I'm going horse shopping in Ireland!- advice

[charliep:)]

Off horse shopping in Ireland (also in CR)
I am looking for a 4/5 year old with potential to bring on for eventing. Anything from 14hh to 16hh. I am aware that a lot of people are looking for the same thing but am willing to pay a decent price. I do love connies but willing to look at most things, prefer chunkier.

Does anyone have any advice regarding places to go, tips for sales, transport home ect. Planning to fly and pay for a transporter home.. recomendations?
Looking to go asap really, I have seen that Gorsbridge have a performance horse sale in May, is that worth going to. If not, what else?
Heard bad things about people doing this, but plenty of good stories to!

What actually happens at the sales, can you try the horses or not? I have been to plenty of sales over here but heard they work differently.

What are the prices like for the different sort of horses? Would be nice to pick up a big time bargain but I realise that is unlikely for my first time.


Not essential that I come home with something, would be a good experience whatever the outcome!
Thanks in advance x x x
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[McW]

I haven't done it but have looked into it and have known others do it via an agent and watched these horses come on. From what I've observed it not just what you know but who, hence the agent. I don't think you need to go to the sales to get a nice horse from these, in fact the opposite. A number capable, nice, athletic horses are sold to the reputable uk dealers, most recommended on here - obviously, a number at a time and at a reduced cost. This is where these 'agents' come in, they know the hunts, producers etc and you go direct to them through the agent. What I've also observed is that people's confidence grows when trying horses over there - must be the guiness

 

[McW]

Hit reply too soon, so make sure what you buy you're 100% comfortable with, and will be when you're at home. I'd also give them double time to settle, and as the come from a fairly no nonsense back ground. Don't over complicate things when they arrive, at lot realise boundaries have changed and can lose their perfect Irish manners if allowed to. Overall I think it's a fab way to look for a horse and probably you'll have more choice and get better for your money. Keep us updated!

 

[Bernster]

OOh, exciting. First requirement is you have to let us know how you get on

I do know a couple of people who have done this - best advice seems to be to take a very experienced person with you, if you aren't already, or use an agent. And I've generally heard bad things about the sales. Perhaps perfect your Irish accent cos if they hear you, they might add a few 00s to the price