is this horse shopping list too long?!

maletto

maletto

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I have been looking for a new horse for what seems like ages. I've a pretty detailed list of criteria this beastie needs to fit. Have seen hundreds of ads, called up about dozens of horses and only seen 2 in the flesh, yet nether of these fit the bill.

I'd say I've been properly looking for a month. Unfortunately one of the ones I really did think sounded perfect was sold before I had the chance to go see him.

So how long were you all looking for before you found your perfect horse? Am I being too unrealistic with my shopping list of criteria? (for example, the horse I viewed today was lovely but 1inch too small and a grey, of which I'm not a massive fan....)

I have a reasonably healthy budget for an allrounder so would have expected I could be choosy. Am i totally misguided?!
 
1" too small is being picky as unlike 1" too big it would not restrict height classes.
Not wanting a grey? Why did you go & look?
Make three lists - need, want & No!
If a horse ticks all on the first list and none of the third list look further.
 
It may take months and better to take months than buy something not right.

I have to say though if you're quite set on what you want and don't want, why go see horses that are on the don't want list? Ie. Grey, if you don't like greys, don't go see them! Just go see those that fit the bill in theory, or if you think you may miss out on something good, then open your mind to all possibilities :D
 
Bedlam said:
List your criteria - then we can see if we can match it!
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Oh yeah! forgot that bit!! ok here we go:

15.2-15.3
gelding
5-8 years
not grey or coloured
nice, established flatwork
scope to jump BS up to newcomers
no vices, good to travel, clip, shoe etc etc
hacks alone/company
could do xc schooling (not fussed about competing xc but want the option to play around/do fun rides)
ideally some competition experience, even if only competed at one or two unaff comps, but preferably some £ on BS....
Ideally don't want to travel >1hr as would like to try twice but appreciate this might be really narrowing the possibilities. I'd travel further if people had decent videos of the horse.

reading it back it sounds ridiculous, and very long! but i bought one of these 10 years ago so there must be one out there.

unless you all think i should get a grip and need to be more realistic.....

(budget anything <£6k FWIW)
 
s4sugar said:
1" too small is being picky as unlike 1" too big it would not restrict height classes.
Not wanting a grey? Why did you go & look?
Make three lists - need, want & No!
If a horse ticks all on the first list and none of the third list look further.
Click to expand...

He was suggested to me by my jump trainer and I didn't realise before I went that I wasn't a grey fan (I know that sounds bonkers but...)

do you mean ticks all on the first list and none of the third then look NO further? that sounds like quite a sensible plan... what if everything's on either the want list or the no list?!
 
I think your height range is a little restrictive, bearing in mind that most people guess their horses heights or use a tape measure so they are rarely accurate. I would go to 16 hands or a fine 16.1 they will be unlikely to be over 16 hands more 15.3 which is what you want.

Otherwise with the decent budget you are not really looking for too much, although I looked for similar a few years ago and could not believe what people described as jumping well, saw one that was "ready to do BE" it could barely jump a x pole and knocked down a 2 ft rail, we didnt even bother to ride it.
 
The bay 6 year old about 8 down looks nice enough, also a chestnut, they are both described as 16 hands but I bet they are more 15.3 it just doesnt sound so good.
victrisportshorses.weebly.com/horses-for-sale.html
 
I would say its the height that's most restrictive. Im trying to think, i don't know many horses like your describing at that 'coming off ponies height' most are 16+. I don't think your list is too long, whilst I wouldn't deviate from it too much in terms of you know what you want so why go and look at something the complete opposite but I'd go and look at the odd curve ball. My most recent horse, I wasn't even looking for him, he's probably 4 years off my desired age and with a lot less experience. Naturally given his age.
 
McW said:
I would say its the height that's most restrictive.
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OK, thanks, that's helpful. It's just that I'm a very small woman - 28" inner leg - so when I ride in jumping length, I find it hard to ride anything bigger than 16hh. But you're right that people probably estimate the size of their horses and I should expand my range. nice to see that you think that's the only area I'm being too restrictive in. thanks :)
 
I don't think you are being too fussy although I would give a bit of leeway to height and perhaps age too, the right one will come along in good time. Probably a chestnut mare!

My shopping list is always easy,
mare,
palomino or dilute,
registered Paint or QH.

So why have I just bought a chestnut colt :confused:
 
Well, it's a buyers market so you can be picky, but I would say the 1' too small and colour should be bottom of the list. Was he/she kind to handle? Nice to ride? Responsive to your aids? Did you feel confident on him? Those questions should be far more important than the "faults" you mentioned. You should list priorities rather than appearances.....
 
I think you being to restrictive on how far you will travel. Your dream horse may be 2 hours away. Maybe pick a few horses further away and spend the day out looking at them.
Also I find lots of people describe their 16hh horse as 16.2 hh. Dont know why but just seems the case.
Good luck.
 
