How much and what to buy?

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spider

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Following falling off post if I were to sell in Spring how much would I ask for a 14.3hh 7 year old section D. Has won unaffiliated prelim dressage, and 2ft jumping, and placed in local showing. Has done sponsored rides. Hacks out alone (!) and in company. Good to load, clip, farrier etc. Good with traffic except tractors. Needs a confident rider with an electric bum! loads of character.

Also what sort of breeding would I look at for a slightly quieter life. Sensible,responsive, for hacking and dressage, not too large or delicate.
 
Don't know about a value for your current one - but I would recommend a Highland Pony for your next one - average about 14.1 in height, can carry anybody, steady and calm disposition and loveable natures - and can jump up to 2'9" but seem to prefer keeping their feet on the ground
 
I read your 'falling off post' and... don't hate me but, your ponio sounds ideal for most people's jobs. I had a gelding who would do exactly what you described if, even the colour of the grass changed under his feet at a gallop.

The best thing was to lto be ready for it and sit it which, mostly meant just regaining my balance and carrying on. I don't really think you'll find anything completely unspookable. Even the RDA horses I know will occasionally throw a wobbly.

I'd say - imagine how much you'd pay for your horse if you weren't worried by his shying? If he didn't do it would you buy him again?

if so.. better the devil you know sometimes perhaps?

Invest in training maybe?

p.s - it all depends on his breeding and confirmation for price, can't beign to be realistic without that. For a RC type then £2500-£5000 would be a reasonable range perhaps?

ETA if you really want to get a new one I'd always say go for a nice no breedx/cob sort from a sensible dealer who'll take a return if you don't get on. There are many out there who'll still do a trial and their turnover is high enough to let this happen.

failing that I've always found highlands to be v sensible.
 
Assuming that my crossbreed is similar in nature to a purebred (-I could be wrong) Highlands are extremely lovely natured and willing but can be very very strong and self willed. They have very strong necks and a lot of muscle in a small package. They do enjoy a good gallop. Mine also always really enjoyed jumping up to his own level (around 2'-2'6").

I think that the larger ones may well make better adult/teenager ponies than for young children, though mine always went into 'kind' mode for people that hadn't ridden before. They also have a good sense of self preservation so mine wouldn't do anything that could get himself hurt.

Only get one if you are very into grooming immense manes and tails. They are great fun ponies though. Big horses on little legs.
 
TBH, I woudn't pay more than £2000 for Spring and that would be absolute max, but only because he hasn't got much of a show record (and that's what I do!).

Highlands can be perfect if you want a quiet life and are generally good lower-level allrounders BUT they can be stubborn sods as well! Have seen the odd one just plant their feet...! Get a good one and they're lovely though. Otherwise, possibly just a cob (not a Welsh one)? Anything sturdy, maybe even a clyde x or something?
 
Yep, I think you're right "just a cob" is the way to go. Elsielouise - think I may well be thinking better the devil you know in a few weeks but still rather shaken at moment. Not sure about Highlands. Used to hack out as babysitter to the "Highland from hell". Both ends would erupt as soon as we hit the bridlepath. Definately nothing opinionated, bolshy or Welsh!
 
Just to spoil everything..........my friend has a highland, she is the prettyest pony you ever saw, a real "Barbie" pony, grey, mane halfway to the ground, my friend wanted something safe and this was sold to her as having been a childs pony......some child !...................the pony goes like a rocket ! after several changes of bit and some very hairy moments she just about has brakes as long as nothing particually exciting is going on, and the pony jumps amazingly. Luckaly my friend is a very experianced rider and although its not what she expected is enjoying her new whizzy pony !
 
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