Happy Horse Stories

[Champers and Co]

I'm currently embarking on the wonderful journey that is buying my first horse. And I am pooing myself. I see so many horror stories of people buying lunatic horses and being left out of pocket, or worse with very serious injuries.

I am trying to do everything right and my Instructor is very involved in my search from all aspects but...

I am appealing to the lovely people of Horse and Hound to tell me some of your happy horse buying stories so I can convince myself that sometimes it can work out and I might not end up with a lunatic beast that wants to kill me! Because I feel like at the moment that is all I hear about.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

This is my lovely anglo-arab, chestnut, mare who has looked after me for years. I needed a very specific horse due to my neurological problems and due to the fact that I needed a horse that could cope with hacking out in heavy traffic, open spaces and would happily cope with underpasses, motorway bridges and canal bridges.

 

[FfionWinnie]

Bought Daisy unseen from Ireland 18 months ago when my horse of a lifetime died unexpectedly and suddenly. I was absolutely heart broken and had various difficulties in my life at the time too. Daisy is just the best and she has saved me and made me smile again. She is great fun, will try her heart out in everything I ask her and is totally safe as well.

 

[Sleipnir]

I bought a scrawny youngster from an ill-famed yard just because I fell in love. Yup. I'd advise against that, but this stuff happens ever so often. He was pushy and tricky to deal with in the beginning, but he was all that I had wished for intelligence and character wise, so I believed we would succeed. Here we are, a few years later, and he's still the best horse I could have found. (I would like to stress that this video was taken in a very safe area where we were not in any danger of traffic and were not a danger to others)


https://youtu.be/5RklHETZje0

 

[Flame_]

I bought my horse at Christmas. I was told he'd been professionally backed then hacked out but couldn't be tried under saddle for various reasons and was turned away. Not ideal but I wanted a very specific breed and type of horse, he came from a well known reputable breeder and I knew I would never find anything nicer so bought him and hoped we'd get on and not meet too many issues. He's awesome. Just about everything we've come across where I'm thinking "ooh, I don't know what he'll do about this", bikes/ cows/ back-packers/ etc, results in vague curiosity from him or no reaction at all! It can't all be plain sailing but considering this horse was bought with a fair chunk of "oh, it'll be fine…" optimism about all the things you're supposed to try but I didn't, its going brilliantly.

 

[FfionWinnie]

So chuffed to read that update Flame

 

[Princess16]

I bought a scrawny youngster from an ill-famed yard just because I fell in love. Yup. I'd advise against that, but this stuff happens ever so often. He was pushy and tricky to deal with in the beginning, but he was all that I had wished for intelligence and character wise, so I believed we would succeed. Here we are, a few years later, and he's still the best horse I could have found. (I would like to stress that this video was taken in a very safe area where we were not in any danger of traffic and were not a danger to others)


https://youtu.be/5RklHETZje0

Not sure I agree with no hat but your bond together is amazing

 

[Flame_]

Aw, thanks. Great photos of you and Daisy too, and ETA Faracat's lovely mare!

 

[Sleipnir]

Not sure I agree with no hat

I actually agree, I should have worn a hat and I always suggest that others do that too. Sorry for setting a bad example. And thanks!

 

[HashRouge]

This is my Lou Lou - top picture was taken fourteen years ago, when I was 12, bottom picture is much more recent! I've owned her for nearly 15 years and she is still my best girl, even though I don't ride her anymore as I'm too big and she's a bit creaky nowadays. She was the most wonderful horse to have as a child and teenager - we used to go off hacking for hours, she was fast and lively (still is haha!) but so genuine and safe. She really looked after me, even if we had a few teething problems to begin with (super short martingale in the first picture is because she went through a phase of whacking me in the face with her head!) and I trusted her so much that I rode her bareback as much as I rode her with a saddle. For over ten years she was sound as a pound - more recently she has developed arthritis and cushings, but she does quite well living out and most of the time looks and acts like a horse half her age. She is my world, don't know what I'd do without her .

 

[Ceriann]

This is my Lou Lou - top picture was taken fourteen years ago, when I was 12, bottom picture is much more recent! I've owned her for nearly 15 years and she is still my best girl, even though I don't ride her anymore as I'm too big and she's a bit creaky nowadays. She was the most wonderful horse to have as a child and teenager - we used to go off hacking for hours, she was fast and lively (still is haha!) but so genuine and safe. She really looked after me, even if we had a few teething problems to begin with (super short martingale in the first picture is because she went through a phase of whacking me in the face with her head!) and I trusted her so much that I rode her bareback as much as I rode her with a saddle. For over ten years she was sound as a pound - more recently she has developed arthritis and cushings, but she does quite well living out and most of the time looks and acts like a horse half her age. She is my world, don't know what I'd do without her .

