How Hard can It Be To Find a Horse!!

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Chilston

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So i am late 40's, been back riding for 8 months, having approx 2hrs of lessons each week, so making progress, but classed as a 'novice'. I'm in a position to afford my own horse and have a stable ready with a couple who can give me 24/7 support in care and schooling. So how hard can it be to find one .... oh my!!! Scary dealers and advertisements that are totally misleading. I am really getting rather downhearted. I don't want to travel the length of England to find one and i have a budget of around 5k for a gelding, 15.3+, that isn't going to send me flying at the first wrong command. Love to know how long it took some of you to find your ideal furry one. I'm based in Kent so any recommendations would be appreciated.
 
I understand exactly what you are going through. I took the plunge and found my furry friend in Dartford 2 months ago.
I have been to lots of horse and to be honest all of the private adds drove me mad. I went to see a bombproof plod, he was lovey in the school, on the hack he reared, bucked, attatched, ran into a car park kicking cars and the bolted about a mile down the middle of a main road.... the yards girls then proceeded to tell me I shouldn't have a private horse if I cannot cope with that and should stick to lessons in a school grrrr! another novice ride turned out to be a well to advanced for me nightmare. I went to view a few in dealers yards... most I didn't get the feeling for and always doubted thinking why have they ended up here!
I see an add on Horsemart (dealer) for a novice 15.3 cob and loved the video, booked to see him the next day and he was wonderful... which made me again question why is he here! luckily he had a very unusual color and name so I managed to track down the old owner.
The dealer has pretended to be a family and brought him for about 1k under what I purchased him for to make a quick buck. I do not condone what this dealer did and the old owner was very upset to realize her lovely horse was in the hands of a dealer by dicseption... but on the other hand, I presume she does this often and tracks down good horses from all over the country and I was lucky to find a good horse :)

very hard but defo in my opinion I am always skeptical of private adds, they seem to be full of fibs, wonderment as to why the horse is being sold...... if it is as good as hey say surely they would try and keep hold of it or know a friend of a friend ect. I know many people sell their horses for the right reasons and are honest but the ones that don't are playing a very dangerous game!

I hope you search goes well! and defo the higher the budget the better the horse. I paid through the nose for my horsey and I think he is very close to being worth his weight in gold!

Good Luck
 
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It took me around 6 months to find what I was looking for. He was worth the wait, I'm so happy with him.
 
If you are on fb, look up Jo Wakefield of Springbank Farm - Orpington. I lost my horse and I tried a few from recommended dealers but didn't take too long.
 
You've got a good budget and seem to be approaching it very sensibly!

I think you need to try everything that is roughly suitable that you can, but above all you need patience and the knowledge that it might be a long wait for the right one!

Bestest of luck and keep up updated x
 
You are in a difficult enough position, being very novice and therefore looking for a hard-to-find horse, along with a lot of other people. It's easier if you are more experienced and able to bring a horse along and iron out any quirks.

What are your criteria? What age range are you looking at? I would advise you to be fairly flexible on height/sex/colour, etc. and not rule out older horses - in fact I would urge you to look at older horses, and be prepared to overlook some slight blemishes and niggles.

To answer the question "Why is the horse for sale?", there are a myriad of reasons that people sell horses, not all of them are nefarious. And as for the dealer adding profit to the horse, how else do you think they make a living?
 
Took me approx. 6 months to find my first horse in 2014. I was a little bit more experienced than you, but 3k budget and only slightly further north. In the end he picked me.

Saw some dead ends, one I didn't even get on. One I fell in love with but failed the vetting. Didn't see any dealers as had heard bad things (I appreciate this isn't the case for every dealer!). Called every one to go over advert and my level of skill to see if a) advert matched verbal description b) seller thought horse and I were suitable.

Best thing I can suggest is taking an experienced eye, if you can't take someone along then videos for them to review. A good seller won't mind taking pictures/videos for you which was really helpful as I was viewing/trying on my own.

And a list of non-negotiable items, when you fall in love it's too easy to compromise on things that actually, as a novice, you don't want to have to deal with.

Good luck!
 
