Horse shopping... champagne tastes with panda pop money

[Henry02]

So once I’ve sold my current horse I will be taking a break for a while. I need to save up some cash and just have a bit of a break from horses.

for my next horse I’m really not sure what to go for. I’ve previously had the privilege of having a well bred Warmblood on loan. Whilst not an “easy” ride, she was fun, and so talented that the small showjumping courses I did, (and when I’d put the work in schooling her) she’d go out to any dressage competition and get placed. There’s no way I could ever afford a ridden horse of such quality, but there is a chance that I would be able to afford a rising three year old of similar quality. I have enough confidence in my ability to break a young horse in (or at least do enough on their education before sending away to be ridden away).

on the other hand, it would be nice to have a horse to ride, that is already broken in, and is a known quantity. I don’t have the ambition to anything above riding club level, so in theory any Tom dick or Harry horse should be ok. (I prefer finer types, and don’t really want a coloured cob.)

Or, the final option, get an ex-racer. I’ve retrained enough to know what I’m doing with them. I know there are the “specialist” rehoming places, where I should be able to ask for something with a bit of talent. Only thing that puts me off them is the amount of issues they seem to come out of racing with.

I’m also limited with the fact that to achieve everything I want, I need to purchase a towing vehicle. However this is almost secondary to getting my new horse, as he/she will more than likely need plenty of work at home before I think about taking them anywhere.

all suggestions with my ramblings are welcome

 

[milliepops]

I think it probably comes down to how quickly you want to be getting out and about with the next one.
If you think you want to be off to shows etc pretty much from the off then a more established, less fancy horse might be the better option, and arguably buying something already doing more or less the job you want is the lesser risk.

Getting a 3yo might see you pottering around at home for a good while.

 

[Henry02]

I think it probably comes down to how quickly you want to be getting out and about with the next one.
If you think you want to be off to shows etc pretty much from the off then a more established, less fancy horse might be the better option, and arguably buying something already doing more or less the job you want is the lesser risk.

Getting a 3yo might see you pottering around at home for a good while.

I’m not too bothered if I have to stay at home or not. I’ve had a revaluation over the past six months or so, with the likes of Warwick Schiller. I have subscribed to the training programme, and gives you more exercises than you could ever think of, to follow at home.

although granted I see pictures of little xc courses and would love to be going out tommorow on my old loan mare (impossible as she’s been PTS).

it’s tough, and I know the right answer will eventually present itself, it’s helpful having a chat about it

 

[Scarlett]

If you've the experience, and confidence, then don't rule out an exracer. I have 3, and have had a few before them, and they don't all have issues! There's plenty of nice, sane, sound ones out there if you are willing to look and keep your mind open. A lot of the issues you hear about are more people issues than the horses themselves.

My latest one cost next to nothing and he's genuinely fantastic.

 

[Henry02]

If you've the experience, and confidence, then don't rule out an exracer. I have 3, and have had a few before them, and they don't all have issues! There's plenty of nice, sane, sound ones out there if you are willing to look and keep your mind open. A lot of the issues you hear about are more people issues than the horses themselves.

My latest one cost next to nothing and he's genuinely fantastic.

I’ve retrained three over the past few years, all of them have had a multitude of veterinary issues; some fixable, some not. Having said that they’ve all been “private” rehomes. If I do get another one, I will be going to one of the few dealers that specialise in them. In the hope they can select me one that isn’t a total crock and has a suitable temperament/ability for what I want

 

[doodle]

I love an ex racer. They have their own issues but also they have a lot of positives. Soli had raced in September, was bought by someone and they do the initial schooling and by feb when I bought him he was schooling (at prelim level) nicely and 2 months later did his first dressage comp and was 2nd.

I now don’t feel capable of a racer. Soli was very difficult to hack and I don’t miss the feed bills!

 

[LEC]

I find a lot of horses tend to find me. If having a break I tend to ride out for people and it tends to clarify my thoughts on what I want. There are always people that want help so I find it a really useful way to build connections and extend my networks.

 

[Henry02]

I find a lot of horses tend to find me. If having a break I tend to ride out for people and it tends to clarify my thoughts on what I want. There are always people that want help so I find it a really useful way to build connections and extend my networks.

my last TB only had to look at a bucket of food to put 10kg on. She waddled around the field all year long!

I also am more than likely to have my horses on full livery, meaning the food costs included within the bill

 

[Henry02]

What would you do if you found a two year old for a reasonable price. Will not be a top level horse, but should have enough oomph for what I want