Horse shopping - where to start?

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biccie1

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I've come to the conclusion that my boy just doesn't enjoy the same things as me so I've decided to let his loaner do her thing with him (hacking) and get me something else to enjoy.

So this means I need to go horse shopping!

About me:

- I live on the border of Kent and London but am willing to travel for the right horse.

- I'm 5'7 and 13st.

About the horse I'm looking for:

- I've found I've enjoyed riding something with a real horse stride, and much prefer that to my boy's pony stride (he's a 15hh cob x). So probably no cobs, or anything that doesn't really stride out.

- I'm not at all brave and would describe myself as a nervous novice! So I need something that will put up with me and not be too reactionary if I have a moment...

- I enjoy schooling and hacking (alone and in company) and would like to do low level dressage (just a bit of prelim etc), SJ (2'6 ish) and long distance rides.

- I prefer geldings, but would have a non-marish mare.

- Due to my nerves I need something that has seen life, so nothing really under 9 probably.

- Height probably between about 15hh and 17hh.

- Budget is up to £5k.

I have an instructor to keep me on the straight and narrow, and will also ride for me if need be and have the space and cash ready. I just need to find the right horse now.

I have no idea where to start, so any ideas gratefully accepted. And if anyone fancies a bit of horse shopping for me I would love you forever as I am going cross-eyed.

Thanks!!
 
Just pick some national sites like horsemart and then pick your regional area. As a horse owner already you must know that what is in an advert can be construed as many different things, so the only way to find out if a horse is suitable is pick an advert and try it out. You have already specified what you want but as you think you are a nervous novice look out for adverts saying 'not novice ride' as these will not suit you at all. Hope that helps! :-)
 
Here are a couple to get things started..

I read the no novices as being novice owners rather than her being a difficult ride

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all-rounder-horse-9-yrs-15-3-hh-liver-chestnut-ken/Horses/296644

I know this is a bit younger than you said but could be worth a look

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all-rounder-horse-7-yrs-16-0-hh-coloured-east-suss/Horses/297318

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all-rounder-horse-12-yrs-16-2-hh-black-kent/Horses/299249

I'm not from the area and don't know anything about Dealers around there, but there are a couple that look to have several potentials, so if their reputation is okay might be worth going for a look?
 
Last edited:
JulesRules said:
Here are a couple to get things started..

I read the no novices as being novice owners rather than her being a difficult ride

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all-rounder-horse-9-yrs-15-3-hh-liver-chestnut-ken/Horses/296644

I know this is a bit younger than you said but could be worth a look

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all-rounder-horse-7-yrs-16-0-hh-coloured-east-suss/Horses/297318

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/all-rounder-horse-12-yrs-16-2-hh-black-kent/Horses/299249

I'm not from the area and don't know anything about Dealers around there, but there are a couple that look to have several potentials, so if their reputation is okay might be worth going for a look?
Click to expand...

Thanks all. JR - I'd spotted the last one myself but not the other two. They both look very interesting, especially the coloured. I'll give those a call to find out a little more. There are a couple of dealers I know to avoid, their adverts are normally distinctive from the photos luckily.

My RI is looking, farrier is due next week so I'll speak to him then and I'm popping to the RC tomorrow. Friends are on the case!

I hated looking the first time as it is such a minefield. So many frogs to kiss....
 
Just be prepared to take a long time over it - I always find just as you think there is no hope something pops up about 2 minutes from where you live ...
 
Re the coloured - skip to the last photo showing the horse's near side and look at the NF hoof. The heel is very under-run, so unless you are willing to really work on his hooves (have a great Farrier/Trimmer etc...), don't consider it.
 
Thanks Faracat

Any thoughts on this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a45dngukiRo

e09144720cccc01d3854fa1677474eab_zps837d9664.jpg


Leona Confidence giver/Family horse Leona is a real confidence giving lady. She has a kind and gentle nature making her very easy to handle both in and out of the stable Leona would make a fabulous horse to do sponsered/pleasure rides as is easy going and very comftable she jumps both coloured and natural fences Leona would also ride a nice dressage test as she works well in a nice outline. Leona is a pleasure to have round the yard and will make someone a lovely little horse to enjoy and love £3250
 
Everyone steers horse shoppers to the internet........Why? You can end up travelling miles around the UK looking at horses that are more than likely nothing like what they were advertised as. You will end up disillusioned & fed up with the search.

You are after a nice horse that will look after you. You are not after an incredible showjumper, an eventer etc. You should be able to find the ideal horse for you within 30 miles of where you live. Your instructor will know numerous people who have horses & are wanting to sell. They will also know what the horse is like. If they don't know of a suitable horse then they will know other horsey people or instructors who will know of a horse.

Don't dismiss the idea of visiting a dealer with your instructor, they are not all devils incarnate. There are many good ones out there that value their hard earned reputation & it is in their interest for you to get a nice horse.

Basically you don't have to get on a computer to find a horse. Good Luck in your search. ;)
 
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