Not hard to find a horse, but flipping hard to find the right one! I've had mixed experiences but generally taken me up to 3 months, and sometimes it can take a LOT of viewings. When I went in search of a not too old, not too expensive, bombproof type (you know, the ones next door to the unicorns), I think I saw nearly 30 horses! Although to be fair, some of those were multiple viewings in one day from dealers.

Last time I think it was about 6 weeks and less than 10 viewings but I was stricter with my search criteria and ended up getting him through a recommendation from an instructor.
 
I bought my first horse from a riding school, I was already riding him and driving him in harness.

Since then everything I have bought has come from a breeder except my Highland Pony who we bought from a friend. If you are a novice (as I was when I started) think about the sort of breed you would like. If you just want a horse for hacking and riding club activities there are plenty of nice pure bred and part bred natives, contact the breed societies.

Reading your comments on 'not sending you flying', NOT for sale is my Shagya stallion (15.3hh) who my trainer describes as a school master. I am in my late 60's and NOT falling off is high on my priority list. I would not hesitate to put a novice on his back.
 
Bernster said:
Not hard to find a horse, but flipping hard to find the right one!
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Too darn right!

I've been looking for 15 months now, and must have viewed nearly 50 horses, I guess.

There was one I'd given my heart to, but she failed the vetting :(

I'm in total despair right now, have my own yard, company, experienced person if needed etc etc., but my next Best Friend still eludes me.

Anything any good is immediately snapped up; and if you're not first in the queue (which isn't easy to accomplish) you might as well give up and go home, and if you ARE first in the queue you have the pressure of having to make your mind up there and then, knowing that if you ask for a second viewing, then you'll very likely be disappointed as there's a backlog of well over six people behind you. As an older rider, I need to be sure, very sure, and my criteria is that it hacks solo, AND in company, equally well. So two viewings necessary to try the horse in each situation.

Frankly I don't know where to look anymore.
 
What about looking / advertising for loan / with view to buy? I was looking to buy but found a wonderful loan horse, not actually for sale but I've had him 3 months & asked for first refusal if he is ever for sale. Have you looked on the varied FB sites e.g. Pony Club Ponies.
 
As you're in the south - have you looked at nfed.co.uk? Lots of supposedly 'safe' horses on there (but who knows?)
 
I've just bought a horse and whilst she's not my first horse, a bad fall and injury with an unsuitable purchase made me v wary. I had a list of absolutes - temperament, experience and size (I really didn't want bigger than 16h due to my injury) and a further list of close to absolutes but things I would flex on and I decided on things I didn't care about (breeding, type, colour, gender etc). I put out feelers locally and with contacts further afield, trawled the main websites and facebook - I tried to limit those I was enquiring about to 3 or 4 and had a set list of questions (which included a request for videos). I probably overplayed my confidence issues and my injury to weed out unsuitables and did have a few sellers who honestly said their horse want for me. I was ruthless in discounting possible purchases and only went to see those that ticked all the absolutes ( I couldn't afford to fall in love with another unsuitable horse). I didn't see that many but my free time was consumed with the search for months and I probably missed out on a good few that would have worked. The horse I've bought ticked every absolute and every close to absolute - I did however blow my budget! I knew when I tried her she was the one, I didn't have a moment of doubt and she's the best money I've spent on a horse. Very best of luck - the right one is out there!
 
Finding a horse can be a complete nightmare! You have a decent budget though, take your time and find something that's just right for you.

Dealers can be good and bad (there's definitely a few bad in the SE). I recommend checking the dodgy horse dealers page on Facebook before visiting anyone. Make sure you get a 5 stage vetting with bloods taken, and don't just use the vet a dealer recommends.

Have a look at Prestwood farms near Gatwick. They seem to have a good reputation for fun alrounders and I think offer a month warranty type deal.
 
It is really hard, it took me over a year to find a horse. By then I didn't care that the horse didn't fit any of my criteria or that the vet couldn't complete the vetting and advised against purchase.

The horse was well worth the wait though! She is my perfect horse, absolutely one in a million, a dream come true. I wouldn't recommend following my lead though....... three year old sport horses aren't generally considered good first horses!
 
Could you perhaps loan something older for a while? The horse you want now may not be the one you want in two years - I see so many novices buy for the two year plan ("I'll be able to ride it with some practise") and it goes horribly wrong!

