I am over looking for horses already. Grrrr

[Agent XXX999]

Mild rant I know…but how do you judge the price of a horse? You seem to be able to buy a 4yo papered horse with good breeding for £5k, which is great. However you also seem to be able to buy some total 4yo crap for the same price.

How do you sort out the rough from the smooth? And how do people decide how much horses cost?

And WHEN did horses get quite so expensive?

And WHY is everything an international prospect? I don’t want one! I want a sane and sensible 4year old with a trainable brain. I am not interested in breeding or what its great aunt sally did.

Gah!

 

[_April_]

Aww honey, don't worry it'll all be ok in the end.
I just got one and I think the buyers market is very good atm.

I just read your posts from last week and I'm really thinking of you at the moment xx

 

[ihatework]

It's bloody difficult, I've got a 4yo at the moment that I keep toying with selling.
I would replace him with something a bit older that I could go and event now.

However buying horses is such a minefield that I keep stopping myself from advertising him, because I know his history and temprement I know he is a straight horse.

Realisitcally I think he would sell easily for 4.5-5K, in reality I won't let him go for that and would rather keep him, if someone offered me 7-8K I'd probably sell. However if I advertised at that I'd be laughed out of the room. He is a lovely horse but no badminton prospect!

I'm not sure if that makes any sense at all re-reading it!
What I am trying to say is that there will be people out there who genuinely need to sell and will price accordingly, there will be others who know nothing and just think their horses are better than they are and others will just try their luck! It's a case of asking lots of questions and sifting out the crap before you go and look.

 

[Flame_]

Look around at good dealers who specialise in young sports horses. I wasted time trekking around answering private ads, the delusional sellers were trying to get over £5k for horses they were selling because they weren't sound (not that they admitted this!). Reputable dealers tend to have a realistic price scale IMO.

 

[lannerch]

wouldn't it be lovely if everyone was honest!

I have been very lucky horse buying, have always bought the 1st one I have seen, however I do not go to see them too quickly because I always fall in love, and I would not advise it.

I think you can get a feeling with experiance from the advert, however there are always exceptions, I went horse buying with my friend a year ago and like you was amazed by the horses shown compared with their adverts and perceived worth.
My friend did buy one we saw that day, after 2 weeks deliberating, and it is a fantastic horse, I think the answer is go and see a lot, so you start to get a feel of the market.

good luck and don't give up it is a buyers market or will be in a few months, your dream horse may be just round the courner.

 

[Faithkat]

[ QUOTE ]
And WHEN did horses get quite so expensive?

[/ QUOTE ]

To be honest, I don't think they are that expensive. 20 years ago I was offered a 15.2hh 12 year old part TB mare - nothing spectactular, basically a happy hacker but very kind and safe - she was £1000 - which a normal price. Like I said, that was 20 years ago, going by the way salaries have rocketed in that time, I would say £4k-ish for a happy hacker is perfectly reasonable. Trouble is, too many people want horses at 1988 prices although they earn £2008 salaries . . . . .

 

[Honeypots]

I TOTALLY sympathise!! I am checking out the ads for something for my daughter possibly for next year. I am totally mind boggled

. I've always bought all mine off a dealer friend so have never used ads before and am totally flumoxed

Thank goodness daughter is still happy riding her pone...

 

[Agent XXX999]

!!!!

I think the thing is I have never paid over £3k for a horse..even Bruce was a bargain!

I think, realistically, that £5k isnt going to get me alot?

 

[Honeypots]

pmsl...well I've never paid over £1200 so I'm really stuffed..lol

 

[seabiscuit]

I know what you mean chocalotelog, I just sold a v.nice 7 year old for 4500- but looking at the calibre of the other horses being advertised for 4500 it makes me think that I should have sold my 7 year old for double that price!!
However, I got a really quick sale with my horse and he was sold one week after his advert came out. Maybe I could have got more for him- but then I probably wouldve been waiting months on end, and I needed a quick sale.

