Horse shopping head v heart dilemma

[mbbillz]

Hey I'm new to this forum but long time lurker . I'm currently horse shopping and have found myself in a bit of head vs heart dilemma, so wanting to get some unbiased opinions! I have two horses that I'm really interested in, but for different reasons and I can't make my mind up! For context, my requirements are a forever horse that I can do BE90/100 on with potential to go further.

Horse 1
Pros:
- Youngster "blank canvas" that I can grow with
- Scopey but calm as anything
- Seemingly unflappable temperament
- Really solid, correct paces, would do well dressage
- Has been professionally produced so good start in life
Cons:
- No comp record
- Bigger risk as youngster
- More commitment/time needed (I do have exp with youngsters so not really a huge problem)

Horse 2
Pros:
- Older and more established
- Has really good SJ record (always clear)
- Again lovely temperament
- Seems to have a bit more attitude/fire in the belly
Cons:
- Ok dressage - would need some re-schooling (he doesn't appear to engage behind too well)
- Has a patchy XC record - either seems to DC or get eliminated lol
- Seller seems genuine but a bit flaky (he "lost a shoe" the day before viewing and had to re-arrange - red flag or genuine?).

Now those are the objective truths, but here's the heart talking: horse 1 doesn't have that look in his eye, I can't put my finger on it, it's like he doesn't have too much of a personality and just seems a little dull behind the eye (if that makes sense)! I don't look at him (yet) with that kind of "omg he's so gorgeous" feeling. Wondering if this will hinder the bond or will this change over time? Horse 2 however for some reason I am smitten with, he is properly gorgeous and melts my heart already.

Have you ever been in a similar position? What would you do?! Head is telling me horse 1, heart is telling me horse 2! Help!

 

[rextherobber]

I'd keep looking, to be honest...

 

[windand rain]

1 everytime if you want to event 2 if you dont and can cope being a showjumper. Horses for courses

 

[paddi22]

I wouldn't buy a horse for eventing if it had a patchy xc record and bad dressage. unless the current owner was a complete disaster riding. I got a horse with a bad canter who found it hard to engage behind and it took YEARS for us to get decent dressage scores and build him up behind.

if the first one is a good price it sounds tempting. but do you know if it's brave over xc fences? no point buying it ifs it's not brave

 

[sport horse]

As the old saying goes 'if in doubt do without'. Leave them both alone and keep looking

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

What exactly do you want the horse that you eventually buy to do? Write down your list of requirements, first the non-negotiables, then the possible compromises (e.g. mare/gelding) and lastly the 'really don't minds' (colour?). That should help you to decide if either of them is for you. Good luck in your search!

 

[mbbillz]

I wouldn't buy a horse for eventing if it had a patchy xc record and bad dressage. unless the current owner was a complete disaster riding. I got a horse with a bad canter who found it hard to engage behind and it took YEARS for us to get decent dressage scores and build him up behind.

if the first one is a good price it sounds tempting. but do you know if it's brave over xc fences? no point buying it ifs it's not brave

Aye he’s been schooling round BE100 fences with ease, fine with ditches/water etc

 

[mbbillz]

What exactly do you want the horse that you eventually buy to do? Write down your list of requirements, first the non-negotiables, then the possible compromises (e.g. mare/gelding) and lastly the 'really don't minds' (colour?). That should help you to decide if either of them is for you. Good luck in your search!

This is the thing - they both tick all my boxes characteristics-wise - both same height, colour, sex, only difference is age ?

 

[mbbillz]

I'd keep looking, to be honest...

I am keeping an eye out for sure!

 

[paddi22]

if it's a good price and has talent it sounds tempting. the dullness of the eyes can sometimes just be a youngster who is a bit overwhelmed and shut down a bit with all the new stuff that's being thrown at them. I often see youngsters and charity horses coming in looking a bit flat, calm and a bit dull but they perk up once they settle and relax.

 

[Pippity]

if it's a good price and has talent it sounds tempting. the dullness of the eyes can sometimes just be a youngster who is a bit overwhelmed and shut down a bit with all the new stuff that's being thrown at them. I often see youngsters and charity horses coming in looking a bit flat, calm and a bit dull but they perk up once they settle and relax.

Absolutely not a performance horse, but my little cob had very little behind the eyes when I bought her. Two years later, she has a little bit TOO much personality at times!

 

[mbbillz]

if it's a good price and has talent it sounds tempting. the dullness of the eyes can sometimes just be a youngster who is a bit overwhelmed and shut down a bit with all the new stuff that's being thrown at them. I often see youngsters and charity horses coming in looking a bit flat, calm and a bit dull but they perk up once they settle and relax.

Yeah that is true he might open up once he knows he can settle - so far he’s just been from breeder to owner to producer so probably hasn’t had much one-to-one love/relationship! Thanks for the reply ?

 

[Upthecreek]

I would personally avoid horse 2 if you want to event to a decent level. In an older more established horse with a competition record I would want to see some consistency. Either DC or getting eliminated would suggest he downs tools on a bad day. Of course it could be down to bad riding, so I’d want to really test him XC and get a feel for how he goes. If his flat work isn’t great also, the two things combined would be enough to put me off...... unless I wanted a show jumper.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

This is the thing - they both tick all my boxes characteristics-wise - both same height, colour, sex, only difference is age ?