Love that bottom picture - she looks so at ease with you. I hope you enjoy her for many more years to come.

 

[Champers and Co]

Exactly what I was looking for, happy people with happy ponies! Its such a nice change to all of the dodgy dealer etc posts I see everywhere! I'm actually off to see what seems like a suitable pony on Sunday so this is perfect timing!

 

[Champers and Co]

I bought my horse at Christmas. I was told he'd been professionally backed then hacked out but couldn't be tried under saddle for various reasons and was turned away. Not ideal but I wanted a very specific breed and type of horse, he came from a well known reputable breeder and I knew I would never find anything nicer so bought him and hoped we'd get on and not meet too many issues. He's awesome. Just about everything we've come across where I'm thinking "ooh, I don't know what he'll do about this", bikes/ cows/ back-packers/ etc, results in vague curiosity from him or no reaction at all! It can't all be plain sailing but considering this horse was bought with a fair chunk of "oh, it'll be fine…" optimism about all the things you're supposed to try but I didn't, its going brilliantly.

This is my lovely anglo-arab, chestnut, mare who has looked after me for years. I needed a very specific horse due to my neurological problems and due to the fact that I needed a horse that could cope with hacking out in heavy traffic, open spaces and would happily cope with underpasses, motorway bridges and canal bridges.

She is beautiful Faracat! I also need something that can cope with some heavy traffic. I don't suppose you could clone yours? I've always had a soft spot for chestnuts!!

 

[Champers and Co]

I bought my horse at Christmas. I was told he'd been professionally backed then hacked out but couldn't be tried under saddle for various reasons and was turned away. Not ideal but I wanted a very specific breed and type of horse, he came from a well known reputable breeder and I knew I would never find anything nicer so bought him and hoped we'd get on and not meet too many issues. He's awesome. Just about everything we've come across where I'm thinking "ooh, I don't know what he'll do about this", bikes/ cows/ back-packers/ etc, results in vague curiosity from him or no reaction at all! It can't all be plain sailing but considering this horse was bought with a fair chunk of "oh, it'll be fine…" optimism about all the things you're supposed to try but I didn't, its going brilliantly.

He sounds fab! Let's hope some of your good horse luck rubs off!!

 

[Champers and Co]

I bought my horse at Christmas. I was told he'd been professionally backed then hacked out but couldn't be tried under saddle for various reasons and was turned away. Not ideal but I wanted a very specific breed and type of horse, he came from a well known reputable breeder and I knew I would never find anything nicer so bought him and hoped we'd get on and not meet too many issues. He's awesome. Just about everything we've come across where I'm thinking "ooh, I don't know what he'll do about this", bikes/ cows/ back-packers/ etc, results in vague curiosity from him or no reaction at all! It can't all be plain sailing but considering this horse was bought with a fair chunk of "oh, it'll be fine…" optimism about all the things you're supposed to try but I didn't, its going brilliantly.

Bought Daisy unseen from Ireland 18 months ago when my horse of a lifetime died unexpectedly and suddenly. I was absolutely heart broken and had various difficulties in my life at the time too. Daisy is just the best and she has saved me and made me smile again. She is great fun, will try her heart out in everything I ask her and is totally safe as well.

So lovely to see you've found such a lovely and fun mare! You guys are all definitely giving me some hope!

 

[BBP]

My horse is a nutter and life with him is not easy but he is still the best horse in the world, when he comes galloping up to me in the field, screeches to a rearing halt and then buries his head in my hands and chats to me in a series of rumbley muttering sounds I forget all the grey hair he has caused me. So don't worry, even an imperfect horse can be perfect for you!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Exactly what I was looking for, happy people with happy ponies! Its such a nice change to all of the dodgy dealer etc posts I see everywhere! I'm actually off to see what seems like a suitable pony on Sunday so this is perfect timing!

Good luck with your viewing. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Red-1]

I debated on answering this, as Jay Man has been lame this last year... then I thought, well yes, I still worship the ground he walks on! So, here is Jay Man.....

He came as a "difficult" horse, was a habitual rearer, and I liked working with tricky issues, so I bought him. He previously wore a LOT of tack, but I found that when I took it all off, well put it this way, he has never reared when not in a bridle!