My point is,yes there are many many stupidly priced horses, but there ARE horses out there that are reasonably priced. Every so often, you see a horse advertised that is obv a good price and the owner needs a reasonably quick sale. They always do pop up from time to time- you just have to keep an eagle eye out on all the advertising mediums.

I would LOVE to know though, how many of these people really are getting their big prices for their pieces of crap?! It would be v. interesting to do an experiment!
Or I wonder if you put a big price on a horse wether that makes people want it more, and almost makes it more sellable?! You know how you get people who have large amounts of cash floating around, espec amateurs...and they think that spending any less than £10k on a horse would be a horse that has no more ability than a cob.

 

[eoe]

Look at Kent Horse Producers - Stephen Hendry or Ride Irish - Chuck they have a good network of people they buy in from and will try and source what you want for the money you want to spend and they are honest and will tell you any quirks the horse has.

 

[Flame_]

I started to think the same thing, and I have found a really lovely young horse for £5.5K and viewed some crap that was priced higher. Just keep looking. You're looking for something green and un-proven, without breeding necessary for world domination, you shouldn't need to go over £6K as long as you're prepared to look around. Spending more money doesn't guarantee a better horse at all.

 

[scotsmare]

LOL if you think that's bad I'm having trouble finding a half decent FOAL for less than £5k!!!!!

 

[immybrookstud]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And WHEN did horses get quite so expensive?

[/ QUOTE ]

To be honest, I don't think they are that expensive. 20 years ago I was offered a 15.2hh 12 year old part TB mare - nothing spectactular, basically a happy hacker but very kind and safe - she was £1000 - which a normal price. Like I said, that was 20 years ago, going by the way salaries have rocketed in that time, I would say £4k-ish for a happy hacker is perfectly reasonable. Trouble is, too many people want horses at 1988 prices although they earn £2008 salaries . . . . .

[/ QUOTE ]

but salaries are so different, £4000 is alot of money to someone on min wage. yet to someone else it is nothing. I wouldnt pay that for a happy hacker. an i dont see may happy hackers advertised at that price unless there coloured

 

[ihatework]

Well having advertised a happy hacker at both 3950 ono and 5500 ono guess which advert attracted the more serious buyers?! Advert exactly the same for both and I catagorically stated it was not a competition horse (and was more than truthful over the phone).

I do admit I was a bit gobsmacked and was trying my luck ...

 

[lexiedhb]

I wouldnt pay 4k for a happy hacker either.......... but then thats just me, a horse is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it!

You'll find something Chloe..... just have to keep at it!

 

[immybrookstud]

[ QUOTE ]
Well having advertised a happy hacker at both 3950 ono and 5500 ono guess which advert attracted the more serious buyers?! Advert exactly the same for both and I catagorically stated it was not a competition horse (and was more than truthful over the phone).

I do admit I was a bit gobsmacked and was trying my luck ...

[/ QUOTE ]

thats what i was trying to say but badly. what is expensive for one is not for another, have you sold your's?

 

[ihatework]

Yes, he went to a lovely lady about 6 weeks ago.
I find the whole horse selling thing very bizarre to be honest!

 

[Agent XXX999]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
.

[/ QUOTE ]

but salaries are so different, £4000 is alot of money to someone on min wage. yet to someone else it is nothing. I wouldnt pay that for a happy hacker. an i dont see may happy hackers advertised at that price unless there coloured

[/ QUOTE ]

To be h onest I am finding Coloureds to be fashionable and more expensive!

 

[Vicki_Krystal]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And WHEN did horses get quite so expensive?

[/ QUOTE ]

To be honest, I don't think they are that expensive. 20 years ago I was offered a 15.2hh 12 year old part TB mare - nothing spectactular, basically a happy hacker but very kind and safe - she was £1000 - which a normal price. Like I said, that was 20 years ago, going by the way salaries have rocketed in that time, I would say £4k-ish for a happy hacker is perfectly reasonable. Trouble is, too many people want horses at 1988 prices although they earn £2008 salaries . . . . .

