looking for the impossible?! horse shopping

[reen2020]

Hi all

I'm looking for a horse to ride now that my old TB gelding is retired - don't have a big budget (up to about 2k) so have been looking at rehoming an ex racer to bring on. I've been refreshing the ror website like a lunatic and also on h&h, horsemart, horsequest and preloved. I've also joined a few fb groups which are pretty hectic!

My criteria so far have been 5 yo+, mare or gelding and ~15.3/16hh+ as I'm 5'9, based in East Anglia. I'm looking for something to bring on and eventually do a bit of eventing on but not in any rush to get competitive.

Does this seem reasonable? I just feel a bit disheartened already although I've only been looking for about a month.. do I just need to man up and stick with it?!

TIA for any advice/ ideas!

 

[shortstuff99]

Have you contacted Godolphin stables? They re-home out of their New Market base.

 

[ihatework]

I’d contact the Newmarket based trainers and tell them a bit about your set up, experience and what job you want a horse for. I’m sure if you come across as competent and honest one of them will let you know if they have a horse coming out of training that sounds suitable

 

[reen2020]

@shortstuff99 Thanks, yes I have! They have an online form to fill in and respond if they have something suitable, I think. I've also tried Fred and Rowena Cook but not really had much of a response.

@ihatework Thanks yeah I've also started contacting trainers but none have had anything so far. I think it's probably a case of being a bit more patient

 

[ihatework]

The good trainers will care about placing the right horse in the right home.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Such a shame your looking for a bigger size. A beautiful sensible 4yo chestnut mare has just been advertised for £750. Grown too big for pony racing. She is a cracker.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Also try derek shaw racing and Cheveral house.

 

[doodle]

Not sure where you are but Solway racehorses in Dumfriesshire are good. There are quite a few of their horses round me and they seem to be green but as advertised.

 

[BronsonNutter]

Ex-racehorses are selling like mad at the moment. It’ll slow down come winter I’m sure!

I’m in East Anglia too so if I come across anything I’ll let you know (took me long enough to find my new one though - although she was via word of mouth). Definitely worth contacting anything advertised for the ~£3k mark as some of the trainers advertise them at that price just to put the joyriders off; if you’re serious they may well lower it a bit.

 

[doodle]

Sorry just realised you said where you were. Ignore my post ?

 

[reen2020]

@Fern007 thanks! I've messaged DS and been following Cheveral but don't really want to buy unseen

@Kamikaze haha no worries I didn't realise how far they are from me before getting excited about their horses, they seem to choose them really well

@BronsonNutter thank you!! you make a good point about price actually, one I viewed was priced at least a grand over what it was worth (due to sarcoids and wind sucking) and the seller was really upfront about it being to discourage people that weren't serious.

 

[Carrottom]

Have you thought of looking at the sales in Newmarket at the end of October, there are about 1700 horses entered for sale over 3 days.

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Hi all

I'm looking for a horse to ride now that my old TB gelding is retired - don't have a big budget (up to about 2k) so have been looking at rehoming an ex racer to bring on. I've been refreshing the ror website like a lunatic and also on h&h, horsemart, horsequest and preloved. I've also joined a few fb groups which are pretty hectic!

My criteria so far have been 5 yo+, mare or gelding and ~15.3/16hh+ as I'm 5'9, based in East Anglia. I'm looking for something to bring on and eventually do a bit of eventing on but not in any rush to get competitive.

Does this seem reasonable? I just feel a bit disheartened already although I've only been looking for about a month.. do I just need to man up and stick with it?!

TIA for any advice/ ideas!

Maybe consider other than ROR and also height; you could ride a bigger horse. But unfortunately yes you do have to wait when you are on a strict budget. What about loaning/sharing whilst you save to buy?? You will find the one eventually don’t worry! But don’t be tempted into buying something impulsively because you can afford it and you fall in love....still need to know all about it’s history, vetting, and I always see horses twice before buying. Have you considered reputable charities?? Good luck x

 

[YorkshireLady]

Have a look at Rachel Geary website as are a few on there now for you but also worth contacting her.

 

[reen2020]

@Carrottom that's a good idea and would be a lot of fun if I knew somebody who has bought from sales before but it's a bit daunting to be honest

@TheGentlemanMrDarcy you're right thanks for the voice of reason haha, I've actually internet-fallen for one that I'm going to view Wednesday that is a long drive away and a bit over budget but something is making me go... will keep your post in mind when quizzing owner!!

@YorkshireLady thank you!

 

[Goldenstar]

Mick Easterby had a lovely 3yo on his Facebook a few days ago would be more money I would think but he’s a beauty

 

[Carrottom]

If you have the time time to spare it might be worth going for a day just for the experience. Have a look a the catalogue online before and make a note of those you think might be of interest. Look for those who are not likely to be continuing as racehorses. Go and see them in the stables to look at temperament and if handlers are around and not busy have a chat.

 

[bubblensqueak]

https://sourceahorse.ror.org.uk/advert/592 any use? 7 yr old mare- Lincolnshire? to far?

 

[bubblensqueak]

https://sourceahorse.ror.org.uk/advert/566 to add, Cambridgeshire? thats in the east isnt it?

 

[reen2020]

thank you all!! the good ones just sell so fast I've this week had it happen twice that a horse is sold the evening before or day of a viewing. thanks again all for your help, think I'm just going to have to learn to be patient then react quickly and go and view same day as seeing an advert