Horse market at present

Its been really interesting reading all the responses, I really don't have the experience to bring on a young horse and I don't want a a thoroughbred, I don't have anything against thoroughbreds but I am tall and there is a lot of me and I feel happier on something more substantial! I will keep saving and keep looking. DD has a share pony at present and I am having two riding lessons a week, so we are both riding regularly. I would definitely rather have no horse than the wrong horse! If the horse I am right for is out there then I am sure we will eventually find each other.
 
Also following and reading with interest as I am tentatively looking after coblets retirement and getting increasingly despondent that we may never find our elusive unicorn. Our search is made slightly trickier in that we are looking for a mother-teen daughter share and with a 5K budget ! But only a very low level alrounder and are open to SB, TB, and arab x's.
 
Kirstd33 said:
Also following and reading with interest as I am tentatively looking after coblets retirement and getting increasingly despondent that we may never find our elusive unicorn. Our search is made slightly trickier in that we are looking for a mother-teen daughter share and with a 5K budget ! But only a very low level alrounder and are open to SB, TB, and arab x's.
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Anything I buy will also be a mother teenage share; we can be despondent together! :)
 
There are definitely 'something for nothing' buyers out there, I am sure they are a total pain for sellers. That said OP is shopping with a 5 figure budget, as am I, and it's still slim pickings. I don't think it is unreasonable to want a sound horse with a nice temperament for that amount of money!

I viewed one nearer the 20k mark. It wasn't right for me in the end anyway but there were several red flags for soundness, so even if I'd felt right with him I'd have had to walk away. That is bonkers.

I'm willing to flex on older age, some health conditions, height, type. I don't need a competition record or a horse to stand up to hard work. So not exactly shopping with narrow parameters here.
 
IrishMilo said:
I don't think the quality of horses is worse these days as everyone keeps saying, I think it's more that people expect something closer to perfect and forget that these are sentient beings who are designed to break. How many posts do you see on the Dodgy dealer page of someone having a horse for a week and complaining it's unsettled? There are also far more novice and numpty riders buying into the sport now who're completely overhorsed when the attitude 20 years ago was you've got what you're given and now you work with it, or, You'll get a horse of your own when you're good enough.

I would tear my hair out being a dealer these days. It's funny because it seems the only people willing to take a horse with a blemish or quirk or pros. The hobby rider wants perfect for 7k.
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I think you have a valid point.

I have a novice acquaintance looking to buy and honestly, just because they can afford to, I'm not sure it means they should be! I'm quite surprised their instructor hasn't stepped in but I suspect they either can't say what they want to for fear if being dropped by the client or they may see the opportunity to make more money off them by 'schooling' the horse. Either case is sad IMHO.

Of course, the horse has to be talented, a good mover, fault free mentally and physically and be good looking to boot! Chances are, the horse that will improve their riding to the point they could do the things they say they want or need the horse to have done, isn't going to be the horse they actually do it on.

I'm absolutely not knocking their riding, as everyone was inexperienced once but it has been eye opening what people think they want from a horse in terms of ability vs their own ability and experience, then blame the 'mis-described' horses by 'dodgy' people. Or worse still, get the horse home and are surprised the horse that has been plucked from everything they knew, ridden and cared for by more experienced horse people and riders, might take some time to settle - there's a few people I know fall into this category too!
 
IrishMilo said:
I don't think the quality of horses is worse these days as everyone keeps saying, I think it's more that people expect something closer to perfect and forget that these are sentient beings who are designed to break. How many posts do you see on the Dodgy dealer page of someone having a horse for a week and complaining it's unsettled? There are also far more novice and numpty riders buying into the sport now who're completely overhorsed when the attitude 20 years ago was you've got what you're given and now you work with it, or, You'll get a horse of your own when you're good enough.

I would tear my hair out being a dealer these days. It's funny because it seems the only people willing to take a horse with a blemish or quirk or pros. The hobby rider wants perfect for 7k.
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I agree with this, as well as thinking that there are a lot of dodgy ones.

The lady I got mine from has stopped dealing due to too many dodgy purchasers!
 
TheHairyOne said:

I love this horse and for some reason I keep coming back to him even though I have no space for another one, no money to spend since its all going on getting my 4 year old produced and he is too small for me really!

Someone on here buy him as I want to keep seeing that face!
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I believe he’s been for sale since last year as I was watching his advert around September time. Could be a genuine reason why, or I could be mistaken……
 
IrishMilo said:
I don't think the quality of horses is worse these days as everyone keeps saying, I think it's more that people expect something closer to perfect and forget that these are sentient beings who are designed to break. How many posts do you see on the Dodgy dealer page of someone having a horse for a week and complaining it's unsettled? There are also far more novice and numpty riders buying into the sport now who're completely overhorsed when the attitude 20 years ago was you've got what you're given and now you work with it, or, You'll get a horse of your own when you're good enough.