He is still cheeky though....

We did a LOT of desensitising work

So, I agree with a poster above, that they do not have to be perfect to be a happy story. He has wond points to Ele in BD, done 11 double clear BE to 100, and has eve been a winning Trec horse. Best of all he is the ginger one who I adore. He looks after me. He joins me in my adventures.

He has been lame for a year, but as soon as the new horse arrived he looked OK. We have had him scanned last week, and it seems that the unbelievable has happened and his injury has healed. We have to laugh as nothing he does is standard, it is almost as if he was jealous of the new horse, so has come right

 

[Champers and Co]

I bought my horse at Christmas. I was told he'd been professionally backed then hacked out but couldn't be tried under saddle for various reasons and was turned away. Not ideal but I wanted a very specific breed and type of horse, he came from a well known reputable breeder and I knew I would never find anything nicer so bought him and hoped we'd get on and not meet too many issues. He's awesome. Just about everything we've come across where I'm thinking "ooh, I don't know what he'll do about this", bikes/ cows/ back-packers/ etc, results in vague curiosity from him or no reaction at all! It can't all be plain sailing but considering this horse was bought with a fair chunk of "oh, it'll be fine…" optimism about all the things you're supposed to try but I didn't, its going brilliantly.

Good luck with your viewing. Let us know how it goes.

Unfortunately he has already had a deposit put down on him. I'm not too surprised as he was definitely under priced for such a lovely horse.

It's such a difficult balance between not taking all of my holiday days to go and see horses and also seeing them quick enough to be in with a chance!

 

[Champers and Co]

I debated on answering this, as Jay Man has been lame this last year... then I thought, well yes, I still worship the ground he walks on! So, here is Jay Man.....

He came as a "difficult" horse, was a habitual rearer, and I liked working with tricky issues, so I bought him. He previously wore a LOT of tack, but I found that when I took it all off, well put it this way, he has never reared when not in a bridle!

He is still cheeky though....

We did a LOT of desensitising work

So, I agree with a poster above, that they do not have to be perfect to be a happy story. He has wond points to Ele in BD, done 11 double clear BE to 100, and has eve been a winning Trec horse. Best of all he is the ginger one who I adore. He looks after me. He joins me in my adventures.

He has been lame for a year, but as soon as the new horse arrived he looked OK. We have had him scanned last week, and it seems that the unbelievable has happened and his injury has healed. We have to laugh as nothing he does is standard, it is almost as if he was jealous of the new horse, so has come right

Looks like you guys have such a lovely relationship! So happy to hear his injury has healed!! Typical man wants you all to himself haha!

 

[Chloeap]

I bought a horse last summer, big young 16.2 WB x TB- very well bred, lovely movement, brilliant jumper and very brave! I want to event so he seemed perfect. He was a bit of a bargain really for what he is, at just over £2000.
Turns out he was a bargain because he was very lacking in ground manners and was an absolutely idiot if you tried to bring him in whilst the others were still out - rearing, spinning and running off.

But put a bit of work in and he is now an absolute dream! Calls to me when he sees me walking to his field and looks like a little donkey walking in behind me. He is brilliantly mannered now and lovely to ride. He was also a pain to load but we have sorted that now too.
We have been out showjumping at various places and he was excellently behaved at all times! Off to do some XC schooling this weekend for the first time! cannot wait.
So yeah not a great start and not the best happy story.. but worked out fabulously in the end! And I feel like my little story has a nice ending. He is going to be a great eventer and is just such a lovely horse and I absolutely love him! In fact, I recently moved yard and everyone has commented on how chilled out he is. They do not believe me when I tell them how he used to be.

 

[YorksG]

Our second horse was a total PITA, bargy rude and nappy! None of this behaviour showed when Sis and parents went to look at her. If we could have shown her to anyone in the first six weeks we may have sold her, she was so bad! We moved yards and worked very hard with her, her saving grace was that she was affectionate towards and easy to catch from day one. She was eight when we got her and thirty three when she had to be pts, she was always opinionated but was a fantastic horse to own We have bought a fair few since and all our horses stay for life, we haven't had one with quite as much character since her, but they are all personalities in their own right.
Good luck with the search

 

[HashRouge]

Exactly what I was looking for, happy people with happy ponies! Its such a nice change to all of the dodgy dealer etc posts I see everywhere! I'm actually off to see what seems like a suitable pony on Sunday so this is perfect timing!

