Is there any businesses/people who help with buying a first horse?

[Meadow21]

I have come across a problem I never thought I would, I am hoping to start looking into buying my first horse mid/end of this year. However I have no experienced support available to do this.
I previously had a loan horse kept at a yard nearby to me for about 8 years, while I was there I had a good relationship with everyone. I never had fallings out and was generally known as the quiet one who kept to herself.
I gave up my horse to go away to uni, where I have been away for 3 years. However on my return to home recently I have contacted the old yard owner and some others to find I am having no response from anyone. Literally no one will reply to my messages. I still don’t understand why no one will communicate with me, I have not been there for 3 years and I felt like I got along with everyone. Most of the old livery’s however have moved elsewhere since, including my friends but I don’t see how that would lead to me having no response from them.
My problem is that I always imagined the yard owner would help me with buying my first horse, however she won’t even speak to me. I am terrified to buy something without an experienced person helping me and everyone I have always known was from that yard. Does anyone know any businesses or things that help with purchasing of horses too stop people being scammed etc? Or any alternative ideas as I don’t think I will buy a horse if I can’t have someone there to support me and I feel so disheartened and stressed over this all.

 

[SOS]

As you haven’t ridden for 3 years I would look for a good riding school for some top up lessons and to build relationships - when lockdown eases. (Hard to try horses anyway currently as not allowed under lockdown). Once they have assessed your riding ability and confidence handling horses they may be able to help you with finding your own horse.

Failing that hiring a decent freelance instructor to come with you to viewings and always vetting a horse will help ensure as much as possible that the partnership will work. Good luck and this forum can be a great help when looking!

 

[Meadow21]

As you haven’t ridden for 3 years I would look for a good riding school for some top up lessons and to build relationships - when lockdown eases. (Hard to try horses anyway currently as not allowed under lockdown). Once they have assessed your riding ability and confidence handling horses they may be able to help you with finding your own horse.

Failing that hiring a decent freelance instructor to come with you to viewings and always vetting a horse will help ensure as much as possible that the partnership will work. Good luck and this forum can be a great help when looking!

Hi thank you, I forgot to mention I have been having lessons and riding regularly but through university (they have a team/club). But I will look at local riding schools.

 

[Meadow21]

I have come across a problem I never thought I would, I am hoping to start looking into buying my first horse mid/end of this year. However I have no experienced support available to do this.
I previously had a loan horse kept at a yard nearby to me for about 8 years, while I was there I had a good relationship with everyone. I never had fallings out and was generally known as the quiet one who kept to herself.
I gave up my horse to go away to uni, where I have been away for 3 years. However on my return to home recently I have contacted the old yard owner and some others to find I am having no response from anyone. Literally no one will reply to my messages. I still don’t understand why no one will communicate with me, I have not been there for 3 years and I felt like I got along with everyone. Most of the old livery’s however have moved elsewhere since, including my friends but I don’t see how that would lead to me having no response from them.
My problem is that I always imagined the yard owner would help me with buying my first horse, however she won’t even speak to me. I am terrified to buy something without an experienced person helping me and everyone I have always known was from that yard. Does anyone know any businesses or things that help with purchasing of horses too stop people being scammed etc? Or any alternative ideas as I don’t think I will buy a horse if I can’t have someone there to support me and I feel so disheartened and stressed over this all.

I forgot to mention I have been having lessons and riding regularly but with the uni, but I can’t get support from them as it is too far away.

 

[Highflinger]

Could you join your local riding club - most are very friendly and would open up a network of contacts for you. Also maybe look at a share as a half way house?

 

[The Xmas Furry]

There are a few v good dealers who offer horse finding services and will assist in all aspects, after all, it's their living.
But that wont come cheap.
Contact a couple of local affiliated Riding Clubs to see what events they offer. Join. Get to pop along next month when training starts and ask coaches for help?

 

[JackFrost]

I think a lot of what's important you can do yourself - things like trawling the websites to see what's out there, prices, how horses are described and so on. It may help you narrow down what you are looking for and IMO for a first horse you need to be realistic about your abilities and experience, and make sure you are not over-horsed with your new friend. Things to think about include where you will keep it, what facilities you have to ride it (hacking/schooling arenas) and what you want to do with it. Example - if it will live out all year it needs to be a horse that can live out! Do you want to hack, do dressage, jump...???
A professional eye or riding instructor will be good once you are at the stage of thinking seriously about buying a particular horse, but only you can know what will appeal to you and meet your needs.

If you don't mind sharing your approximate location, there may be forum members who would be happy to help, either virtually or in person.

 

[asmp]

Just wanted to add be careful who you choose to go with you. I was ripped off by an instructor at a yard when I got him to come with me to pick a pony for my daughter (it was in Germany and I didn’t speak much German). I have no proof but I think he got a backhander for the one I was sold. I had my misgivings at the time and was fortunately able to return the pony and swapped it for another one, although of course this one was more expensive.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Buying a horse for anyone is a nightmare, but especially so for a first-time owner. IF and I say if you can find a decent dealer it will be a huge help, but unfortunately these days finding a good dealer is like looking for a virgin in a brothel tbh.

 

[Kaylum]

Do your homework and research dealers, and the horse your thinking of buying. I know a dealer who is meant to have a good reputation in our area she was selling a lame horse not long ago and apparently couldn't see it was lame. They also do not quarantine the horses they get in as they have a massive quick turn around. These people delete any negative posts from their Facebook pages.

There is one that advertises cash for horses quick decision. Research soon tells you a lot. Ask ask ask and get on the dodgy dealer pages on Facebook. People who seem like private people are in fact dealers.

There is a really good YouTube video by world horse welfare about buying a horse. I think one of the points it missed was video the horse so you can look at it at home. Do not buy unseen.

 

[Wishfilly]

I know you say the uni riding club is too far away, but do you have any friends from uni who are experienced and able to help?

Otherwise I agree with the suggestion to find a local riding school and get some help from the instructor there.

I might also give your old yard owner one more try. Have you tried calling her at all?

 

[Red-1]

When I did private teaching, I would do this for people. It was generally for current clients, so I already knew their capabilities, but would have considered it for a new client. I would have a look at who trains near you, maybe ask the local tack shop and/or show centre for recommendations?

Many private trainers (as in not attached to a riding school) will train at show centres, so they will likely know who is suitable and available for that sort of work. Your own riding school may be able to help?