How to know what horse is right for me?

[Spotndot268]

Hi, I’ve been looking for a horse since late April now and I’m wondering if I’m being too fussy? How do I know if they’re the right horse for me? Most horses I’ve tried had some vice or something about them I didn’t like, justifying why I didn’t buy them, but the other day I rode a horse which is is absolutely perfect on paper, the only thing being I didn’t have that feeling of ‘yes, this is my horse’. He was completely fine to ride, I did enjoy it, however did I enjoy it because it was easy, I feel he was easy to the point it felt basic, just point and jump and I’m not sure if I want a bit more of a challenge as it’d be more fun. if I was looking for a project I would have said yes (5yo). the only negative I could say possibly was as was not that stamp I was looking for (felt a bit like a pony he was quite small and rode similar to a pony too) when I’m looking for a showjumping horse. My mum was incredibly confused why I said no in the end, I spent ages trying to decide. It’s important to note I have tried two other horses on other occasions and loved them more (but they weren’t really what I was looking for), however I rode them after riding another horse so I’m wondering if it’s just anxiety getting in the way as I get anxious a lot. He’s a very talented and stunning horse, and I’m still deciding! It’s also important to point out when I bought but other horse two years ago I didn’t love her terribly much on viewing, but she fit the bill. I got her home and I don’t feel I’ve truely bonded with her to this day, I love her but it’s not the same as really clicking with a horse. That’s why I’m worried about this choice. I’d appreciate any help ?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I viewed 11 horses when looking 4 years ago. The one I bought was the one I didn't want to get off! He isn't perfect but I love his character and I've done more with him than any other in the last 15 years.

 

[PSD]

To me when you’re buying, you know when the horse is right. Go with your gut, even if everything is perfect but you don’t get “that” feeling then don’t force it. You will know when you find that horse!

 

[outdoor girl]

The last time I bought a horse (and it will definitely be the last time) 5 years ago, I looked at 29, rode 25, and had 4 fail the vet. The one I bought found me through the owner of a horse I looked at but didn't like. The lady evented and I just said that if she happened to hear of what I was looking for please let me know, never expecting to hear anything. A couple of months later she sent me a text with a video of a little horse and the rest, as they say, is history. Just go with your gut feeling. She wasn't perfect, was and still is a little behind the leg, but I felt safe and looked forward to improving her without fear of an explosion. As PSD says, you will know when you find "your horse".

 

[Spotndot268]

To me when you’re buying, you know when the horse is right. Go with your gut, even if everything is perfect but you don’t get “that” feeling then don’t force it. You will know when you find that horse!

thank you, it feels like it’s never ending when I’ve tried 12 already, 13th booked for Thursday ? hopefully I’ll find one soon!

 

[PSD]

thank you, it feels like it’s never ending when I’ve tried 12 already, 13th booked for Thursday ? hopefully I’ll find one soon!

Unlucky for some but 13 has always been my VERY lucky number! Best of luck.

 

[Spotndot268]

The last time I bought a horse (and it will definitely be the last time) 5 years ago, I looked at 29, rode 25, and had 4 fail the vet. The one I bought found me through the owner of a horse I looked at but didn't like. The lady evented and I just said that if she happened to hear of what I was looking for please let me know, never expecting to hear anything. A couple of months later she sent me a text with a video of a little horse and the rest, as they say, is history. Just go with your gut feeling. She wasn't perfect, was and still is a little behind the leg, but I felt safe and looked forward to improving her without fear of an explosion. As PSD says, you will know when you find "your horse".

Unlucky for some but 13 has always been my VERY lucky number! Best of luck.

oooo lets hope I get lucky this time! Thank you

 

[Green Bean]

I went to try my current mare and after riding her, felt she wasn't me for me. On the drive home, it hit me that actually there was a lot to like. Yes, she wasn't the armchair I was looking for but there was 'something'. Bought her, found out the dealer had lied to me (she is nappy, anxious, and definitely does not hack alone) and wanted to sell her 3 weeks later. Three years on, she is the best decision I ever made. We have been through a lot and goodness, we have tried each others patience, but she is my heart horse and makes me feel I am the only one in her life (although I know she shmoozes anyone on the yard if they have a treat). It is so difficult, my previous horse was my dream, but ended up being too much horse for me. It is a bit like an interview for a job, you present the best of yourself, but only if you are given a chance can you really show what you are worth - I think that sums up so many horses.

 

[Spotndot268]

I went to try my current mare and after riding her, felt she wasn't me for me. On the drive home, it hit me that actually there was a lot to like. Yes, she wasn't the armchair I was looking for but there was 'something'. Bought her, found out the dealer had lied to me (she is nappy, anxious, and definitely does not hack alone) and wanted to sell her 3 weeks later. Three years on, she is the best decision I ever made. We have been through a lot and goodness, we have tried each others patience, but she is my heart horse and makes me feel I am the only one in her life (although I know she shmoozes anyone on the yard if they have a treat). It is so difficult, my previous horse was my dream, but ended up being too much horse for me. It is a bit like an interview for a job, you present the best of yourself, but only if you are given a chance can you really show what you are worth - I think that sums up so many horses.

thank you, that last sentence is so true, that gives me a lot to think about with this horse

 

[Griffin]

My mare is the complete opposite of what I set out to buy (I wanted a school master who could jump like my elderly TB) but before I even sat on her, I knew I was going to buy her. I just got this feeling that we understood each other and that she just needed someone to love her. It has taken several years for her to trust me completely but I would never be without her.