I'd agree with most posters on here - I'd allow an inch or two either side heightwise and maybe a year or two on age either side, but generally I think you can be picky as there seem to be far more good horses than buyers around. E.g. a narrow 16/16.1 won't ride big but a chunky 15.3 would take up a fair bit of leg.

My list is similar to yours (with more either side on age and height) and more of a xc/hunt focus.

There do seem to be some nice horses out there though so I would keep going - it could take a while but it's worth taking your time for the right one because they are an expensive and time consuming habit! Let us know how you get on. If I see anything that's more sj foccused, I'll post cost you might like it :0
 
Don't concern yourself too much about height given in an advert, many people have no real idea of the height of the horse they are selling, they just take a guess. They certainly never actually measure. Many assume their horse is 16h or 16h2" but the majority of times they are considerably under that height. Steer clear of those labelled as 17h or more, those will be too big for you.

Everything else on your list should be achievable, but have some flexibility, don't discount a great horse just because one minor box isn't ticked. I have a grey, it takes a little more cleaning that our bay, but he's a great animal & has fantastic ability. Good Luck in you search. :)
 
Good Luck in your search!

It's a shame I have a little horse that fits all of the criteria except the height she is just pushing 15.1hh and she's a mare. But she is very sweet :)
 
IMO you need to broaden your distance and height range but be firm on the horses demeanour. Even if it hasn't competed you will know once riding it a few times if you can make it into a competition horse. You are better looking for an honest horse that will not stop at jumps or run out and doesn't bite or kick.
At the top of my 'want' list (not need list) is I like to be able to easily catch it in the field, it wouldn't be a deal breaker but can be very annoying!:mad:
My daughters fat little Welshie X 12 2 pony was bought from a riding school and now competes at 75/85 cm sj and xc. We were told he was hard to box etc but now he is a dream.
 
Bernster said:
I'd agree with most posters on here - I'd allow an inch or two either side heightwise and maybe a year or two on age either side, but generally I think you can be picky as there seem to be far more good horses than buyers around. E.g. a narrow 16/16.1 won't ride big but a chunky 15.3 would take up a fair bit of leg.

My list is similar to yours (with more either side on age and height) and more of a xc/hunt focus.

There do seem to be some nice horses out there though so I would keep going - it could take a while but it's worth taking your time for the right one because they are an expensive and time consuming habit! Let us know how you get on. If I see anything that's more sj foccused, I'll post cost you might like it :0
Click to expand...

Thank you, likewise!
 
personally i think your height and age is a little restrictive!


i wanted a 14.2, not bay and schooled well.....i got a 15.2, bay, green youngster. but we clicked. (cant stand her somedays but i love her to bits!)

so be open minded....go see the ones at 15hh - 16hh! a chunky one may suit you better etc :)
 
I mean if a horse has all the things you need and nothing on the "definitely not" list look further at that horse.
If a horse lacks one of the needs - unless age is a need - look elsewhere.

I would widen the size range by a couple of inches -at least on first search. I have a youngster here who is about 15.2 (not for sale) and he was only supposed to make 15.2 - he isn't yet three so he will be nearer 16hh which is taller than I wanted as I'm not young & have short legs. If you have no trouble mounting I would open up to 16.2 - bigger than this they need a larger trailer :)

Geoff Billington seems to manage ok with short legs & big horses.
 
I would not go under 15.2 for two reasons firstly as said before most people will over estimate the height, secondly if you want to jump BS a smaller horse may struggle more with distances once the fences get higher, not always the case but I have seen it often enough.
 
maletto said:
15.2-15.3 - A little too restrictive maybe an inch either side is worth a look - soooooo many people have no idea how big their horse really is - I have 2 that by the passport are 16HH & 16.2HH - there is 4 inches difference
gelding - Any specific reason, if a mare ticks all the other boxes might be worth a look
5-8 years
not grey or coloured - Again if it ticks all the other boxes go and see - I wanted a coloured - I have a bay & dark bay
nice, established flatwork - Don't forget the average 5 year old won't be particularly established as still growing, finding balance etc - there are of course exceptions
scope to jump BS up to newcomers
no vices, good to travel, clip, shoe etc etc A must
hacks alone/company - Vital in my book, make sure you try the horse doing this
could do xc schooling (not fussed about competing xc but want the option to play around/do fun rides)
ideally some competition experience, even if only competed at one or two unaff comps, but preferably some £ on BS.... - I shouldn't worry about £ BS as it might just be the owner has only competed unaffiliated
Ideally don't want to travel >1hr as would like to try twice but appreciate this might be really narrowing the possibilities. I'd travel further if people had decent videos of the horse. Depends on your area - I used to select South West region in my searches and go from there

(budget anything <£6k FWIW)
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Hi, I think you are right to be picky as it is a massive financial commitment & there is nothing outrageous on your list. But I have given my personal opinion on each of your criteria on where I think you could compromise!! I think you'll know when you are sat on the right one - but you do have to go and see them if you'll ever find that feeling.
 
