How much would you expect to pay for a dressage youngster??

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While Hannah is in foal I am seriously thinking of buying a youngster and bringing it on for the year with the aim of selling it this time next year before the foal is weaned.

I am looking on the internet at some horses and there is such a huge difference in prices. I would be looking for one that will excel in dressage and between the ages of 4 and 6 years...

Any ideas?

Rebecca

(P.S. This all depends on something that could be happening soon)
 
theres one for sale at my yard that fits your description.I'm guessing though that we are a bit too far for you unless your happy to travel.lol
 
It depends on whether you buy from a professional or an amateur producer.

For instance in our area there are a fair number of dealers specialising in dressage warmbloods. DHI horses start at around £10K for a backed and ridden away 3yo. Astrid Bolton's aren't quite as expensive... unbroken 3yo are around £5K, add another £1 to 2K when backed. Her four year olds are £7K+ and upwards from there...

If buying from an amateur I wouldn't want to pay more than £6K for a 4/5yo warmblood that had done a little bit... less for something that has just been backed and can walk, trot and stagger with no competition experience.

Anything other than a warmblood - say an ISH - I'd pay less again. But if you're looking to sell on eventually then in the dressage world it's all about warmbloods.
 
These days horses specifically bred for dressage with proven bloodlines are a ridiculous price. I paid £4000 for a yearling and that was after haggling, the breeder wanted double that!!
 
i would expect to pay up to £10k for a nice 3 year old that ticked all my boxes, but would hope to find what I wanted a bit cheaper!!
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As others have said it's all about quality. My friend imports and sells Danish Warmbloods for dressage - they are all top quality and branded. She currently has one of Five Star Farm's colts and think she will be looking for about 7K once backed... more when she starts to compete him
 
My horse was bred for dressage and she was originally up for a bit more than £6,000 just broken.

I managed to get her a bit cheaper though as owner needed a quick sale
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Unless yr a pro I wouldn't buy something a) too young and b) that has very "fashionable" breeding. I don't think it's worth the massive outlay as you won't get such a return. I would buy something that would PRIMARILY dressage (if that's yr interest) but also school it over coloured showjumps and also possibly cross country. If you buy something that you intend on competing a little I would make sure that you stick to Pre-lim and if you do do Novice don't do too much and get too many points. You will then cut out a large portion of your market that will then not be able to stick at Pre-lim for too long if the horse gets too many points. Excellent results at Pre-lim says potential. Average results at Novice with too many points (they rack up pretty quickly even with average results) says it's an OK horse, but nothing special. You are probably looking at a top class allrounder in such a case I suppose - they will sell and you will make more money (of that's your aim) than buying a very expensive youngster that a) you may not have the ability to ride (this is why the pro's have them) b) that may not turn out all that great but you've paid for the "breeding", and c) could go wrong.

I would probably look for a 5 year old that isn't going to make top class but will go far with an amateur rider - maybe medium/ advanced medium. At 3 and 4 everyone is selling on potential and because at that age you can get away with not having a competition record then there is no way of knowing really hether they are going to make it or not. By 5 or 6 you will have more of an idea of what they are going to make. Also at that age they tend to be more realitically priced.

Have a look at http://www.sportshorsecontinental.com/home.shtml I've heard that they have quite a good reputation and there are some nice horses at reasonable prices. Maybe not going to make Grand Prix, but will make a good project that you can add value to with the correct training.
 
Thanks... they are really near me and have actually visited them a few months ago when a friend was horse hunting. They get some fantastic horses in but not at stupid prices...

Definitely look on their website, had actually forgotten about them! I know when I went with my friend there was a stunning 4 year old bay who had oodles of potential!
 
One of the previous posters mentions paying around £7k for a 4 year old from a dealer but at lease £1k less from 'an amateur'. Don't let the fact that someone brings on dressage horses part time or as a hobby deter you. You will probably find that many of these are more professional & perfectionists that the so called professional dealers. Look at the horse, try it out & pay what you think it is worth. Amateur or professional owner what does it matter.
 
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