My advice is don't expect absolute perfection to begin with - be aware that they need time to settle in and you both need to get used to each other. Teething problems (I don't mean serious behavioural problems!) are perfectly normal. I certainly had them in my first year of owning Lou Lou, but now I feel like we are so tuned in we can more or less read each others minds. I know exactly what she will do and how she will react most of the time. When I was a teenager, she was kept in the fields behind my house and I used to hop on her at the bottom of the field and ride her bareback up to the farm. Most of the time I kept her headcollar at home, but if I forgot it I would just get on anyway and still canter happily up the hill . It's not that she's the best behaved horse in the world - we just now each other so well!

 

[Ben2684]

Wanted to move onto my first 'not for a novice' horse in ten years loaning following a serious accident and total loss in confidence with anything that moves too fast. So in May 2014 I took my very patient YO with me to look at a 16.2 ISH. Well, after having sedate heavier cobby types I took one look at him and thought "really!?" But she urged me on saying that I was ready for the step up and said he would teach me a lot. She wasn't wrong! It took us a year to really get to know each other and he has taken me to my first dressage competition, my first XC round, and has taught me how fun it is to go a bit faster. Wasn't easy! Blood sweat and tears especially in the first few months as he really tested me-almost to my limit! but he really is my horse of a lifetime.. And he was the first one I viewed!! Wouldn't change him for the world

 

[Caol Ila]

Almost 16 years ago I went to see a 7-year old Shire-TBX mare on a whim, as myself and parents had been toying with the idea of selling the quarter horse I'd owned for about four years and buying something more "dressagey." The ad for the horse had been posted on the bulletin board at my yard, and she was about forty minutes away. I thought, the first horse you see when you are looking is usually not what you want, so it was just something to do on a Saturday afternoon.

It turned out to be a lot more than something to do on a Saturday. I dragged that horse to university on the East Coast of the US, then grad school in England and Scotland, and she's been the one thing that has not changed while everything else has at times gone insane.

 

[muddy_grey]

Touch wood most of my horses have been great regardless of where they came from. My first pony is the only exception and she came from a private seller, so don't be put of by reputable dealers.
My others have come from word of mouth, felt sorry for them or dealers and have all been lovely in there own way. My last horse and I didn't really get on, but that is the risk of buying unbacked, she wasn't horrible just too ploddy for me. I sold her to a lovely home who love her and I made enough money to buy my fabulous girl I have now, so it worked out well for everyone. Make sure you take someone with you and if you can try and do everything you are looking to do with them. If you need something that is good in traffic then take it for a hack and if you don't meet any traffic, get someone to drive a car and honk their horn/rev engine etc, seller might think you are crazy, but who cares.
I think sometimes the forum can scare people a bit, as you don't need to ask for advise when things are good.

 

[Clare85]

I drove onto a gypsy site almost a year ago to view this little filly, who was due to be taken to Appleby that evening:

She didn't look like much, but she was the friendliest, sweetest, gentlest little thing. Then they trotted her up and WOW she came alive, I had to have her!

She came home that evening. Best decision ever! She has been a star from the second I saw her, cannot imagine life without her.

 

[laura_nash]

I bought my cob out of the field, he'd had two years off as his owner lost interest (and I think was a bit frightened of him). I did ride him, but he was too overweight and unfit to do more than trot.

He was a bit bargy and rude the first couple of months, but I've now had him 7 years and he's not really put a foot wrong since. He's also had a total of 1 week off work with lameness in all that time (touch wood). He was amazing with me when I was pregnant and then carrying a tiny baby, and I jumped back on him for a hack after about 6 months off with no prep and no problems.

The only negative I can say about him is he can't jump, but that was never a priority for me.

 

[DJ]

After having the stuffing knocked out me, I came across this girl through a good friend, she assured me she was bombproof, so I bought her and away we went ... She was everything I`d dreamed of and more:

I had the most amazing summer with her, built my shattered confidence back up, and she`s now doing the same for one of my best friends ... It go go wonderfully well, as well as going wrong

 

[dollymix]

My horse is a nutter and life with him is not easy but he is still the best horse in the world, when he comes galloping up to me in the field, screeches to a rearing halt and then buries his head in my hands and chats to me in a series of rumbley muttering sounds I forget all the grey hair he has caused me. So don't worry, even an imperfect horse can be perfect for you!

Omg this made me well up. Mainly because it's true and I agree 100%

Lovely photo too