How much will a good schoolmaster cost?

[PeanutButterDragon]

I opened a savings account today specifically to start putting away the cash to buy a horse once I have finished with my 2 years left of Uni/PGCE. Opened the account with a deposit of £500 and plan to add to that whenever I have a little chunk spare over the next 2 years. I had several ponies growing up, my last being a beautiful 14.2 grey mare that I had to sell after a growth spurt which broke my heart. I then started riding a friend's horse for her while she was away travelling for a year - I had a particularly nasty fall and totally lost my nerve. Didn't ride for around 3 years but missed it terribly, took the plunge and began riding again twice a week at a local riding school and have got plenty of confidence back. Feel that a schoolmaster would be the best choice for me and was wondering how much I would have to save for one?

 

[moneypit1]

Blimy, how long is a bit of string?! Depends totally on what you are after, age, record etc. To be honest, anything between £2,000 and infinity! Good luck anyway. x

 

[PeanutButterDragon]

Good temperament and forward going would be the most important factor but around 10 years old with all round experience would be great. Not fussy about breeding at all but would like to be able to compete at the odd ODE

 

[Bubblegum]

Well its sounds like you know exactly what you want...which is a good start.
I expect you already 'window shop' in H&H and other such mags... thats a good place to start to get an idea of whats on the market. Browse the websites too ... like horsequest & horsemart... and you will get to see quality photos of the sorts you like.
It is very difficult to set a price on the cost of your dream horse... but hopefully this will give you a guide as to current market prices....and remember just because the asking price is set... always make an offer.. you may be surprised!!!

 

[madhector]

You sound quite like my friend, she really had very little convidence but actually rode very nicely, we found her a lovely mare who is a perfect schoollmistress, does everything, dressage/SJ/Xc, isnt boring, very well mannered and beautifully schooled etc. She was 13yrs old, hannoverian mare and she paid £4200 for her

 

[AnnaandStella]

It depends what you classify as a schoolmaster...

We just paid 4k for a 9yr old Westphalian schoolmistress who is very obliging & an absolute saint 99% of the time but she'll never go farther than top riding club type classes (us riders won't even get that far!!

For example, Jordan's PSG schoolmistress would've cost a bucketload more...

 

[jtaylormoss]

Hi ya,

i see you are located in notts, where abouts? we have a solid 14.2 that's a field ornament at mo, not the school mistress you want by any means, but she needs exercise and we don't have the time. If nearby you're welcome to come check her out and ride when you want. Will save on your riding school fees in the mean time during your search. She's great out hacking and lots of fun, we've got a menage and jumps etc, help yourself. PM me if you like.

 

[SarahK]

Good, honest and safe schoolmasters are worth their weight in gold so very difficult to put a price on them. If the horse is pretty much 100% in all aspects the seller can name their price as such horses are in high demand.

 

[Dressagebabe]

If its only around a 10yr old and totally honest with full riding club experience that has been averagely successful then you will be looking at around £6k ++. I have a girl that I teach whom has just bought a 12yr old schoolmaster and she has just paid £7.5k for him! but he is winning in the top 3 mostly and at all 3 main disciplines.

 

[Spotsrock]

Hi MagicJem
I'm josafiend's sister. The field ornament was a jointly owned pony who I sold (subject to payment on delivery) today.

Would have been very happy for you to come and ride her, but I think I've found a great home for her.

If you are relatively local and had wanted to come over my old mare is safe and sound. She doesn't hack alone but is great in company so you would be more than welcome to join in our weekend hacks. She won't compete and only jumps about 2ft3.

She's 28 so while she would be a rubbish investment for you, (she will never be sold, I've had her 14 years!) she is a real schoolmistress and knows exactly how things work. As a short term measure while you save up/look, she may be some fun over the summer. She's a lively old thing, no-one believes she's that old, but while she is quite forward going, She's quite easy to ride and she is SAFE!!

Horses get cheaper in the winter (though there may be slightly less choice) so that's the best time to buy on a budget, but there's no reason to miss out on the good weather!!!
C