Try:

Above 15hh, below 17hh.
Between 5 and 10.
Has SJ record.

We found when we were looking for an eventer, the only way we learnt what we actually wanted (and eventually found) was to try countless horses. Criteria was, under 7, grey, mostly TB with a tiniest touch of ISH, perfect record, scope, under an hour away, easy to put into outline (OH hates heavy horses), manageable in our lifestyle, etc etc etc etc etc list goes on.

For example, the first one we went to see fitted criteria perfectly - young horse, currently homed with a fantastic local eventer, great record, never sick or sorry, lots of TB in him, a touch of irish, etc. Right height, right age. Eventer got on it, she rode him absolutely beautifully, looked easy as pie - my OH got on, it went like a sack of the proverbial, then fell over its front legs and nearly took my OHs front teeth out. Nothing to do with my OH being a bad rider - just inexperienced with what was a very babyish horse that needed to be held together by a very experienced rider. Horse has gone on to be incredibly successful, with a rider who has a lot of experience.

So, after that, I pulled my OH together! (who was now going "i cant ride i cant ride"), and we went to see a much older horse, (15, as compared to 5), had competed successfully at levels WAY above what we were ever looking for, miles and miles on the clock, huge irish chunk of a horse. Basically, everything we weren't really looking for. My OH loved him. Had it not been for health issues that the sellers were clearly hiding from us, we would have bought him.

From there, we started looking at a lovely eventer, 6 year old, WB, good record. Perfect on paper, OH couldn't get on with him, we left.

Thennnnn... *thinks* oh yes, then the one we nearly bought! 5 year old, beautiful full TB, good record for a young horse, schooling well etc. Loads of scope. Miles out of budget, would have taken us into serious 'borrowing from parents' debt. My OH loved her, went in for a vetting, failed. Clearly lame on offhind - had we not been blinded by her beauty, we could have saved ourselves £200 on the vetting :S never mind.

And then, Henry. 8 year old. 16.1 but HUGE chunk of an ISH. Good record, although always one down showjumping. Perfect fit, bought him two viewings later, passed vetting with flying colours. Came 19th at their first ever event together on the weekend.

Anyway, I didn't really mean to give you our life story - what I meant to show you was that, the horse we actually bought, who fits our lifestyle PERFECTLY, was nothing like our original list of requirements. You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince, and you will be molded by what you ride when you're trying horses. Don't be afraid to try things that fit most, but not all, of your requirements - you might find that its perfect, or its not that one but you are more willing to look at other similar horses now.

Good luck, always get it vetted! Have fun. x
 
One tip I was given was that if a horse looked right but the size was out phone up & ask if the horse rides big or small - a 15h that is described as riding big may well be 15.2, but if it's described as riding small it's probably 14.2. The chances are with any ad that the horse will be any height other than the one it's described as.
 
I think your height criteria might be a bit tight. I pretty much always buy the first one I see as my criteria is 3/4yrs, warmblood or tb pure or cross, 16.2 an absolute minimum (ie it better have a pretty special movement and/or jump), gelding. Also you can never trust the heights, my last horse I bought was advertised as 16.2 so I was skeptical about seeing him but I'd seen a video and he looked pretty decent. I turn up, there is no way he's 16.2 I buy him get him home, turns out he's 17.1.
 
hairycob said:
One tip I was given was that if a horse looked right but the size was out phone up & ask if the horse rides big or small - a 15h that is described as riding big may well be 15.2, but if it's described as riding small it's probably 14.2. The chances are with any ad that the horse will be any height other than the one it's described as.
Click to expand...

This made me smile! But I've def been there, tried a 15h that was clearly a 14.2 pony. Now my legs are short but I did look silly on it! And build makes a difference too as a wide horse will take up more leg, so a narrower 16/16.1 probably rides more like a smaller horse anyway. But I def feel more at home on a 15.2/15.3 I have to say - probably wrongly but I feel like I'm less likely to be over horsed with a smaller one!
 
The only real Essentials on your list are temperament and ability to jump. Everything else is cosmetic and you could well be passing over your Perfect Horse because it's the wrong colour.
 
I have just sold one that fitted your bill perfectly (thoguh i may be more than an hour or so away) the people who bought her had her on trial, and loved her. Only tried her once drove over 4.5hrs to see her as well. Yes she was mare, but not mareish in the slightest. Never struggled with distances and was capable of jumping beyond Foxhunter classes! I have a 17 hand one of the same description, afraid i can't chop his legs off though! They are out there just keep looking.
 
OP - 80% of your shopping list is on mine and I've been looking since January :(

Totally agree on the 'does he ride big or small' question as I've been to see some 15handers that were more like 14.2 (and rode even smaller) and also ruled out some horses with an LHC at 15.2 that looked more like 16hh+...
 
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