Help new horses needed best places!

anadain

anadain

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 June 2010
Messages
119
Location
Northumberland
Visit site
Hi All,

It's a long time since I posted but I know there is a wealth of knowledge out there! We made a very hard decision and after a very long story of the horse not being what it was sold as, we have PTS my horse. I am now in the market for a new horse! Since I was duped the last time I bought a horse I need to make sure I get the right one this time!

I have totally lost my confidence so need a confidence giver, something up to weight and 15hh +, a gelding. Bombproof on the roads able to go over flyovers and train tracks! Something that can be left for a while and sane when you get back on. I have decided a cob would probably be a good choice but I am open to other breeds. Must like kids!

It doesnt need to be a world beater as it will only be used for hacking about the countryside, I don't jump, I would like something that is going to be with me for the rest of its life so age isn't a big deal but would like to have something thats going to be with me for a fair while!

Now bearing all that in mind I dont want to pay a small fortune either - have you got any suggestions on breeds, where to purchase such a horse and around what kind of price I would have to pay - If possible I dont want to travel too far (I'm in Northumberland)
 
Welcome to the world of horse buying:) Thats a pretty tall order for a horse, but I expect there is one out there for you somewhere. Horses have a mind of their own and cannot be guaranteed, particularly when their "leader" - you, is unconfident.

I was thinking that maybe the first thing you should do is start having regular lessons, to work on your confidence issues and get a good relationship going with your instructor, so that he/she can help you find the right horse a little later on.

Good luck.
 
Have you thought of joining a local riding club or hunt as a (at the moment) non riding supporting member? That way you get to know people who know of horses for sale & maybe even can help you find a horse person who would welcome a helping hand with their horse & help you develop confidence. Good luck. If I was anywhere near I would offer to have your help & company with my 3 (2 rideable) geriatrics.
 
My cobxtb would have been very much what you are looking for back in his day - he now has cushings and is happily retired living the life of riley! He wasn't uber expensive when we bought him but that was about 8/9 years ago. He also had a cracking little jump on him. I used to do all sorts with him bareback riding and jumping and he was the sort you could hop on with just a head collar and lead rope. He was/is very food orientated and learnt how to let himself out of his stable and go into the feed room - up a short flight of exterior concrete stairs! - when he heard breakfast being made, until we changed for a trickier bolt so he is still very intelligent despite being a safe type. He's not perfect and very much has a personality; for example he always tries to do a runner- in walk or slow trot- dragging you along if you forget to put his lead rope round his nose when you first try and load him or walk him somewhere in hand except to his field!. But if he gets away he only goes to the nearest patch of grass and is instantly caught and then goes with you quiet as a lamb - he's just an opportunist :o! Once I moved up he then retaught my mum to ride - she'd had a few lessons about 5 years prior- and hacked out a couple of times a week with her. He really looked after her and understood she was nervous :). I doubt you would find any horse without its quirks, but there certainly are some out there which are crackers and worth their weight in gold.

Interestingly my ISH - mainly TB with a bit of ID breeding but solid type - is also angelic with nervous/ young riders. She will happily plod round our school with my cousins little boy on board pootling along and doing small hops/trotting over tiny x-poles but also loves her proper jumping and has very decent scope. She will also hack with a complete novice in fields in walk and would be fine to do everything with a nervous but competent rider. Due to her jumping scope and attitude etc she wouldn't be cheap if I decided to sell her, but just to give you an idea on various breeds :).

The main point to all my waffle being that I probably wouldn't get a pure TB for a nervous rider as I think having a bit more 'substance' underneath you is quite reassuring, but I wouldn't stick to looking at just one breed as in my experience there are plenty with a kind heart and calm brain capable of doing the job :). Price however may be difficult as if these attributes are recognised by the owner they usually realise they are 'worth their weight in gold'. As for where to buy I'd just keep looking in H&H, horse quest, horse mart etc and if you see one that might be suitable go to try it, sometimes you can find the right horse straight away and other times you're unlucky and have to wait a while, but its better to wait for the right one. I spent a few months looking for a 2yo and I'm glad I followed my instincts and waited because as a character she is beautifully natured and perfectly matched with me :).

Good luck :)
 
If you can still fit onto a pony, you may find one easier. Especially one with a bit of age. My 21 year old is currently teaching another child, and sounds like he isjust what you want. He is a heinz 57, but I would say he has connie/new forest in him somewhere.
Horsebuying is such a minefield. Peopel always think cobs are going to be so much quieter, but I haven't found this to be the case if I'm honest.
 
Have you thought about contacting trekking centres? They may have suitable quiet types that just aren't up to 3-4hours riding at a time anymore or would suit a quieter or a 1:1 lifestyle?
 
My boy is exactly what your describing but with th bonus he jumps too. Unfrotunatly i did pay a small fortune for him and he is worth every penny!!!! I can recommend some good dealers for this type but they are all in the south and you will be paying around £5grand mark.
 
Im 5"8" and not a light weight although not huge either so a pony probably isn't going to be an option.

I've been offered lots of horses to ride on but they are all loons! TB types which I really want to avoid! I've got lots of horse contacts as we run a vets - but I know I'm looking for a well sought after type!

I don't mind a few small quirks - as that's personality - our pony (daughters mount) is a cheeky chap but I love him to bits!

The riding school lessons - could be an option but the one my daughter goes to tend to do smaller ponies and I really trust her as an instrctor!

I've not been on horse quest so will give it a go.

There are not many treking centres near us but the one I do know of has just sold a boy that would have been just up my street! Typical!

South is a bit too far but - I may have to come back to you it if I cant find what I'm looking for!

Thank you for your comments - more welcome!
 
I know the feeling as do many others and completely sympathise with your bad experience(not the first do have encountered this too).

I stopped looking after the last chucked me off and I would go as suggested to your local riding club or equine/riding school and find someone you trust that will help you fiind your ideal horse. It might cost a lot more but in the long run it could be worth it. Word of mouth is probably a good way and just keep all doors open. Dont let people tell you what you want to hear. A horse that has been driven in traffic could be an option for you? My old boy would do all what you just said as soon as his feet hit tarmac he is very comfortable on tarmac, I always guessed it was because he had been driven. He is retired now. But just take you time and it might take some time. By contacting a riding club local school you can start finding out who is who etc

Good luck though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top