RedDevlin
Well-Known Member
Now I'm sure everyone goes through this...and I'm sure it's not the first 'oh my gosh horse shopping is so haaaaaard' thread to ever have existed. However... I'm biased in that mine affects me directly
Can someone talk some sense into me... Horse shopping, for not an awful long time in the grand scheme of things. But limited results in South West Wales with only weekends to visit and view. I'm a bit of a wimp at the best of times, however the process of trying horses out, some more spritely than advertised is probably doing me good...I mean I've only cried once after a viewing so that's great.
The first horse I fell in love with, possibly shorter than I was hoping for with my gangly features however, he was gorgeous, young, and a pretty stocky fellow. Viewed twice, deposit pending vetting...then after my second two hour journey home owner decided she 'couldn't bear to part with him', it had obviously come as a surprise to her that that would be part of the selling proccess. Oh well, I understand seomtimes it hits you harder than you think it will.
Next horse I fell in love with, a 9 year old TB ex-racer. Entirely not my type, in my stereotypical brain he was going to be fast, aerodynamic and scary, but his ad sounded promising and his owner assured me I wouldnt die (yes that is a requirement I put to prospective horses' owners). He was a lovely lad, stood like a rock to be fondled, and prodded, and tacked up, all while a mare bit his bum. Was ridden around the school and popped a small jump. I hopped on, and fell in love with how safe he made me feel, and yes very responsive. The following weekend I took him out for a hack with his owner and her Welsh D Stallion. He behaved impeccably, we saw balloons, kids, quads, motorbikes, fast traffic. We went for a canter through the woods and I got on from a hedge...all with no issues. Unfortunately, he failed the five stage vetting. Vet advised... slightly more of a hip roll in his right hind, and he had concerned with him being overly muscled in the neck, and not so much down the back/over the bum. Not in pain, not at all lame, but vet thinks he may not be up for the job that I want him for. Mainly Riding Club activities. I was devastated.
Having viewed several more and considered and awful lot more... I'm at a loss.
All I want is my (I use the term loosely) lovely Lando ex-racer. Do I continue looking... or do I take a risk on Lando. Vet thinks he would be fine in a hacking home, just not for more hardcore things. I'm not competitive, the most I'd want to do is a clear round or some jumping lessons. possibly XC training once a year. He is cheap, due to breed and stereotypes...and a failed vetting. So I could continue saving for if in a year or several years I can afford a 4k horse that will pass a vetting and I can do more with, once my temporarily (hopefully) confidence is ruined...
Someone please tell me what to do, I'm indecisive. Thankyou.
Can someone talk some sense into me... Horse shopping, for not an awful long time in the grand scheme of things. But limited results in South West Wales with only weekends to visit and view. I'm a bit of a wimp at the best of times, however the process of trying horses out, some more spritely than advertised is probably doing me good...I mean I've only cried once after a viewing so that's great.
The first horse I fell in love with, possibly shorter than I was hoping for with my gangly features however, he was gorgeous, young, and a pretty stocky fellow. Viewed twice, deposit pending vetting...then after my second two hour journey home owner decided she 'couldn't bear to part with him', it had obviously come as a surprise to her that that would be part of the selling proccess. Oh well, I understand seomtimes it hits you harder than you think it will.
Next horse I fell in love with, a 9 year old TB ex-racer. Entirely not my type, in my stereotypical brain he was going to be fast, aerodynamic and scary, but his ad sounded promising and his owner assured me I wouldnt die (yes that is a requirement I put to prospective horses' owners). He was a lovely lad, stood like a rock to be fondled, and prodded, and tacked up, all while a mare bit his bum. Was ridden around the school and popped a small jump. I hopped on, and fell in love with how safe he made me feel, and yes very responsive. The following weekend I took him out for a hack with his owner and her Welsh D Stallion. He behaved impeccably, we saw balloons, kids, quads, motorbikes, fast traffic. We went for a canter through the woods and I got on from a hedge...all with no issues. Unfortunately, he failed the five stage vetting. Vet advised... slightly more of a hip roll in his right hind, and he had concerned with him being overly muscled in the neck, and not so much down the back/over the bum. Not in pain, not at all lame, but vet thinks he may not be up for the job that I want him for. Mainly Riding Club activities. I was devastated.
Having viewed several more and considered and awful lot more... I'm at a loss.
All I want is my (I use the term loosely) lovely Lando ex-racer. Do I continue looking... or do I take a risk on Lando. Vet thinks he would be fine in a hacking home, just not for more hardcore things. I'm not competitive, the most I'd want to do is a clear round or some jumping lessons. possibly XC training once a year. He is cheap, due to breed and stereotypes...and a failed vetting. So I could continue saving for if in a year or several years I can afford a 4k horse that will pass a vetting and I can do more with, once my temporarily (hopefully) confidence is ruined...
Someone please tell me what to do, I'm indecisive. Thankyou.