I’m horse shopping!

[PSD]

So I sold my fell this weekend after deciding we just weren’t suited, she’s too young and probably going to be a tad small for me even when fully mature.

So I sold her to a wonderful home in wales, now the hunt begins to find myself something I’m suited with! But I just haven’t a clue what I want!? I’ve been looking at everything from cobs to sports horses.

I’m leaning more towards something sporty given that I want to do hacking, fun rides, jumping (low level) and possibly some hunting/team chasing in the future. But what age bracket should I be considering? I’ve seen a wonderful 12 year old within my small budget (for this market anyway!) and seller is known to me too which helps. However the only thing putting me off is her height (she’s 15.3/16hh) Am I being ridiculous? I have only really ever had ponies and Tilly was 14.1hh but I always said I would get a bigger version of her if I ever got another.

Apart from this one, there’s absolutely nothing on the market in my price range and with the same suitability.

Just looking for some general chit chat/advice really ? I’ve never bought an older horse before, they’ve always been youngsters.

 

[Merry neddy man]

Would you like to put a price range so that we can try and help you if this horse doesn't work out.

 

[PSD]

Would you like to put a price range so that we can try and help you if this horse doesn't work out.

My budget is 4K. I’m just pondering as to whether this one is worth a view if it’s merely her height putting me off? I’ve seen tonnes of videos and photos, she looks like a super girl.

 

[HashRouge]

So I sold my fell this weekend after deciding we just weren’t suited, she’s too young and probably going to be a tad small for me even when fully mature.

So I sold her to a wonderful home in wales, now the hunt begins to find myself something I’m suited with! But I just haven’t a clue what I want!? I’ve been looking at everything from cobs to sports horses.

I’m leaning more towards something sporty given that I want to do hacking, fun rides, jumping (low level) and possibly some hunting/team chasing in the future. But what age bracket should I be considering? I’ve seen a wonderful 12 year old within my small budget (for this market anyway!) and seller is known to me too which helps. However the only thing putting me off is her height (she’s 15.3/16hh) Am I being ridiculous? I have only really ever had ponies and Tilly was 14.1hh but I always said I would get a bigger version of her if I ever got another.

Apart from this one, there’s absolutely nothing on the market in my price range and with the same suitability.

Just looking for some general chit chat/advice really ? I’ve never bought an older horse before, they’ve always been youngsters.

I would go and see that horse you mention - just be honest with the seller that you're not sure about the height when you arrange the viewing. 15.3/ 16hh is really not that big (unless you are very short). Sometimes you just need to start looking and get a feel for a few different kinds of horses.

 

[Wishfilly]

I would definitely view, but I would also want to know why the horse is that price in the current market. It may ride smaller or be a little bit under what it has been advertised at.

I do think the market is maybe slowing a tiny bit, but I think you may struggle to find what you want within your budget, so personally I would view any that come up just in case!

 

[HashRouge]

My budget is 4K. I’m just pondering as to whether this one is worth a view if it’s merely her height putting me off? I’ve seen tonnes of videos and photos, she looks like a super girl.

Oh definitely go and see her, she sounds super!

 

[PSD]

Horse quest ad - 257234

She’s priced lower because she’s very green in the school the seller said and she’s only really done hacking recently

 

[PSD]

I would go and see that horse you mention - just be honest with the seller that you're not sure about the height when you arrange the viewing. 15.3/ 16hh is really not that big (unless you are very short). Sometimes you just need to start looking and get a feel for a few different kinds of horses.

Yes OH said this too, step outside my comfort zone. I’m 5ft4 so not tiny but not tall, it’s mainly because I’m used to ponies I think!

 

[PSD]

I would definitely view, but I would also want to know why the horse is that price in the current market. It may ride smaller or be a little bit under what it has been advertised at.

I do think the market is maybe slowing a tiny bit, but I think you may struggle to find what you want within your budget, so personally I would view any that come up just in case!

I fully agree, I’m definitely going to struggle which is why I feel like I can’t let this one slide especially when I know the seller well. She knows how I ride, knows I’m not wanting a hoys pony haha!

