Horse Shopping

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Zealah

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30 March 2009
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After finishing uni, finding a job (which moved me around for a while) and after moving in with BF
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I've finalling settled down in one place that I could finally start looking at get my own horse again. I've always ridden but always loaned/shared or worked for other people so I was beyond excited to finally be getting my own
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.

I now wonder why no one warned me the process of buying horses is one of the most frustrating things you can do. After 4 months of looking I've taken a few steps forward but always ended up back at sqaure one, well maybe square 2 (i've found a great vet, farrier and yard) just no neddy.

Everyone was telling me it's a buyers market......BUT there are so many horses for sale it's hard to see the wood from the trees. I have my list of the potential needy's requirements which isn't long or fussy. I'm now pretty skilled at weeding out unsuitable horses from a phone call, I've seen a lot had a few vetted (been absolutely gutted when they've failed
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) but still no joy.

Starting to wonder if it's me or if its just the wrong time to buy???
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Any advice / encouragement greatly appreciated.
 
It took me 9 months to find my neddy, and droves miles, spent a fortune on phone calls and had 2 fail the vetting. BUT it's so worth the wait and time spent finding the right one.
keep looking!....it is out there!
 
Yes there are alot of horses for sale at the moment and like you say its' hard to sift the right horses out! If you let people on here know what your after they are more than helpful in helping to sift through adverts!! There is a horse on my yard for sale, I'd be gutted if/when he goes as I've been doing his schooling and some competitions with him whilst my mares been pregnant and now with foal at foot!! Let us know what your after, if he fits I'll PM you.
 
Took me 18 months to find my 'perfect' horse, 100's of miles and some I didn't even bother getting on when we went to see them, good job cos one I didn't get on she went out for a hack after our viewing and as we turned right she turned left and 20 yards later it promptly dumped her in the road!! Best way to judge the horses description in the advert is to judge the owner to be sure you're being told the truth you get a feel for a genuine person. The horse I bought was from the most lovely lady and even let me have him on a 2 week trial.
I guess really I was, not picky, but cautious about the horse I was buying because I hadn't ridden for so long and needed something to take care of me (it's a long way up these days!!), but 18 months was well worth the wait, hope you find your 'perfect' horse soon.
 
Thanks for the comments
I'm after an All Rounder, I love XC and dressage working on improving my SJ (all done unaff to date). Will do a bit of everything incld RC, hunting but my aim is to start eventing.
Shopping list currently stands at: 15hh -16.3hh (I'm only 5'4 so depends how big they ride!) 6-9 y/o. Must be able to hack alone. All the usual box clip etc req'd. Clean legs and no vices essential. Like WH types, IDx - I like them with a bit of bone. I'm based in yorkshire, will travel and budget is £7k.
Thanks again.
 
I know what you mean skippdo. I learnt quickly if you didn't ask you weren't told. I went to see a mare that hadn't been cantered for 2 years....bespite me asking what she currently did with her and workload and fitness, (she said she was competed regulary ...since when 3yrs ago current??). But lesson learnt.
 
Aww sorry to here that! Perhaps if you're getting frustrated with the search you could look back over some of those horses who just missed the grade over the telephone? I know you may feel like it is a waste of time but many of us end up buying horses that were 'not what we were looking for' originally, but which turned out to be just what we wanted once we had got over our preconceptions
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I so agree with ali_m - years ago when I was moving from ponies to horses I spent months trying out all sorts, scouring H&H every week, and then the person who owned the yard noticed one whose advert I had discounted (big red line through it). To cut a long story short, went to see her - 28 years down the line I still have her and she's still going strong and teaching people new things! Good luck in your search!
 
Thanks Nicki & Ali_M
Main reason they don't get passed the calls is due to injuries but will definately bare in mind. In fact one I really liked the look of and was going to see is being readvertised due to time wasters so maybe this time I'll have better luck!
 
Have you any good dealers near you?

The yard I'm at in scotland breaks and brings on young WBs and is so honest & lets you trial loan the horses before purchase. I would guess there's something like that near you?
 
I've heard good things about Helen Bell who's up nr Thrisk - going to have a look there soon. Can anyone recommend anyone else?
 
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