I have had a similar feeling with other animals that I have ended up owning, I just knew they were the one for me.

 

[Wishfilly]

I think better to take your time and find the right one than buy something you are not quite sure about.

It is soul destroying at times though, but your horse is out there!

 

[Hepsibah]

It is worth waiting for the right horse. I was looking for two years before I found Ruby, my Highland, for sale. I clicked into place when I rode her as though I belonged there and she went so sweetly for me I had an idiot grin plastered on my face the whole time. I had no doubt in my mind that she was the one I'd been looking for.

 

[Sealine]

When I bought my horse 11 years ago it took me 4 months to find him. I think I tried about 8 as I only viewed horses after a long telephone conversation to weed out any that didn't match my requirements and those I tried just weren't quite right. My horse didn't completely fit my requirements as he has more bone than I wanted, he was the wrong colour and over budget but when I rode him he just made me smile. I went with my gut and I've not regretted it for a moment. He's worth every penny I paid and more.

The current market must be making it very difficult for you but the right horse is out there and worth waiting for.

 

[Spotndot268]

When I bought my horse 11 years ago it took me 4 months to find him. I think I tried about 8 as I only viewed horses after a long telephone conversation to weed out any that didn't match my requirements and those I tried just weren't quite right. My horse didn't completely fit my requirements as he has more bone than I wanted, he was the wrong colour and over budget but when I rode him he just made me smile. I went with my gut and I've not regretted it for a moment. He's worth every penny I paid and more.

The current market must be making it very difficult for you but the right horse is out there and worth waiting for.

Thank you, yes the market is crazy atm, I thought I had a generous budget but it’s proving difficult, I’m hoping now as people will be heading of to uni soon more horses will pop up that would suit ?good luck to you and your horse

 

[Birker2020]

I couldn't stop grinning when I tried Bailey. My Dad jokingly told me to stop or the dealer would put the price up!
When I asked for canter it felt like bucks as the horse had such huge movement behind - not good for my back I later found out. I still grinned.

I've only viewed one so far, I've just seen a lovely horse which really fits the bill for what I'm looking for i.e. in taking care of me, honest, any family member can ride type of thing, etc. But it's 17.3hh which means a whole new wardrobe and the possibility of it not fitting in my trailer which will mean getting rid of my late Fathers car and my trailer he so lovingly took care of over the years. So not only a huge financial outlay but a very emotional goodbye to the old. Which I'm not ready for to be honest.

You should stick to your guns on what you want Shadow 86 and not be dissuaded from your path. Just because horses are being snapped up means no reason for rushed panic buying with the possibility of buying the wrong one. I'm not changing my criteria although people think I should in terms of colour and height.

 

[kc921]

For me I viewed god knows how many horses and then a private seller contacted me said she had a 9 year old gelding, sent me photos etc. I didnt hold much hope because I was feeling drained and like I would never find "the one".
Went and met him and fell in love as soon as I saw him
They showed me him ridden and the girl actually fell off him! Asked me if I still wanted to get on and said yes, he was absolutely perfect for me, he wasn't a school master or the "perfect horse" but I knew he was for me.
Still have him 3 and a half years later, wouldn't change him for the world!

It will always take time, just don't rush and go with what you're feeling ?

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Yep so I know it sounds trite, and when I was looking (4yrs ago now) I had to be constantly reminded of it after various disastrous viewings and even more heartbreaking vettings - but basically the horse will find YOU not the other way around. It has happened with every single one of mine - the blighters have all "found" me; one even ended up in one of my fields overnight and I went up the next morning and there he was!

My last purchase (profile pic) was everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - I'd said I didn't want: youngster, mare, coloured, cob, feathered feet, pony - the whole list! I'd gone to see her as a friend had backed her and had actually gone more to view the other pony in the field with her which was also for sale. Then this hairy little beastie just came up to me in the field, introduced herself, and blew into my neck - and that was it, she somehow ended up coming home with me!! Four years on I still dunno quite how it happened - but that little one was the very best equine purchase I ever made - and she was everything I'd said I didn't want!

Hope this gives you some encouragement!

 

[I'm Dun]

I always know from the ad. I'm not sure I can even explain it, but every now and again I see an ad and just know that its my horse. Its usually inconvenient but I never ignore it and I've never been wrong so far

 

[Flame_]

I once looked at, I think, 35 horses before buying one. I didn't really know what I wanted that time.

I bought my current horse from the field because he was beautiful, the right stamp and demonstrated more attitude than my previous horse. He's perfect.

Don't let anybody else tell you what you should want if you know yourself. If you don't know yourself, get that figured out.