Looking for a Horse - Prices, dealers, what to look for, what to avoid.

[Klo]

Hello! I have always had two horses, however around a year ago one passed away but I am now beginning to look to find another horse to come and join my family. I didn't appreciate how straight forward it was to purchase my last two horses, one I loaned for 6 months and then brought, the other I was on a yard with and the owner was moving abroad - so hunting for a new horse is more difficult than I thought it would be!

And the prices for the horses seems to have quadrupled since I last purchased one (about 8 to 10 years ago!) - Is this the new market, or do you think this is just due to Covid and people having more time on their hands? I also find that a lot of enquiries I have made the sellers just don't reply, I am guessing that maybe the horse has sold and they haven't gotten around to updating or removing adverts - is this common as well?

Does anyone have any tips for finding the right horse - or dealers that they highly recommend? I am Kent based, however have access to a horsebox so would be more than willing to travel for the right horse.

I am looking for a good all rounder/riding club horse - Mare or Gelding - between 2 years old and 10 -Height of 16.1hh and above - to do a bit of hunting, eventing, show jumping, XC, lots of lessons, hacks and beach rides, I don't mind something young that is green or needs breaking in as long as the price reflects this.. And under £6500. Am I looking for a needle in a haystack?

Any help, tips, guidance would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

 

[Havital]

My reply won’t be of much use but I’m in the same boat. Been looking for a while now everyday and when you do finally think you have found one suitable either the owner doesn’t reply or they give a really blunt useless response which makes you not even want to respond back to them. Prices at the moment are really ridiculous I do think Covid plays a part in this. I brought mine around 9 years ago and the difference in what you can get for your money now is mental. I do always think some owners pluck a number out of thin air in the hope someone will come along with more money than sense. You have a healthy budget and you’re not looking for something unreasonable so I wish you luck in your search

 

[Upthecreek]

I don’t think you will get an established ready-made horse that does everything you want aged between 6 & 10 for your budget at the moment. Something unbroken or young with potential may be, but genuine allrounders with no health issues or vices seem to be priced around £8000 and are still selling quickly. A couple of years ago you’d want to see a competition record as well at that price, but times have changed dramatically.

 

[Keira 8888]

Why don’t you consider a slightly older horse?

maybe around 15? The price would come down dramatically and there are so many fabulous slightly older horses who have been there and done it and I’m sure would love the opportunity for a forever home with you!

I know lots of horses who are still tearing around at 25+!

If something has to give in your list of requirements (so you can make your budget work) I think age would be the best bet!

good luck!

 

[Sail_away]

Horses that are all round established nice people are pricey at the moment, 8.5k would make things easier if you can stretch - or buying a teenager. To be fair 6.5 should get you something unbroken/very green but nice - just not what I’ve been looking at so no idea of that side of the market!
If you start looking at more established/sportier types then feel free to PM me, I did look at some from a couple of dealers in Kent recently and neither covered themselves with glory in the exchange.
General tips would be to ask for a recent confo shot and video, have a good feel round the horse when you get there (obvious I know, but I felt too awkward too the first few viewings and subsequently vetted one we really shouldn’t have!), take your instructor to a second viewing if possible because they may well push the horse a bit further and you’ll find out how it copes out of your or its comfort zone. Apart from that, good luck!

 

[Wishfilly]

Hello! I have always had two horses, however around a year ago one passed away but I am now beginning to look to find another horse to come and join my family. I didn't appreciate how straight forward it was to purchase my last two horses, one I loaned for 6 months and then brought, the other I was on a yard with and the owner was moving abroad - so hunting for a new horse is more difficult than I thought it would be!

And the prices for the horses seems to have quadrupled since I last purchased one (about 8 to 10 years ago!) - Is this the new market, or do you think this is just due to Covid and people having more time on their hands? I also find that a lot of enquiries I have made the sellers just don't reply, I am guessing that maybe the horse has sold and they haven't gotten around to updating or removing adverts - is this common as well?

Does anyone have any tips for finding the right horse - or dealers that they highly recommend? I am Kent based, however have access to a horsebox so would be more than willing to travel for the right horse.

I am looking for a good all rounder/riding club horse - Mare or Gelding - between 2 years old and 10 -Height of 16.1hh and above - to do a bit of hunting, eventing, show jumping, XC, lots of lessons, hacks and beach rides, I don't mind something young that is green or needs breaking in as long as the price reflects this.. And under £6500. Am I looking for a needle in a haystack?

Any help, tips, guidance would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

Prices have come up to covid, but I think they were steadily increasing before that too. I think we will see the market come down a bit, but I don't think prices will half/quarter very quickly.

I was horse hunting in the early autumn, and I did find that a lot of sellers don't respond to messages because they are getting so many. You need to call, really. The market isn't moving as quickly now, I don't think.

£6500 ought to get you a youngster or something green, but I don't think it will get you a more established horse unless there is a serious compromise. The problem is at the moment, a lot of people have already sold their good youngstock, so there may not be that much out there to buy.

If you see something you like, I would definitely recommend calling, though!

It is stressful, and I hope you find the right horse soon!

 

[Pony_56]

Definitely avoid people who just want to get rid of their horse as it can mean said horse isn’t a good horse. Or doesn’t behave well.

 

[Klo]

Why don’t you consider a slightly older horse?

maybe around 15? The price would come down dramatically and there are so many fabulous slightly older horses who have been there and done it and I’m sure would love the opportunity for a forever home with you!

I know lots of horses who are still tearing around at 25+!

If something has to give in your list of requirements (so you can make your budget work) I think age would be the best bet!

good luck!

I have previously brought older horses, which has been good for owning my first few horses. But I really want something that will last me my adult life rather than something to retire in a few years time!

 

[Klo]

Prices have come up to covid, but I think they were steadily increasing before that too. I think we will see the market come down a bit, but I don't think prices will half/quarter very quickly.

I was horse hunting in the early autumn, and I did find that a lot of sellers don't respond to messages because they are getting so many. You need to call, really. The market isn't moving as quickly now, I don't think.

£6500 ought to get you a youngster or something green, but I don't think it will get you a more established horse unless there is a serious compromise. The problem is at the moment, a lot of people have already sold their good youngstock, so there may not be that much out there to buy.

If you see something you like, I would definitely recommend calling, though!

It is stressful, and I hope you find the right horse soon!

The more ai look the more I have considered getting something unbroken or green. So I will continue to keep an eye out! Thank you for your advice.

 

[Kaylum]

Stalk on Facebook and ask about the horse in dodgy dealer groups. Also if your horse is from a dealer it will no doubt have a story. Dealers are even putting posts saying cash for horses in Facebook groups. They will sell anything they don't care. Good ones are very hard to come by. There are a couple near me who are meant to have good reputations but that's on their page only. When you are in the horse world you find out what is really going on. One is extremely dodgy but looking at her page you would think she sells perfect horses. She had a lame one on the other week asking over £5k for it. It is really difficult to get your money back.