Older horses often have so much still to give, have been there and done it all, aren't so likely to give you flying lessons, and come up for loan all the time! I know there's nothing more exciting than owning your own, but you have all the time in the world - it's not worth rushing into anything out of desperation!!

Also loaning a horse will get your foot in the door with various connections who can help you when it's time to buy.
 
I can't help with dealer recommendations, being nowhere near SE but can say that I have never looked at more than a handful, whenever I have bought a horse. Since the early '90s when I bought a mare from a local stable and hacked her home after travelling g the length of the M62 corridor, I also set a limit of an hour's travel.

I know exactly which things are on my non-negotiable list, which attributes I can be flexible over and which don't matter a jot and only enquire about those horses which fit my requirements. You do have to be quite ruthless at the ad reading stage, so that you don't waste time viewing unsuitable horses. If you read every ad carefully and only look for your essentials, you might find that some surprising horses are worth ringing up about.

Except for the local mare, I don't remember any search which has lasted more than a few weeks.
 
Keep it local and by word of mouth. Don't look for pretty and fabolous but look for suitable enough for you to enjoy and not be terrified of riding. Be flexible on type, age, breed, height and colour. Do that and the right horse will find you. Good luck!
 
What about Janet Georges horses? They seem to have a good reputation for being quiet and I think are around your price range. Could be wrong though.
 
After years of having unsuitable horses, visiting those who were described far differently than they acted, and being left in despair from decisions I have made, I completely understand how daunting the experience can be. I would highly recommend sticking to word of mouth, especially if you're considering a breeder or a dealer. If this is the route you are wanting to take, I'd also highly recommend Janet George - she is who I intend on getting my next horse from and she has multiple Facebook groups which praise her so highly you can't really get any better than that!
 
I work as an agent here in Ireland and sell a lot of horses. From my experience all I will say, which is what I say to everyone - really try and find the money that will allow you to get the best possible horse.

For many people, especially in the U.K where horses are in livery, the initial cost will actually work out as one of your smallest expenses. Think about it - this hobby is so expensive, you'll need a horse box, ongoing livery, insurance and vets bills.

It's going to cost a lot of money so that's why it's crucial to ensure you get a horse you really love and can enjoy. Normally those horses are not cheap, but they are an investment and that's the way to look at it. Get something that's been properly educated by sensitive, accomplishments producers. That way the horse will do what it says on the tin and you won't be running off spending yet more money having it schooled for you by professionals!

You don't have much of a budget there and I second what others are saying about an older horse. Frankly I don't think you have the budget for a really nice, youngish all rounder gelding. They are like hen's teeth, it's what so many amateurs want.

Good luck with your search!
 
Irish gal said:
You don't have much of a budget there and I second what others are saying about an older horse. Frankly I don't think you have the budget for a really nice, youngish all rounder gelding. They are like hen's teeth, it's what so many amateurs want.
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Shes looking for a reliable first horse, not a top quality competition horse. I dont think you can say 5k isnt much of a budget for that!
 
4 weeks for the first i think may have been less and 1 day for the second (couldn't ride the first time though so went back). I went through dealers both times and will recommend both - Jo Wakefield (happy go lucky cob) and Julia Martin (young but sweet jumper).
 
Leo Walker said:
Shes looking for a reliable first horse, not a top quality competition horse. I dont think you can say 5k isnt much of a budget for that!
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At the moment though prices seem to have through the roof. Many interesting discussions around that, but it would seem that the holy grail of horses is a youngish, safe, well educated gelding 15.3 to 16.1. If you move away from this a little (so mare, smaller, older etc) the market is better. Looks like when I (eventually) purchase a new horse it will be a large mare!
 
Leo Walker said:
Shes looking for a reliable first horse, not a top quality competition horse. I dont think you can say 5k isnt much of a budget for that!
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Yes she's looking for a reliable horse and I bet, like everyone she would like a nice looking gelding, preferably that will jump a course of 90 or 1m and moves well. She's classed as a novice so what she really needs is what I would call a saint of a horse. One that is forgiving of her mistakes, as she's a novice and one who won't start playing up and eventually getting her off.

That kind of lovely, genuine, honest temperament, with everything else is not easily found. I know because I'm combing the country for those horses for amateurs and there's a premium on them because they are literally gems.

