How hard is it to find a horse?!?!

[TheEquineOak]

Am I doing something wrong? Are hours of trapsing the yellow paper and the internet not enough? Do riding schools not change their stock these days?!

I have been looking for a horse since January. I'm not asking for much, it needs to be over 16hh and be able to carry 14+ stone. Ok, so I don't want it to rear and buck like a rodeo horse and I don't want it to leap cars and turn into a sissy around tractors but the rest I can work with!

I have a 15hh tb mare and would like another horse for my partner. Simple. The yard is a dream and the people on it are highly experienced and dedicated people that care for horses, not money.

I enjoy schooling, hacking and dressage. I will consider horses with injuries as long as they are sound at the time. I want to take a horse on loan with a view to buy or will considered a long term/permanent loan.

My adverts, phonecalls and emails are a lot less abrupt but I'm getting sick of seeing people loaning their horses to mindless, poor equipped homes when we have a fantastic oppertunity here. Can anyone help?????

 

[galaxy]

I don't think as many people loan their horses nowadays and people certainly don't let horses go on trial if they're for sale (I definitly wouldn't)

Would you not consider outright buying?

 

[TheEquineOak]

Hello! I've bought out right before and lived to regret it. I took my time and went to visit it over a long period and could only come to the conclusion that it was doped on every visit!
I want to make sure that it can settle in it's new home and has its place in the herd because I am in no position to move yards. I have come close to taking on a couple of horses but the owners then suggest unrealistic prices for bolshy, green and undisciplined horses. It's so hard for seller/buyer to get the right balance. I've always had good experiences with loans/loanees to date but, I have also heard plenty of horror stories.

 

[galaxy]

There are just loan/trial horror stories everywhere which is why a lot of people just wouldn't consider it.

There are plenty of honest people out there with genuine horses... Have you considered a reputable dealer? They often have "exchange" periods.

Good luck with your search.

 

[jodie :)]

there are plenty of horses out there, just depends where you look. horsey friends are always great because they have an ear to the ground so can get you top notch info.

good luck!