Horse hunting for a friend

[Caol Ila]

I'm engaging the HHO hivemind for a fellow livery, who is horse hunting. They were overhorsed by their previous one (bought from a dealer), so they are looking for a straightforward confidence-giver.

It would be a mother-daughter share. Mom wants something nice and easy to hack. Daughter, who's 14/15 or thereabouts, wants to jump. Not big at this stage. Both are pretty inexperienced riders. It needs to be kind and forgiving, but there's plenty of help at the yard so long as it's not too sharp. They're looking for one from 15 to 16hh, don't care about breed or sex. Just want sane and sound with no major behavioural issues and not hot or green. Age 8-18.

They're not keen to travel more than two-ish hours from Glasgow, so has to be semi-local.

 

[splashgirl45]

horsequest 250160, 16h mare 11yrs supposed to be safe, £8000, have no idea of how close to glasgow, its in perth.... its a dealer, dont know if they are ok.

one in the north east, pba 15.2 g 15years £3800 horsequest 251337, sounds like he would be suitable

 

[Caol Ila]

I have no clue what their budget is, but I will pass that on. Although the video makes me wonder why she is being ridden in a martingale, with her head cranked in.

 

[splashgirl45]

i think dealers often ride like that, she looked like a nice type but i thought the price was a bit high. the pba sounded like he would be safe and sensible for a first horse and more reasonable price as well

 

[Caol Ila]

I sent them the ad for the wee bay horse. He looks like he could be the sort of thing they're looking for.

 

[fetlock]

That little PBA looks lovely.

 

[Spirit2021]

Impossible to find with the demand of horses and most been first time buyers. I actually think it getting worse not better.

 

[Caol Ila]

Yeah, I know they want what everyone wants. It's a tough market if you're after a straightforward, forgiving horse with some mileage that doesn't cost the earth and isn't broken or nuts or requires you to ride as well as Charlotte Dujardin.

But hasn't it always been? When I sold my four-year old project in 2006, I got contacted by lots of people searching for that perfect novice/kid friendly horse. I wish I had a dollar every time I had to explain that while my horse was very good, he was four, so not suitable as a horse for the inexperienced rider who wanted a confidence-giver.

Made me realize I should have bought a five or six year old project and sold it as an eight-year old finished horse that had done lots of things. That's where the market was. And still is.

 

[mossycup]

Dan Ockenden is fine as a dealer, but I dont think any of his horses are really suitable for novice riders. There isn't a huge amount advertised in Scotland but the Lohoars could be worth a try? Otherwise putting the feelers out to the local pony/riding clubs would be the best bet - they may well have to widen their search circle otherwise

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

keep an eye on the Strathearn pony club site or post a wanted ad there. Blue Ridge at Shieldhill Falkirk are/have been selling off horses from their school. Avonmill near Stirling source horses from Ireland for customers. If I hear of anything potentially suitable I ll be in touch.

 

[Caol Ila]

I stalked Blue Ridge online and can't find any info about selling off school horses. Is it sort of a word of mouth thing?

 

[holeymoley]

What about Highfield Equine in Aberdeen? No idea about them, I have them on fb though and they seem to have fairly sensible types. A lot of ottb types but occasionally the odd cob type.

 

[splashgirl45]

theres one on horsemart who sounds suitable , its carlisle so almost 2 hours away but he could be the one. HM1137B54 15.2 bay g 13yrs £3250 o.n.o. ELB equestrian advertised as novice ride/riding school horse

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Maybe it is word of mouth...our yard has just received one with its new owner last week...perhaps a phone call would be in order.

 

[PeterNatt]

My advice would be to find a horse locally that has a known record. Ask local instructors, farriers, vets and the pony club to keep an ear out. That way you are likely to find a good one. Make sure that it is 100% bombproof/spook proof in the heaviest of traffic and that it can be ridden out by itself or in company and that it is 100% controllable in all situations.

 

[Caol Ila]

Easier said than done, PeterNatt! I think they are doing that but nae luck so far. Seems as useful as asking vets, farriers, etc. for yards that will take your 2-year old.

The wee lassie really wants to learn to jump, so not sure they would be keen on "pops a jump but isn't his strong point." Otherwise, he seems really good.

 

[Inda]

The last horse I tried that was recommended by an instructor was little Connie, nice to ride, greener than I wanted and something felt wrong. He was sound, nothing I could put my finger on, he was used in her classes, he was right on paper. 2 weeks later he exploded under saddle and broke her leg in 3 places ending her jumping career.

george babes seems honest and has a good reputation if it helps? He’s In Kilmarnock I believe

 

[Ample Prosecco]

My friend has a fab 15hh 16 yr old gelding. Welsh x warmblood. Used to BE 90 and SJ 105 but now looking for looking for an easier life. Very good to hack. Very forward but safe. X

 

[Caol Ila]

PM me the details and I can pass on the info. That could be really nice for them.

 

[TPO]

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=190025666302474

 

[splashgirl45]

shame the little PBA is sold, he sounded like a nice chap

 

[Caol Ila]

Very nice, TPO. I've tagged them. Bet someone will snatch him up quickly.

 

[Caol Ila]

She says she's messaged Charlie Hutton about that horse. Maybe.... It looks like a sweet horse.

 

[chaps89]

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=190025666302474

Links gone now, didn't take long!

 

[TPO]

Links gone now, didn't take long!

It was Charlie Hutton's page in case its the link that's broken.

He did post the other day that he has horses for sale and clients selling etc so he might have or know of others too

 

[Caol Ila]

It still works for me. If they get in touch with him about that horse and it's sold, maybe he can help them find another one. He does fortnightly clinics at our yard, so he's a known quantity.