about Mr B by my trainer but the horse was too big, the wrong breed and the wrong colour but I went to try him anyway as he was the right price ie quite cheap. I fell in love with him immediately although he looked a bit of a mess. I lost him far too soon with colic but he was a lovely kind horse who taught me so much. Here he is.

 

[JGC]

I've bought four of mine on instinct, one because they ticked every box and I thought I should and never had so much trouble as with that one. Ended up selling her on.

But as I'm sure is the case with most of those commenting, I do think what we mean when we say "gut feeling" is probably in large part having known and ridden hundreds of horses and got a feel for what we like or don't like, and possibly even for when there are latent issues that we can't quite put our finger on.