I would tear my hair out being a dealer these days. It's funny because it seems the only people willing to take a horse with a blemish or quirk or pros. The hobby rider wants perfect for 7k.
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TheHairyOne said:

I love this horse and for some reason I keep coming back to him even though I have no space for another one, no money to spend since its all going on getting my 4 year old produced and he is too small for me really!

Someone on here buy him as I want to keep seeing that face!
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He does look nice but that is one tall strong rider on him and note the spurs.He probably has the potential to be a nice alrounder but maybe isn't there yet
 
IrishMilo said:
I don't think the quality of horses is worse these days as everyone keeps saying, I think it's more that people expect something closer to perfect and forget that these are sentient beings who are designed to break. How many posts do you see on the Dodgy dealer page of someone having a horse for a week and complaining it's unsettled? There are also far more novice and numpty riders buying into the sport now who're completely overhorsed when the attitude 20 years ago was you've got what you're given and now you work with it, or, You'll get a horse of your own when you're good enough.

I would tear my hair out being a dealer these days. It's funny because it seems the only people willing to take a horse with a blemish or quirk are pros. The hobby rider wants perfect for 7k.
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I dont even mind lame, and love something a bit quirky, but I would only ever spend money I could justify losing, sub 1k back before covid. The problem is the unsound, might be fixable might not horses are now all large amounts of money. If I was spending 10k I would absolutely expect safe and sound as a minimum. When prices have gone up it represents a sizeable investment for most people, a third of the UK average pre tax salary is around 10k.

The same conversation goes round on here a lot. The horses people need, the nice hunter types, smart cobs or native x TBs arent being bred. Just endless rough cobs, sports horses and ex racers. So people go for the sports horses and they seem to suffer more soundness problems and are absolutely too much horse for a lot of people. But apparently its to expensive to breed the normal every day horse that used to be everywhere and so the cycle continues.
 
TheHairyOne said:

I love this horse and for some reason I keep coming back to him even though I have no space for another one, no money to spend since its all going on getting my 4 year old produced and he is too small for me really!

Someone on here buy him as I want to keep seeing that face!
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He will ride small even for his height and there wont be a lot of horse in front of you if that makes you feel any better? Hes more suited to a petite person. Nothing worse than riding something you feel very tall on and where there's no front either.
 
eahotson said:
He does look nice but that is one tall strong rider on him and note the spurs.He probably has the potential to be a nice alrounder but maybe isn't there yet
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Hes been ridden well by someone making it look very easy, he will be very green and potentially quite hard work, but he's clearly very, very sweet. Just better for someone short.
 
I have tentatively asked about viewing a cob that Emily Chambers has at present. I am staying with friends this weekend who have I just found out live five minutes from her yard. If it isn't suitable I thought it was worth a conversation about options as I know she works closely with Chris Dyson and while they predominantly have younger horses they also have some older and more established ones at times. This particular horse is seven and described as green but quiet and sensible. I thought it worth a look anyway.
 
Waxwing said:
I have tentatively asked about viewing a cob that Emily Chambers has at present. I am staying with friends this weekend who have I just found out live five minutes from her yard. If it isn't suitable I thought it was worth a conversation about options as I know she works closely with Chris Dyson and while they predominantly have younger horses they also have some older and more established ones at times. This particular horse is seven and described as green but quiet and sensible. I thought it worth a look anyway.
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No harm in looking of course but don't buy without your instructor.
 
TheHairyOne said:

I love this horse and for some reason I keep coming back to him even though I have no space for another one, no money to spend since its all going on getting my 4 year old produced and he is too small for me really!

Someone on here buy him as I want to keep seeing that face!
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I'd like to see a side on view, I think I like other horse types, his neck looks super short. I think I need a reality check! I would have guessed maybe half of his asking price. But I would consider a.sturdy tb.even though they are drama queens often
 
I think people are too picky and want the world. What sells looks good and moves beautifully but breaks in five seconds and is easily too much for many people.

I buy whatever works - the odd looking ones or the behaviourally compromised but sound. I can tell you every time that the odd looking ones are usually worth their weight in gold in terms of temperament, and have enough athleticism to do the very basic things we want. Flashy messes around too much in the field and injures itself, over extends in work and does likewise. Utility is too busy eating to do silly things and only puts the minimal effort in - safer.

