Horse shopping help!

[Squeak]

For what you're wanting the horse to do it could well be worth looking at older horses. There would be more chance of getting one in your budget, you'd know what you were getting as it would be established and it would have a better chance of coping with a busy family life than a youngster.

Imo a horse that has stayed sound doing the job you want has as good a chance of being sound as a youngster who is untested as to whether it can stand up to the work.

 

[HopOnTrot]

Where is everyone looking at adverts? Not that I’m horse shopping, just that I might keep an eye just in case (and I can spend my evenings sobbing at horse prices!)

 

[Barklands]

There are lots of lovely looking proven broodmares on Horsequest sold from the field at the moment and around your budget. Depends how confident you would feel taking a gamble with not being able to try, bringing back into work and ironing out any quirks. I'm sure everyone isn't as lucky but I bought a warmblood broodmare from the field which was owned by a stud (they were selling as they just couldn't get her to take) - horse of a lifetime and was only £2k, although that was a few years ago now.

Edit: just seen you want a gelding! Shame as there's some lovely mares around!

 

[Annagain]

Natacha Bonner (NB Equine on Facebook) will have something to suit you but you'll need a fair chunk more of budget to go to her.

 

[IrishMilo]

Sorry can’t do links but took a screen shot of this one on horsemart that might be ok. Just put the ref in the search feature and it will come up he is 6 years old and 15.3

That's my friend, can vouch!

 

[exracehorse]

Tried to find something which fitted some of your criteria, price, not a TB, gelding, age, a bit forward but not crazy, and found this one, but he's only 15hh not 15.1hh, and might be too far away as he's in Essex, and it says it's a business advert, and I have no idea if she's okay or someone to avoid

https://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/122466946/15hh-6-year-old-alrounder-cob-gelding.html

Oh my goodness no!! That’s Anna Golding

 

[Wheresthehoofpick]

If you're willing to go far west or difficult to get to parts of Cornwall, you may do okay with that budget. I agree trying Trereife- I don't know them personally but a friend had a good experience, and their horses often look cheaper than you'd pay "up country", I assume because of location?

Unless he's sold, they have got a nice looking, established for his age 15hh 4yo (I think no registered breeding) in looking for 5.5k. He might be a bit slimmer than you're looking for, but just to give you an idea of prices etc.

They've got a facebook page, but it may be worth getting in touch with them?

I know them well. They are the most lovely honest people. They really care about the horses they produce and Grace is such a great, sympathetic rider. Yes the horses are definitely a bit cheaper as so far down in Cornwall but it’s an easy trek down the M5 and A30 and they are only 15 mins ish outside of Penzance.

 

[spacefaer]

Friend of mine has one for sale who is exactly what you list
He's £9750.