Yes but what do you actually want the horse to do? Which one does it?

 

[mbbillz]

Yes but what do you actually want the horse to do? Which one does it?

Eventing mostly - BE90/100 and maybe beyond. Horse 1 I feel has more potential to do this and do it well. Horse 2 already does it but as mentioned perhaps not as well/reliably.

I think I’m sold on 1 tbh after reading some objective replies I think I was letting looks cloud my judgment and get in the way of rationality ? so thank you everyone!

 

[paddi22]

yeah one sounds very positive. it has the correct movement by the sounds of it and it's happy doing the xc level you want.

the only thing I would be slightly wary of (and it mightn't be the case here at all) is that I've seen with people getting young horses off pros is that the pros could literally be given a cow and get it in a nice frame for dressage and motor it around an xc course. the fact that the horse seems slightly 'flat' would make me slightly wary of that. sometimes horses like that go to amateur riders and either realise they have a bit more say than they thought or lose confidence without a pro on them. but if you are used to youngsters you'll know how to develop them and bring out the spark and joy in its job and if it's performing xc and has a good work attitude then that's a good blank canvas to start with. it's always easy to sell on a horse with nice paces and a good attitude later on if you find you don't click with it.

 

[Trouper]

Horse 1 for me. It's all very well falling in love with the head that looks over the stable door at you but, if there may be problems from the neck back, then I would go for the youngster every time. I also agree that horses can shut down with too much input scrambling their brains or too much repetitive activity. My last horse had rarely hacked - stable, field, arena, stable, field, arena and repeat - endlessly. With a few hacks under her belt and a varied programme she became a different animal.
Take the youngster - slowly.

 

[Gloi]

No 1 for me all the way. You know its background and that there are no hidden problems. If you bring it on well it will increase in value even if it doesn't make it as an eventer.

 

[AUB]

When you look at the first horse everyday and you ride it everyday you WILL find that it has quirks and you will start to love it, because it’s actually easy to love a nice horse with a great attitude that takes education well and gives you many good rides.

But the less reliable horse you might regret buying because it doesn’t have the same rideability. You might end up having fewer good rides and often drive home from the stable frustrated.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

1 for me too. No.2 has too many red flags. Nice character doesn't make up for physical deficiencies.

 

[spacefaer]

No 1. Sounds delightful and one you can make your own.
I wouldn't touch no 2 with a bargepole. Why take on someone else's problems?

 

[EventingMum]

No 1 for me, I've had a few come from dealer/producer type yards and while they've been well looked after and had their needs met they have been one of a number and not developed a 1:1 relationship with an individual however that has developed once they've settled at home.

 

[ycbm]

How old is 1?

I had a 3, then 4, year old I said I was going to sell because he was too quiet. At 5, he lit up.

It's 1 for me and if not, definitely not 2, keep looking.
.

 

[misst]

2 sounds like one of ours in the past. He would throw in the towel XC. Looked the part and bred for the part but turned out the problem was hind suspensory problems with later SI joint involvement. The poor sc record and the lack of hind engagement would worry me in a more mature horse with a a history of competition. It may not be a known problem now but I would be very wary.

 

[mbbillz]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I have an update! I ended up going with horse 1 - he passed a 5 stage vetting with flying colours and was brought down to me just over a week ago. He behaved impeccably on the journey down (11 hrs in total with a stop off, he was the last on the lorry and was chilled as anything) and has taken everything in his stride so well so far! I've no idea why I felt the way I did before as the second he stepped off the lorry I was smitten and he has proven to have the sweetest, lovable personality I could have hoped for. I couldn't be more pleased so thank you everyone for knocking some sense into me!!

 

[BBP]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I have an update! I ended up going with horse 1 - he passed a 5 stage vetting with flying colours and was brought down to me just over a week ago. He behaved impeccably on the journey down (11 hrs in total with a stop off, he was the last on the lorry and was chilled as anything) and has taken everything in his stride so well so far! I've no idea why I felt the way I did before as the second he stepped off the lorry I was smitten and he has proven to have the sweetest, lovable personality I could have hoped for. I couldn't be more pleased so thank you everyone for knocking some sense into me!!

I love that, great update, thanks for posting.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Awww what a lovely update ❤
We just need pics now ?

 

[Bernster]

Always nice to have an update. He sounds great.

 

[alexomahony]

How old is 1?

I had a 3, then 4, year old I said I was going to sell because he was too quiet. At 5, he lit up.

It's 1 for me and if not, definitely not 2, keep looking.
.

I was going to say this - depending on his age, if 3 or 4, he may still be very submissive then often you begin to see personality from 5 onwards.

The concern with 2 is if he's older, why has his flatwork never been addressed? Why does he still struggle to engage from behind?

I'd go with 1 if the price is right... if he's as good as you say you could play with him over winter, see if a bond develops early spring and if not he sounds an easy type to sell on.

Or keep on looking

**UPDATED TO SEE RECENT COMMENTS**

Lovely news <3

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Nice to get an update about how it ended, even better to hear that you're happy with your new horse.

By the way, I don't think there is a need to apologise for updating your own barely a month old thread. I plan to post yet another update on Friday, on a thread I started the 8 September.
The ones I wish would start their replies with a note about having resurrected an old thread, is the ones digging up threads which haven't been posted on since 2010, or similar.