I have a couple of ponies who aren’t exactly a work of art. A head too big or a back a little too long or too short. They move cleanly though and have gold dust temperaments. My friend always laughs at the odd looking ponies I buy for my daughter - but I need safe and sane for her and those most often come in a little wonky looking.

I also have some with absolutely perfect show level conformation (and colour in one) that are ‘troubled’. They aren’t very nice people in the herd and require careful handling. One was show bred with a tiny head leading to eyes that almost pop out and the fiery ‘Welsh’ temperament. Another was bred for colour and conformation. She is absolutely beautiful but was headed for the knackers after a full vet evaluation incl blood tests before she came to us.

Handsome is as handsome does - a little funky shaped but good enough not to break in an amateur home, an odd colour, an ugly head…

But no one wants ordinary so it’s not being bred. And no one wants to pay what it would really cost to produce these horses well to, say, 6yo or 8yo so less of those horses are being produced by professionals. So there is a shortage.
 
maya2008 said:
I think people are too picky and want the world. What sells looks good and moves beautifully but breaks in five seconds and is easily too much for many people.

I buy whatever works - the odd looking ones or the behaviourally compromised but sound. I can tell you every time that the odd looking ones are usually worth their weight in gold in terms of temperament, and have enough athleticism to do the very basic things we want. Flashy messes around too much in the field and injures itself, over extends in work and does likewise. Utility is too busy eating to do silly things and only puts the minimal effort in - safer.

I have a couple of ponies who aren’t exactly a work of art. A head too big or a back a little too long or too short. They move cleanly though and have gold dust temperaments. My friend always laughs at the odd looking ponies I buy for my daughter - but I need safe and sane for her and those most often come in a little wonky looking.

I also have some with absolutely perfect show level conformation (and colour in one) that are ‘troubled’. They aren’t very nice people in the herd and require careful handling. One was show bred with a tiny head leading to eyes that almost pop out and the fiery ‘Welsh’ temperament. Another was bred for colour and conformation. She is absolutely beautiful but was headed for the knackers after a full vet evaluation incl blood tests before she came to us.

Handsome is as handsome does - a little funky shaped but good enough not to break in an amateur home, an odd colour, an ugly head…

But no one wants ordinary so it’s not being bred. And no one wants to pay what it would really cost to produce these horses well to, say, 6yo or 8yo so less of those horses are being produced by professionals. So there is a shortage.
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It's funny that you say this as this is what I went for this time around, I have pity bought ones before that were broken or aggressive in whatever ways but generally either overbred warmbloods or bred for colour or abiity but without thought to the brain, my last one was super flashy and 18.3hh so big with it but just f*cked phsycially from being a) hypermobile and b) pushed too hard too young because of it. This time I wanted the middle ground, a bit of chunk, will give everything a go but may not excel in anything, workmanlike paces, well boned legs.. just a standard horse for a bog standard rider but most of all I wanted a nice person, something who you dont have to overmanage or overthink - and really that is what I have got! It's perfect for me. Albeit he did cost me £7k as an untouched rising 3yo unseen from Ireland, so not a bargain but any stretch.
 
maya2008 said:
I think people are too picky and want the world. What sells looks good and moves beautifully but breaks in five seconds and is easily too much for many people.

I buy whatever works - the odd looking ones or the behaviourally compromised but sound. I can tell you every time that the odd looking ones are usually worth their weight in gold in terms of temperament, and have enough athleticism to do the very basic things we want. Flashy messes around too much in the field and injures itself, over extends in work and does likewise. Utility is too busy eating to do silly things and only puts the minimal effort in - safer.

I have a couple of ponies who aren’t exactly a work of art. A head too big or a back a little too long or too short. They move cleanly though and have gold dust temperaments. My friend always laughs at the odd looking ponies I buy for my daughter - but I need safe and sane for her and those most often come in a little wonky looking.

I also have some with absolutely perfect show level conformation (and colour in one) that are ‘troubled’. They aren’t very nice people in the herd and require careful handling. One was show bred with a tiny head leading to eyes that almost pop out and the fiery ‘Welsh’ temperament. Another was bred for colour and conformation. She is absolutely beautiful but was headed for the knackers after a full vet evaluation incl blood tests before she came to us.

Handsome is as handsome does - a little funky shaped but good enough not to break in an amateur home, an odd colour, an ugly head…

But no one wants ordinary so it’s not being bred. And no one wants to pay what it would really cost to produce these horses well to, say, 6yo or 8yo so less of those horses are being produced by professionals. So there is a shortage.
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I remember once being asked to ride a really common little cob at a tracking yard.I didn't want to but after riding him for about 5 mins I fell in love.
 