Now if she wants a gypsy type cob who might have the same temperament that's a different matter and will be cheaper but a nice 15.3hh sport horse could be hard to find, as she's discovering, for that money.
 
Irish gal said:
Yes she's looking for a reliable horse and I bet, like everyone she would like a nice looking gelding, preferably that will jump a course of 90 or 1m and moves well. She's classed as a novice so what she really needs is what I would call a saint of a horse. One that is forgiving of her mistakes, as she's a novice and one who won't start playing up and eventually getting her off.

That kind of lovely, genuine, honest temperament, with everything else is not easily found. I know because I'm combing the country for those horses for amateurs and there's a premium on them because they are literally gems.

Now if she wants a gypsy type cob who might have the same temperament that's a different matter and will be cheaper but a nice 15.3hh sport horse could be hard to find, as she's discovering, for that money.
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Agree, friend has bought exactly that ..cost her £12k.

So Irish Gal, if I wanted something reasonsably sane, either a straightforward youngster or one that has been started, if I did look for a big mare ...would I have a better chance of getting more for my money? It's rhetorical currently as the pony fund is 0 but 2 years ago, £7k bought me a 17.1 6 year old (gelding) with a couple of 100's under his belt. Not brilliant scores but had done it.
 
Irish gal said:
I work as an agent here in Ireland and sell a lot of horses. From my experience all I will say, which is what I say to everyone - really try and find the money that will allow you to get the best possible horse.

For many people, especially in the U.K where horses are in livery, the initial cost will actually work out as one of your smallest expenses. Think about it - this hobby is so expensive, you'll need a horse box, ongoing livery, insurance and vets bills.

It's going to cost a lot of money so that's why it's crucial to ensure you get a horse you really love and can enjoy. Normally those horses are not cheap, but they are an investment and that's the way to look at it. Get something that's been properly educated by sensitive, accomplishments producers. That way the horse will do what it says on the tin and you won't be running off spending yet more money having it schooled for you by professionals!

You don't have much of a budget there and I second what others are saying about an older horse. Frankly I don't think you have the budget for a really nice, youngish all rounder gelding. They are like hen's teeth, it's what so many amateurs want.

Good luck with your search!
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A lot of sense here. TBH I don't think the budget is the issue, but older horses have a lot to recommend them - and the risks are the same as buying a younger horse IME. Essentially you want something that has seen it all before and isn't going to scare the what-sit out of you. And also, Irish Gal is correct, the money you spend on the horse is irrelevant to the amount the horse will cost you. But the best bit of advice would be while you are waiting really really learn all you can about groundwork, it will be you absolute best friend in building a great bond with whoever you buy - and don't rush. You are going to be picking up its poo for many years, so its worth while taking the time/building the contacts, so you really enjoy it when you get there! Have you tried a 'Wanted Ad' in your local sadderly/feed merchants. Worth a go and then you can always check out the history of the horse.
 
Lucio, just to add, unbroken youngsters are cheaper. I have ladies coming soon looking for just that and I'll be taking them to the producers of Izzy Taylor's horse. He has 40 three and four year-olds roaming a massive area and those women can pick out what takes their fancy and those horses will be brought in and loose jumped for them. Unbroken youngsters like that start at around £5000.
 
There are plenty of nice horses for sale in Ireland for an enormous amount less than £5,000.........they probably won't have a lengthy competition record, or be particularly suitable for the show ring, but Riding Club and Pony Club horses, or well hunted amateur's horses are readily available. You do not need to spend €10,000 (£8,500) to get a decent horse for goodness' sake!
 
Cortez said:
There are plenty of nice horses for sale in Ireland for an enormous amount less than £5,000.........they probably won't have a lengthy competition record, or be particularly suitable for the show ring, but Riding Club and Pony Club horses, or well hunted amateur's horses are readily available. You do not need to spend €10,000 (£8,500) to get a decent horse for goodness' sake!
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Your dead right there are plenty of the type you mention for less than £5,000. But I'm not talking about those horses, the ones I'm referring to are excellent eventing and jumping competition prospects from the top Irish producers. And naturally those horses have beautiful flat work and are an entirely different type to something being hunted by your average farmer.
 
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