Horse Searching Help!

[ChasingTheDream]

Hi guys!

I am looking for a horse; 16 hh + , to eventually compete on, and hack out - Just have fun with really

Im only fifteen; and have a limited budget; I have ridden all my life; but this will be my first horse [I've passed my BHS stage 1, Pony club tests, etc and have loaned ponies in the past], because of my budget Im finding it really hard to find what I want; anyway; I have found a few gorgeous horses, and was wondering what you thought of them?


I think this horse is gorgeous; but isnt broken. I have a lovely yard behind me, who I know would help out, and my RI has broken horses in before; and at that price I could afford to have him help me for quite a while:


http://www.horsemart.co.uk/young_stock_horse_3_yrs_5_mths_16_0_hh_dark_bay_derbyshire/advert/124967


I think this mare is gorgeous; she looks honest, and kind. Only concern is that the ad states she is green:

http://www.horsedeals.co.uk/horses-for-sale/allrounder-horse/The-Devious-Royal-__16-9-10-453783

Top end of my budget; but seems lovely:

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all_rounder_horse_9_yrs_16_0_hh_bay_cheshire/advert/121285

Same as above, but on the majority of the pics she's ridden in a double bridle; but it looks like a show; but I still am a little catious:

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all_rounder_horse_6_yrs_3_mths_16_0_hh_bright_bay_cheshire/advert/124236

Makes noise; RI said it all depends on how often etc:

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/ex_racehorses_horse_7_yrs_16_3_hh_chestnut_lancashire/advert/123577



Anyways; your opinions please - be honest - if you think they're all unsuitable for me; say so - I'd rather know now, than when I'm over-horsed

Thanks
xxx

 

[Honey08]

Hi,
I obviously haven't seen you ride, so your instructor should be your advisor really, but...

Having your own horse is very different from riding at a school -a s many other people on here have found out to their cost, so I'd say definately pick something that you can have fun with and that can teach you, rather than something that you have to school.

Out of all these, the best by miles is no 3, the IDxTB. She has done everything, and you could be out next year competeing and having fun. The others all look too young, green (and too big in the last case). The others are all more TB and finer, but would mean more feeding, and generally speaking more problems for a first time owner. As for buying a youngster to break "beccause it would last you for years", you may well go off to uni or something, so it may not be the case.

I'd speak to your RI and see no 3. Good luck.x

 

[Sparkles]

I'd strongly suggest stay away from a youngster, especially an unbacked one especially for your first horse.

Ex-racehorse not done much since racing other than hack [which isn't 'new' to them anyway] from the sounds of it so I'd stay away from that too. Nothing against ex-racers, I have one myself, but until you can understand the mind of a racer, they're not first horse material.

The mare in the double I'm not really a fan of either...I'd want to see much much much better photos and videos. Doesn't show any of the professional schooling/showing from the photos used [plaits, not in a proper double only a rugby pelham, no show cane, too high neck set etc]...so I'd want much much better photos showing the schooling and jumping. She's got pretty plate-y feet on her which I wouldn't be keen on, personally. She has a nice face on her but I'd just be worried about where her ability potential would end [jumping wise, etc].

I love the look of the 9 y/o mare, def worth a look as could be a real bargain there and sounds suited to what you'd want as she's already done quite a bit.

I quite like the other 5 y/o mare too, but again, would depend on her attitude to whether she'd be what you were looking for or not....green is fine if they're bold and got the temperament to work with, but if sharp and spooky green...then I'd give it a miss probably.


Good luck though, hope you find one!!!

 

[mollichop]

Agree with Honey08. Please do not be swayed by 'gorgeous' looks. Your 1st horse should be safe and fun.

It is great that your RI will be on hand to help you but although she may have backed and brought on youngsters, it will be your horse and you will be building a rapport with it.

The 1st 2 you have found are not suitable for a 1st time owner - sorry.

So put your sensible head on and best of luck - it's an exciting time for you

P.S: I was 15 when I got my 1st horse. He was a hairy skewbald cob who I thought was the lovliest chap i'd ever seen. We had many years of safe, fun together!

 

[galaxy]

I'd advise against the tbs (esp an unbroken or green one) as a 1st horse. I also wouldn't pay £1500 for an unbroken tb. you can get something cheaper broken!

No 3 is the one I'd call.