How much?

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nic83

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Hi, I am after a bit of advice, after 7 years of loaning I am contemplating buying my first horse.

I am looking for:

16-16.3h
Gelding
Preferably Irish D or similar cross
Age maybe 7 - 14.
Will be used for hacking, schooling occasional local shows/comps, mainly dressage but maybe the odd bit of jumping.

Most important is good/safe to hack and generally well mannered to suit a first time owner who is relatively competent (and has good support from YO/riding instructor best friend) if a little nervous at times (mainly jumping/faster hacks).

So how much am I looking to spend?
 
Really? I didn't want to assume (wishfully) too low, as I know safe reliable horses are worth their weight in gold. And while I'm not hugely competitive I would like to be able to go out and do a respectable dressage test now and then.
 
Well, when I was looking (from about Jan - May this year), I was looking at a pretty similar catagory to you, and my budget was up to £3500, but ideally under £3000.
I wasn't quite as strict on criteria as you, and I didn't need a confidence giver, but did want a safe horse (to teach my OH on who has never ridden before) who I could have fun on, without worrying.
I found plenty of horses in the £3000 - £3500 catergory, the only thing that wouldn't have suited your criteria was breed, if you want a specific breed you may well have to go higher price wise.
I eventually found my horse, through placing a wanted add, for £1500! (That included tack, rugs, mucking out stuff, the lot. He is worth 3 or 4 times that, but she just wanted the best home for him) So don't write off a wanted add!
 
I've seen some that match your criteria before at around £3-4k
There are some lovely horses around at the mo!
 
Thanks thats really useful info and may be worth a try!

Only reason I am being specific on breed is because thats what I currently have on loan, and he has given me so much confidence, and is generally so cool/calm, where as I have had TB and a warmblood on part loan before who were not so (though it could just be these specific horses not the breed in general)

I would ideally love my loan horse, but a) I don't think she will sell him b) he is getting on (18) and have noticed a bit of stiffness coming into winter which may not be anything, but could be something

I notice you are in kent - I am too, where did you look to buy - private sellers or any dealers to try/avoid?
 
I would say £3k plus I was exceptionally lucky and got what you want for £2700. Not quite a confidence giver but wouldn't knock it either.
 
Thank you all for your replies, at least my price ranges isn't unrealistic, and I might even get it a bit cheaper than expected (therefore more to spend on new rugs and kit!)
 
I went to one dealer, who I would never ever buy a horse from (didn't know her rep before!)
I mostly looked at private sellers, and bought from one.
The only two decent dealers I know of in the south east are...

http://www.equine-agents.co.uk/
And...
http://www.clipcloptraders.co.uk/

If you want to know which dealers to avoid, PM me, as I don't want to be going defamatory comments on a public forum.

Where abouts in Kent are you?
 
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