How Much Does A Schoolmaster Cost?

[Always-Riding]

As I'm planning on coming back into the (ridden) horsey world soon, I've decided what I need is a schoolmaster type - but prices seem to vary considerably and I can't really get an idea what I will need to spend.

So what I'll be looking for:
- 16hh+
- Any age considered, as long as sound and happy to do the job (probably no older than 15 though)
- To do RC but mainly I'd love to event
- A confidence giver (I'm not expecting a beach donkey though!)

So what sort of price would a horse that ticks the boxes cost?

 

[ihatework]

Depends how high a level it has competed to
Depends how competitive it is
Depends how easy it is for a RC/amateur to learn from
Depends how it’s bred and how fancy it looks
Depends on it’s Vet history / ongoing management requirements

Really is how long is a piece of string
3K - 30K

 

[be positive]

Prices will vary from the bottom end which may be a schoolmaster but could require some veterinary help to keep it "sound" anything from £2k upwards, to a really good, sound schoolmaster with decent affiliated results that may be on the market nearer £20k, you need to decide your budget and look at those that fit most of your criteria, unless you really need 16 hand plus, which not many people do in reality, don't miss out on a nice 15.2 that can do the job perfectly well.

 

[Always-Riding]

Depends how high a level it has competed to
Depends how competitive it is
Depends how easy it is for a RC/amateur to learn from
Depends how it’s bred and how fancy it looks
Depends on it’s Vet history / ongoing management requirements

Really is how long is a piece of string
3K - 30K

Thanks ihatework; I wasn't sure if their was a ball point figure for these types, that are just nice RC types.

I had thought 5k would get me something that I can have fun on, and won't need about to worry to much. Maybe I need to re-evaluate that.

 

[Always-Riding]

Prices will vary from the bottom end which may be a schoolmaster but could require some veterinary help to keep it "sound" anything from £2k upwards, to a really good, sound schoolmaster with decent affiliated results that may be on the market nearer £20k, you need to decide your budget and look at those that fit most of your criteria, unless you really need 16 hand plus, which not many people do in reality, don't miss out on a nice 15.2 that can do the job perfectly well.

I definitely wouldn't dismiss 15.2hh, from what I've seen (from my brief research) they tend to command slightly higher ££.

 

[ihatework]

Thanks ihatework; I wasn't sure if their was a ball point figure for these types, that are just nice RC types.

I had thought 5k would get me something that I can have fun on, and won't need about to worry to much. Maybe I need to re-evaluate that.

I’m sure you would find a fun and safe, moderately competitive, teenage horse that has done the rounds at RC for 5K.
But it probably wouldn’t be what I would class a true competition schoolmaster.

 

[be positive]

Thanks ihatework; I wasn't sure if their was a ball point figure for these types, that are just nice RC types.

I had thought 5k would get me something that I can have fun on, and won't need about to worry to much. Maybe I need to re-evaluate that.

You probably can get one for circa £5k but don't forget that a nice RC type is what most people want so some will be priced high to reflect the demand even if they have limited ability not everyone requires too much talent and many couldn't ride it if it did.

 

[pansymouse]

I paid £2,300 9 years ago for mine - she was 16 and had competed at riding club level. She has been a fantastic buy and at rising 25 is still a very fun horse to ride. I bought her post a very nasty accident and she restored my mojo to full flight within 6 months. She's 15.3hh, Section D x TB with no health issues.

 

[Templebar]

Also when you say 16+ what is the maximum, i have seen several very nice horses lately, mostly hunters. But they are 16.3-17.1hh and are priced cheaper as mostly people wont go over 16.2hh. If you want to event do you want something capable of going up the levels or to go 90/100 but scope/soundness after that may be more difficult.

Prices are going to vary quite a lot, particularly between areas too, so might also depend on how far you are willing to travel.