 

[Skib]

I am 5 ft 4 and currently riding a 15.2. ISH
15-16 hands is ideal for me. My RI told me not to buy anything under 15 h. People think of ponies being easy and in my time I rode lots of RS ponies. But it is usually smoother to sit a horse than a pony in both trot and canter. My all time favourite was an oversize Connie also 15.2

 

[PSD]

I am 5 ft 4 and currently riding a 15.2. ISH
15-16 hands is ideal for me. My RI told me not to buy anything under 15 h. People think of ponies being easy and in my time I rode lots of RS ponies. But it is usually smoother to sit a horse than a pony in both trot and canter. My all time favourite was an oversize Connie also 15.2

Ponies definitely aren’t easier are they! I just love them though but I do think something around 15.2-16hh is an ideal for me. I just don’t want to over horse myself

 

[PSD]

OH seems to think 12 is too old, I think 12 is prime age!

 

[cauda equina]

It depends so much on the horse
Some are unsound/unfit for a working life at 4, others are still going strong at 20
If this one has made it to 12 in a reasonable level of work and is sound I certainly wouldn't write it off

 

[HashRouge]

Yes OH said this too, step outside my comfort zone. I’m 5ft4 so not tiny but not tall, it’s mainly because I’m used to ponies I think!

Oh god definitely not too tall for you then! I'm 5'6" and my share horse is 15.3hh, but I'd normally ride bigger.
Also I agree that 12 is a good age. I would 100% go and see her

 

[PSD]

It depends so much on the horse
Some are unsound/unfit for a working life at 4, others are still going strong at 20
If this one has made it to 12 in a reasonable level of work and is sound I certainly wouldn't write it off

From what the seller is telling me (she’s selling on behalf of owner) she’s done a bit of everything but recently she’s had a quieter life hacking due to owner having a family - I know how that feels! It’s hard to get out and do things like hen you have young children.

 

[PSD]

I’m also not looking to do anything exciting. Hacking mainly, trips to the beach, fun rides that sort of thing. Would just be nice to have something that enjoys jumping too as that is my favourite thing to do - not that I’ll be going out doing much of that! It’s just nice to have the option.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I'm your height and my lovely chestnut mare is around 15.2 - 15.3 hh. It's a great height for a horse to be, all the best horses are around that height.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I like small horses one of mine is 15h the other is 15.3 I find them the ideal height for me I am about 5"6.

 

[PSD]

I like small horses one of mine is 15h the other is 15.3 I find them the ideal height for me I am about 5"6.

That isn’t my definition of small ? but perhaps I need to branch out, 15.3 really isn’t as big as my head thinks it is

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

There is a part bred arab gelding on Arabian lines his nicely bred but there isn't any pictures of him his 6 priced at £4,500 his name is rafthouse revved up.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

That isn’t my definition of small ? but perhaps I need to branch out, 15.3 really isn’t as big as my head thinks it is

I think although they are classed as horses they are small compared to a 16 2, I also quite like ponies and would definitely get one as I am only 9 stone.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I think she looks lovely. You might be pleasantly surprised to find she doesn't feel that big and she looks a sweetie.

 

[PSD]

I think she looks lovely. You might be pleasantly surprised to find she doesn't feel that big and she looks a sweetie.

She does doesn’t she? Lots of videos of her hacking out and on the beach and she seems very laid back and pleasant. It would be the complete opposite of what I’d usually go for!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

I’m 5.5 and feel fine on anything from 15hh to 16.2. Amber was 16.3 and I got used to that too. And if I ride smaller ponies a few days in a row I start feeling ok on 13.2! I honestly think size is something you just get used to. And you can be more over horsed on a Satanic Section C as on a kind huge warm blood.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

It would be the complete opposite of what I’d usually go for!

That might be a good idea. At least by trying her you will get a better idea if something like her would suit you or not.

 

[rabatsa]

Now that you have posted the ad ref you had better go and try before you get gazumped.

 

[wren123]

If you know and trust the person selling her then that is a major plus! I'd definitely go and try her.

 

[Wishfilly]

I fully agree, I’m definitely going to struggle which is why I feel like I can’t let this one slide especially when I know the seller well. She knows how I ride, knows I’m not wanting a hoys pony haha!

Definitely go and see. I am another who likes ponies, but you might find you like this one. 12 is not too old, either.

And if you find you don't like this one, at least you know!

 

[teddypops]

That isn’t my definition of small ? but perhaps I need to branch out, 15.3 really isn’t as big as my head thinks it is

I’m the same. I think 15.3 is a big horse!

 

[I'm Dun]

I had 4k and had just sold a small 14.2hh. I bought a 15.3hh ex racer, hes 16hands and a bit and he feels enormous! But I adore him and am adjusting quickly. Hes a perfect size and shape for me after the too small, too round cob. You will really struggle with your budget I'm afraid. Thats why I went the ex racer route. Everyone who meets him loves him and I have plans to do some BE and BD next year.