Horse buying dilemma

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FlashHarry

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Just been to view horse & just don't know what to think. 6 yo 14.3 welsh cob for son & I to share. Broken only last spring & hasn't done much. Felt very ponyish to me (but I'm used to big horses so I expected it to take some getting used to). Son got on really well with it. Willingly but greenly popped a small fence. Willing but not overly keen, so just what I wanted, except dishes quite noticibly at trot with one foot. Phoned my farrier who said it wouldn't put him off, but it's playing on my mind a bit. Yet it seemed so nice in every other respect. What should I do? Do I just want it coz it's the first I've seen? (I'm hopeless - I love them all) but if I let this one go I imagine spending the next year going to see hundreds of mega strong cobs that all take off with my son or buck him off!
P.S. I want him for hacking & riding club & son wants to jump & pony club.
P.P.S. I assume I could ask vet if this is likely to be a future problem when I have him vetted.
 
If youre having to ask whether you should get him, he's not the right one for you. You will know when you find the one you really want
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I wouldn't worry about the dish - some of the best Hunters I know have dishes. I would be more worried about him being green if your son wants him for jumping.
 
How old is your son?

Personally I would prefer a more laid back kick-on type than a fast-forward for the kids...thats how my son lost confidence/interest
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If your farrier/vet aren't worried- then I wouldn't be either- unless you plan on doing pure showing where movement and paces are important.
 
Son is a tall 12. He's used to a lazy pony and I really don't want one of those mad joggy things as I think it would be so much of a shock for him. This one was perfect in that it would do a cross pole from trot, or canter the last couple of strides if you asked. There was no arena, just an open field, and it seemed really safe. I'm very tempted. She's asking £2950 - do you think I could use the dishing to reduce the price a bit?
 
You could try but if you really like the horse and just broken he's suitable for a 12yo (!) I'd be prepared to pay asking price, could be one of thoe amazing cobs who grows up having fun with your son - lovely.
 
Worth a try...although she may counter with 'steady and safe' lol!

Yep.....we had a very forward pony for my son..every time his leg moved she was off. ( and so was he...bless him
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).... I'm much happier with the steadier sort we have for our daughter, I don't think you can buy peace of mind when it come to 'safe' for the kids.
 
Difficult one...on the face of it I would say that any horse that has only been broken for six months and done light work is a risk simply because it has not had time to see the world and react to it. Has this horse travelled to shows at all? Has it been handled by children rather than adults? What is it like around other horses, e.g. will it hack on its own?

On the other hand, you can always do more of the riding for the next year or so to get the horse more used to the world and check that his temperament is as unflappable as it seems, in which case you would have a super horse for your son.

Price seems a bit on the steep side for me, I would make them an offer.
 
Booboos - that was the plan. He's not completely outgrown old pony, so I wanted this to be for me to start with - and him to gradually move over to new one (except he rode it better than I did!). Anyway, I've just offered £2700.
 
I don't think I'd necessarily be put off by the dishing (although they can wear down the front of the shoe rather quickly!) but can I ask if he was only ridden alone? If your son wants him for Pony Club I'd certainly make sure he is safe and happy ridden in company. He is quite young and green and there will be a limit to the experience he has had. Are you able to have him on trial?
 
Daughters pony was only 4 when I bought him...and far too big for her...he wouldn't ride out alone....was not over-keen on schooling, or going forwards at all in fact lol!

Over the past year I have brought him on...he will hack out alone or in company...goes/stops when asks and is schooling nicely. Went out showing for the first season and did really really well- took it all in his stride and was never not placed. Daughter rides him independently and he's never strong or runs off with her....occasionally tries to wander off for a snack but we're dealing with that lol!

If the temperament is fine...the green-ness and schooling and general life experience is no problem really...he's yours to mould and bring on and for your son to grow up with.
 
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