Horse shopping - WWYD

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Ceriann

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Still looking for our unicorn - safe hacker for my novice hubby, that ideally I could use for fun rides and low level jumping (my mare is a little delicate for some of that). I spotted a real contender last night - text and private seller said he would be perfect. But (always a but) there are already viewings in today, tomorrow and Saturday (he was advertised yesterday!). Owner has said right home is really important so not to assume he will sell and to get in touch after this. I’ve done a soft sell re home (horses at home, we don’t sell, likely v easy life as a happy hacker) and said if he’s what they say he sounds exactly what we need. But if he is one of those viewers will want him. So what would you do - part of me thinks respect the sellers response and wait. The owner I bought my mare off took great offence with a buyer that tried to bump me with an earlier viewing and the hint of a higher price. But if he is as she says (no video just a pic and what I consider to be a nice honest sounding ad) I could lose out on a cracker if I wait!
 
Roxylola

Roxylola

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If you've done the soft sell and they've asked you to wait and get in touch I'd probably do that. As you say they might take offence at you being pushy.
If you've spoken on the phone or not replied to their latest message I might consider a text or message just saying you're available at short notice /any time for a viewing as you really like the sound of him
 
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Widgeon

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Personally, for my own sanity, I would politely enquire as to whether the seller could fit you in on an evening - stress that you would fit around them and not to worry if it doesn't work for them. Then if they still can't manage that, I'd (try to appear to) be very laid back about it and just wait to see if he comes back to you. If they do, great. If not, you did all you could. I think if you let yourself get too stressed about the whole process you can drive yourself mad. You can't push too much anyway, you don't want to risk annoying the owner. Good luck!
 
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Ceriann

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Thanks all. I am not stressed - they are rare but do come up. I may have missed out. I certainly don’t want to harass the owner especially as it feels like an emotional sale - I had this with my mare and the soft approach (genuine not gamed) worked and we stay in touch. I was once told a mile or so pre arriving that horse had sold - massive travel, had checked in halfway when we stopped for fuel. I was so annoyed and told the seller so but it was Pointless and served no purpose. I might send a polite message late aft Sat and see how the land lies (post the viewings).
 
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Leandy

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I would wait as requested but of course stress my strong interest. If someone else gets there first then there isn't much you can do about it. I've done enough horse viewings to know that however perfect they appear to be on paper, often on viewing they are just not the right one. This goes both ways. He may well still be available when they are able to fit you in for a viewing and also, he may well not in fact prove to be the right horse for you. Just take your time and don't be rushed. I wouldn't be trying to persuade them to fit me in earlier unless I could be guaranteed to be the only viewing on that day. I want to see how the horse is fresh, not when he's already been ridden by someone else earlier.
 
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Pearlsacarolsinger

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You know the saying, 'What's for you won't pass by you?'. If the horse is the one for you, he will still be available after the viewings. I once rang about an ad to be told that the horse was sold, to what sounded to be the perfect home for her, similar to yours, experienced owner with a novice OH. 9 months later I bought her from the buyer because she had run away with novice OH, who had 'lost interest' and was advertised again. I hadn't realised from the ad that it was the same horse. She was exactly what I wanted and worth waiting for.
 
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Ceriann

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I think he’s one viewing a day - not certain but got that impression. I agree sit back and wait now. Buying horses in this market is not for the faint of heart or the easily upset or offended!!
 
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Leandy

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I really don't think prudent buyers are changing their buying behaviour in the current market (other than maybe having to pay more). A good proportion of those who are rushing it and not having second viewings, not vetting, viewing a horse and taking it home the same day with no time to reflect or arrange any of the aforementioned, will repent at their leisure.
 
mini_b

mini_b

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Pearlsasinger said:
You know the saying, 'What's for you won't pass by you?'. If the horse is the one for you, he will still be available after the viewings. I once rang about an ad to be told that the horse was sold, to what sounded to be the perfect home for her, similar to yours, experienced owner with a novice OH. 9 months later I bought her from the buyer because she had run away with novice OH, who had 'lost interest' and was advertised again. I hadn't realised from the ad that it was the same horse. She was exactly what I wanted and worth waiting for.
Click to expand...

Unbelievable! Lucky you :)
 
FestiveFuzz

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I feel your pain, we’re looking for exactly the same thing and have a similar set up and it’s been so hard to find anything and when we do they’re snapped up before our viewing. I’ve taken to putting wanted ads everywhere as I feel we’re more likely to find what we’re looking for through word of mouth.
 
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Ceriann

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spacefaer said:
@Ceriann @FestiveFuzz
What are your search parameters?
(Height, age, acceptable travel distance, budget etc)
I heard of a couple that might suit over the last few days
Click to expand...
Height 15.1-16.1
Age 8-15
Travel - 2 hrs max from Ashbourne
Budget - it really does depend on the horse but would prefer not to go to high 4/low 5 figures if possible!
No known injuries or health issues and must be ok to mix with mares.
 
FestiveFuzz

FestiveFuzz

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spacefaer said:
@Ceriann @FestiveFuzz
What are your search parameters?
(Height, age, acceptable travel distance, budget etc)
I heard of a couple that might suit over the last few days
Click to expand...

Height - 16.2+
Age - we’re fairly open, I imagine what we’re looking for will be mid-teens+ but wouldn’t rule out an older head on young shoulders type if they ticked all other boxes
Travel - ideally within 3hrs of east anglia
Budget - under £10k

Must be a gelding and be happy hacking alone and in company, we’re happy to take on an older type that has some management/maintenance needs.
 
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spacefaer

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Ceriann said:
Height 15.1-16.1
Age 8-15
Travel - 2 hrs max from Ashbourne
Budget - it really does depend on the horse but would prefer not to go to high 4/low 5 figures if possible!
No known injuries or health issues and must be ok to mix with mares.
Click to expand...

I think the one I'm thinking of is being vetted, but I'll let you know if not
 
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