Horse Shopping

[klthomason]

Looking for first horses for twin teens who have outgrown lesson barns. I didn't grow up with horses and am new to the UK, so am really at a disadvantage in this process. We're scheduled to see a horse at Turlood, but I've heard mixed things about them, especially if you're a novice. Our budget is around 5,000 per horse, possibly more depending on the horse. Spoke with Drumcarrow dealers who say a good healthy horse will cost us 10,000 and much less could mean the horse has problems. I'm completely new to this. I want to get my girls good, safe horses that aren't going to have health problems obviously. Is it a matter of you get what you pay for with horses? I worry about horse health problems because I wouldn't necessarily spot them right off. Any help you can give is much appreciated.

 

[EventingMum]

Be very wary of the yard you are going to see, there is the odd diamond in the rough there and the sales pitch will be good but often things are not as they seem. They know all the tricks and horses will often be much sharper once home, this even happened to a vet friend who bought from there. PM me if you want to know more but I wouldn't advise someone inexperienced buying from there. Honestly, in the current market what Drumcarrow have said is probably accurate for what you've described you are looking for in previous posts. In your shoes I would also look at private sales, experienced people on here can look at ads and videos for you and give advice and Scottish members can also tell you which dealers to avoid. As I say, I'm happy to chat via pm.

 

[Maxidoodle]

I don’t live in the UK but am from there, buying horses around the world can be a different experience. If you are not experienced then you must research dealers thoroughly before going (Dodgy dealers on Facebook is a good start), if you have any doubts about a dealer from reviews, then I would avoid or go fully with your eyes open. If you are not experienced, then you MUST take someone you trust with you, an instructor, an experienced yard owner etc. NEVER get on a horse you haven’t seen ridden by a seller/dealer/etc first. Take everything they say about the horse with a pinch of salt, remember they are trying to convince you to buy a horse. Absolutely get YOUR own vet to do a five star vet check (NEVER USE A VET THEY RECOMMEND or accept a previous vetting) and any money left as a deposit on a potentially suitable horse, must have a receipt from the seller confirming they understand the deposit is left on the horse subject to it being confirmed by the vet that it is going to be suitable for what you want it for.

Dealers can be a very mixed bag, there are some great ones but there are some real rogues. I would say that your budget needs to be substantially more than £5k in the current market.

 

[sport horse]

Do not set off to buy horses on your own! Have your teens had lessons over here? Could their instructor help you? If not you need to find someone who knows their way around and will help you source the right type of horse. Do not buy anything without your own vet (not the vendors vet) checking it over - either a 2* or 5* vetting.

There is a potential minefield out there and even for an expert, finding the right thing is not easy. Take your time and find good independent advice.

 

[Clo thehorsegal]

Looking for first horses for twin teens who have outgrown lesson barns. I didn't grow up with horses and am new to the UK, so am really at a disadvantage in this process. We're scheduled to see a horse at Turlood, but I've heard mixed things about them, especially if you're a novice. Our budget is around 5,000 per horse, possibly more depending on the horse. Spoke with Drumcarrow dealers who say a good healthy horse will cost us 10,000 and much less could mean the horse has problems. I'm completely new to this. I want to get my girls good, safe horses that aren't going to have health problems obviously. Is it a matter of you get what you pay for with horses? I worry about horse health problems because I wouldn't necessarily spot them right off. Any help you can give is much appreciated.

I would go to your local riding school that have been in buianess for a while and ask them about horses

 

[Melody Grey]

I’m not sure how new you are to the UK or where you’ve come here from but just wanted to point out that our winters can be very long, wet and cold- not every young person’s ideal scenario, especially if accustomed to nicer climbs?!

Might be a daft point, but check your girls are UK winter-proof before investing all that money!

ETA: Loaning might be an option to consider? Does have its own pitfalls, but works for a lot of people especially with growing children.

 

[Timelyattraction]

Could you not buy one horse (with a 10k budget) for them to share rather than trying to find two 5k horses which i would say is near on impossible for what you are looking for unless there is some sort of compromise health/ vice wise x

 

[gallopingby]

Please take someone experienced with you, it can be difficult and there are other yards around. No harm in going for a look but don’t agree to a sale unless you’ve had a 5 stage independent vetting and an experienced, preferably local person, has also viewed the horse. For 10k you should get a nice horse but if you’ve already told the dealers you have 5k to spend dont suddenly increase your budget. There’s a reason for that which may not be clear to you?
By all means look at horses that cost more than 5k but only if you’ve seen the price they’re advertised at.

 

[millikins]

How big are your twins? If you avoid Connemaras you should be able to get decent all rounder ponies at that budget or slightly more, most of the larger natives can carry adults easily.

 

[mossycup]

OP - I think I've seen you post on FB - you're central Scotland based right? Definitely get in touch with the local Pony Clubs - they will often know of good horses that may need a new home/loan home. Are they having lessons over here currently? For 2 decent small horses, you probably need 15k at least....then money on top for 2 x vettings, 2 x transport, 2 x strangles screen if they are going to be on a livery yard.

How experienced are your children? Can they confidently jump a course at 80cm? Or would they be more novicey than that?