OP - if you're not in a rush - let everyone in your horsey network know (farriers, instructors, riding club organisers etc.) the horse world is small ish and someone might have just the pony in a field but dreading the thought of advertising / joy riders etc.

I'm another who had never had a youngster - but after another failed purchase (ex racer with kissing spine) I splashed out £900 from preloved for an ugly colt that looks so bad several people asked if I felt sorry for him

Fast forward a minor 8 years and he's winning Novice level dressage championships and small ODE and 5 mins after starting any clinic all the people on fancy warm bloods are asking me what breed he is (pure Mutt). Never a lame day in all that time. Now giving lessons to my beginner daughter who can't do rising trot.

I can't imagine what he would cost to replace.
 
Polos Mum said:
OP - if you're not in a rush - let everyone in your horsey network know (farriers, instructors, riding club organisers etc.) the horse world is small ish and someone might have just the pony in a field but dreading the thought of advertising / joy riders etc.

I'm another who had never had a youngster - but after another failed purchase (ex racer with kissing spine) I splashed out £900 from preloved for an ugly colt that looks so bad several people asked if I felt sorry for him

Fast forward a minor 8 years and he's winning Novice level dressage championships and small ODE and 5 mins after starting any clinic all the people on fancy warm bloods are asking me what breed he is (pure Mutt). Never a lame day in all that time. Now giving lessons to my beginner daughter who can't do rising trot.

I can't imagine what he would cost to replace.
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Worth his weight in gold.
 
AShetlandBitMeOnce said:
It's funny that you say this as this is what I went for this time around, I have pity bought ones before that were broken or aggressive in whatever ways but generally either overbred warmbloods or bred for colour or abiity but without thought to the brain, my last one was super flashy and 18.3hh so big with it but just f*cked phsycially from being a) hypermobile and b) pushed too hard too young because of it. This time I wanted the middle ground, a bit of chunk, will give everything a go but may not excel in anything, workmanlike paces, well boned legs.. just a standard horse for a bog standard rider but most of all I wanted a nice person, something who you dont have to overmanage or overthink - and really that is what I have got! It's perfect for me. Albeit he did cost me £7k as an untouched rising 3yo unseen from Ireland, so not a bargain but any stretch.
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I have just had to do the same, from the same dealer, to get something sound, sane and straight moving. Same price so not exactly a bargain but I was pleasantly surprised when he came off the wagon.
 
AShetlandBitMeOnce said:
It's funny that you say this as this is what I went for this time around, I have pity bought ones before that were broken or aggressive in whatever ways but generally either overbred warmbloods or bred for colour or abiity but without thought to the brain, my last one was super flashy and 18.3hh so big with it but just f*cked phsycially from being a) hypermobile and b) pushed too hard too young because of it. This time I wanted the middle ground, a bit of chunk, will give everything a go but may not excel in anything, workmanlike paces, well boned legs.. just a standard horse for a bog standard rider but most of all I wanted a nice person, something who you dont have to overmanage or overthink - and really that is what I have got! It's perfect for me. Albeit he did cost me £7k as an untouched rising 3yo unseen from Ireland, so not a bargain but any stretch.
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Who did you use if you don’t mind saying?
 
I'm really interested in this thread and others like it. I'm not buying at the moment, share horse & owners are amazing but sometimes it would be great going back to having my own.

Been looking just to see prices, what horses are around but holy moly didn't expect 15k for a horse to hack, dont mind a teeny buck or nap, managable health issues within reason- over 15k. But looks like that's what it is now to be fair. That will always be out of my price range to buy. But it's the current market. What happened to make it this way from 6-8 years ago?

Also in.my area, it's really difficult to have a private lesson in a RI. No idea why given it's such a horsey area.

Just before lockdown was looking at 3-5-6k for an older been there done it cob, no chance now. I think that's why lost of people may be going down the route of buying a youngster, hopefully having them brought on with help.

I don't like the mantra if you can't afford 10-12k you can't afford a horse, honestly think the buying takes alot of budget that could be for other things.

Possibly dealers too getting fed up being on sites if they sold a horse to someone and it's gone wrong due to lack of horsemanship.
 
I’ve just seen one of my mares sister for sale . If she’s anything like my mare she would be well worth viewing . She must be a 16.1 ish pure bred draught by Avanti Amorous Archie .
My mare is easy every way
 
Kirstd33 said:
Who did you use if you don’t mind saying?
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I don't mind at all, I used Adam Ferris - he has varying types but does have a good ID thrown in if you keep an eye out or message and buy him, he's friendly and helpful, he buys them as foals and then sells either unbacked from the field, or he then goes on to back them if they don't sell I presume.
 
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