Horse buying trips in Ireland/Europe

[SilkySullivan]

After sad loss of my lovely old horse I’m now looking for another – it isn’t proving easy and my old horse has left very big shoes to fill

My ‘dream horse’ is the type such as Rimmel on Ride Irish website. I would dearly love to buy him but he is out of my budget, but he is just what I’m after in terms of size, type and experience etc… So, my thoughts have turned to seeing if I could find a type like him directly from Ireland or perhaps elsewhere in Europe through a reputable agent and save that bit extra that makes horses like him unattainable for me once they come over to the dealers here. But in all honesty, do they see us English shoppers coming a mile off and are the horses they select genuine, sound, nice horses?! I've had enough 'horse heartache' and waited a long time to get a new horse so I'm desperate to get this right.

Starting initially with Ireland, I’ve found a few Irish agents over the internet, such as Oliver Walsh at Flowerhill Equestrian or guys from Shanbally in Galway but before I approach any of these guys that organise buying trips,I just wondered if anyone has any personal recommendations or feedback about buying this way? Has anyone successfully bought a horse directly from Ireland/elsewhere that would have been too costly in the UK or do the travel expenses and other fees cancel out any savings? Are other European horse agents comparable with horses in terms of their temperament, experience and price?

While they seem lovely, I’m not looking to take on a totally green youngster but likewise, not after a top notch performance horse – I’m after a smart mw allrounder with enough quality and ability to be fun and competitive for amateur to enjoy i.e. Around 16hh is ideal, nicely put together, reasonably elegant movement, good temperament and been established in training and hunting experience. How much would this type of horse be selling at in Ireland or further afield and would it be worth while pursuing a buying trip?!

Any thoughts, suggestions, recommendations or PM’s gratefully received! In the meantime I’m off to drool over Rimmel’s video for the 100th time and try my luck on Euromillions!

 

[La Fiaba]

I have bought several horses off Jim Derwin in Ireland, and would highly recommend him. He has literally hundreds of horses in stock at any time, all kinds of horses (although mostly for showjumping as that's what Jim does!) in all price ranges. He isn't pushy and has always offered me a guarantee (so he will take any horse back that doesn't turn out to be the right horse for the job), maybe that's because I usually buy sight unseen from him, as it's a fair way for me to go to try horses!

I just looked at Rimmel and that last time I was at Jim's yard he had loads of nice showjumpers just like him that my friend tried and within a day she'd had one vetted and bought him and she's loving him. Good luck in your horse search

 

[SilkySullivan]

That sounds really encouraging - thanks!! I'll look him up Fingers crossed I'll find something!

 

[CHH]

I think it's like anything, you need to be sure of your own knowledge, experience and ability.

Buying Ireland (or Europe) doesn't automatically mean you will save money. You are only buying one horse as opposed to some of the dealers who could be seen to be "wholesale buying and retail selling"

It's perfectly possible to do this though and not just in Ireland, although given their own economy currently may be a good place to find a great horse at greatly reduced price.

But bear in mind the time you have to look at the horse, travel etc... all these are costs - which I assume would come out of your budget.

The true dealers will thoroughy trial a horse prior to sale, or have good working knowledge of it's history.

There isn't much fitting your description at the moment, a good friend is looking and she has no real budget, even that doesn't seem to bring forward the right horse for her!

Good luck, and enjoy the adventure.