Help needed - Where best to buy?

[Shahrih]

Hello all,
I am entering into the very exciting, but somewhat confusing and scary world of buying my first horse. I have done my research on cost, livery yards, insurance, but I having trouble with where to buy. I have had some conflicting advice, I have been told be very weary of sales online (but this seems to be the largest selection of horses to buy), also should I consider a horse dealer (but again I have been told told some horror stories). I have started putting the word out at the yard. Not sure where else to look. Would be grateful for any advice of where I can get my first horse.
Thank you

 

[hnmisty]

The vast majority of horses for sale are advertised online these days, you'd be setting yourself a much harder task if you didn't use websites!

It's good that you are getting the word out- I think word of mouth is the best way. Look in local tackshops and riding stables. Ask the farrier at your yard- they often have ads up in their van, or know of things for sale at other yards they visit. I found Barry on horsedeals. I also looked on horsemart, and of course H&H. Preloved at least lets you look at things local to you. Depending on what you're after, it might be worth looking on the pony club website.

Yes, some dealers are dodgy, but not all. See if you can find some that come with recommendations.

Make sure you ask lots of questions, see the horse ridden before you get on (didn't even get on one I looked st, it started rearing as soon as the girl got on it), and take either your instructor or an experienced friend who knows what level your riding is at. Make sure you get it vetted. be honest with your exoerience. Remember it might take a while before you find your dream horse, but fear not, you'll get there in the end!

Good luck

 

[RosieBM123]

I would say the best is through friends. Tell someone who knows a lot of people in the horse world. This way means that you know they are from a reliable source. Also look at - Horsequest and Horse and hound - horses of the week are a good place to start

 

[claribella]

Exciting times for you! I found my girl on my local freeads but I also looked online. I typed my local area into google long with'horses for sale' and it was surprising ho many sites came up. Hope you find your perfect equine friend soon