[/ QUOTE ]

i completly agree!
some people on this forum seem out of touch with real pricings!
Maybe its because of the yards ive worked on and my area but i know bog standard happy hacking cobs that have sold for 6k in my region.

Very overpriced imo, but people are willing to spend it.

I know of one lady that wants a 1.10 jumping horse that has scope to go further, is honest and passes a vetting - all for 3k???

She has been looking for 18 months and hasnt been to see more than 2 - both were stoppers....

 

[arwenplusone]

Lol - I have one for sale at £5,500k.

Bay SJ mare in my siggy. I have had at least 30 calls but sadly, she isn't a safe, sane, sensible ride and needs a competition home. So I have put all but one (coming to see her later) off.

I would let her go for less but if I advertise her at a lower price then I won't get the right sort of people (not that I am now)

Chocolate log - I would call up about & go and see horses that are £6 - £7k if you are not doing that already. Chances are they will accept £5k?

 

[Silverspring]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And WHEN did horses get quite so expensive?

[/ QUOTE ]

To be honest, I don't think they are that expensive. 20 years ago I was offered a 15.2hh 12 year old part TB mare - nothing spectactular, basically a happy hacker but very kind and safe - she was £1000 - which a normal price. Like I said, that was 20 years ago, going by the way salaries have rocketed in that time, I would say £4k-ish for a happy hacker is perfectly reasonable. Trouble is, too many people want horses at 1988 prices although they earn £2008 salaries . . . . .

[/ QUOTE ]

but salaries are so different, £4000 is alot of money to someone on min wage. yet to someone else it is nothing. I wouldnt pay that for a happy hacker. an i dont see may happy hackers advertised at that price unless there coloured

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think it's that salries are different I think it's more the equestrian world has lost it elite edge. 20 years ago very few people would considering buying or owning a horse if they were on 'minimum wage' now a days people from all kinds of financial background own and buy horses. You have to look at horse's in your own price range, I think £4 for a good all rounder is a really good price, hell I'd pay £5k for a horse that would go out to showjump one weekend then go out and cross country the next, which IMO is a happy hacker, does everything and excels at nothing. You're looking at £15k for a horse that can do high level anything these day

 

[PapaFrita]

[ QUOTE ]
I know of one lady that wants a 1.10 jumping horse that has scope to go further, is honest and passes a vetting - all for 3k???


[/ QUOTE ]
She wouldn't even get one out here for that kind of money...

 

[Agent XXX999]

As far as I was aware a Happy Hacker was something that hacked? As in, it only hacked, and was happy to do so?

 

[lexiedhb]

http://www.astridbolton.citymaker.com/catalog/item/1921318/1404619.htm

http://www.horses-now.co.uk/horses_on_sale_now/dressage-horses-for-sale

 

[Silverspring]

Difference of opinion, I would call a happy hacker something that did everythin but excelled at nothing. It's not a dressage horse, it's not an eventer but it's a nice little happy hacker. You could do unafflicated everything on it and have a laugh without worrying that you might press the wrong button and be ejected out the seat!

 

[Honeypots]

[ QUOTE ]
Difference of opinion, I would call a happy hacker something that did everythin but excelled at nothing. It's not a dressage horse, it's not an eventer but it's a nice little happy hacker. You could do unafflicated everything on it and have a laugh without worrying that you might press the wrong button and be ejected out the seat!

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too...

 

[lexiedhb]

I'd call a happy hacker something that hacked, maybe didnt/couldnt jump (injury/lack of interest!), or wasnt jumped/competed as the owners didnt want to!

Differing views make the world go round though!

 

[immybrookstud]

[ QUOTE ]
As far as I was aware a Happy Hacker was something that hacked? As in, it only hacked, and was happy to do so?

[/ QUOTE ]

i would call that a happy hacker too. so you mean more of a alrounder that can do everything but isnt going to go high at any level. will do a basic dressage test jump round a small course an do a bit of xc?

 

[quirky]

[ QUOTE ]
Lol - I have one for sale at £5,500k.


[/ QUOTE ]

Now that did make me

That would make it just over £5M