Looking for the impossible?

B

Bananaman

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 March 2003
Messages
2,811
Location
East Anglia
www.teamtorrent.co.uk
I've been asked to find a small horse for a client and I'm not sure how successful I'm going to be.
My client is fairly ill and weak but on good days rides quite nicely and want to compete Novice/Elementary level dressage. She has had a lung/heart transplant in the past and is suffering with her kidneys at present. She is also extremely nervous and needs something between 14.2 and 16h, 150% safe but not a plod as she doesn't have a great deal of strength.

I know, it's going to be difficult but she is a lovely girl and deserves a special horse or pony to give her something to look forward to in her 'down' times.

Unless I can find the right one privately with good trial facilities, she would rather go to a dealer as she is terrified of riding a strange horse in an open field.

She has had a super Dales pony, trained to Medium level but he will just take the p now and again and she has totally lost confidence in him.

Does anyone know of any reputable dealers, or of such a saint, that we could try? We'd prefer East Anglia but obviously would travel for the right yard.
 
ugh i have the perfect horse... but we're in south wales and i dont think owners want to sell until after winter
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150% safe but responsive, sounds like my ideal horse, I searched for over a year and didn't find one that fitted the bill, I hope your client has better luck
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I know of something which may/may not suit the bill but comes with some baggage (dont they all)!!

A friend has for permanent loan 16/16.1hh chestnut TB gelding, 14 y.o. Raced in his early years, re-schooled by Matt Ryan for eventing. Hunts, jumps, dressage to Nov/Elem. Good in all ways, obviously forward, but baggage is that he cannot race or event as he is/was a bleeder. Has been on loan for last couple of years but loanee's circumstances have changed so he is back home.

Again, not sure if they would be happy for him to go from South Wales (maybe), but if you are interested Boss, PM me and I will give you the contact.
 
I can ask a friend if you like - she often has Connemaras usually all impeccably behaved, although she is down in Surrey.
 
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what about www.rideirish.co.uk ? Dont know the dealer personally, but they seem to have some nice horses on there, a few that might well suit you.

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I wouldn't go there if I was you! PM for reasons why.
 
Have you tried Patsy at Stubley Hollow farm? Pricey but I've just got Hovis from her and he is amazing. He is young though and she does seem to get them like that?
They were amazing with me - i went to see something else but didn't like it. I'm quite nervous when i ride something new for the first time and they were one of the few places who didn't make me feel like a total plonker.
 
My advice to you is to try to find one locally.

Put some adverts up in the local tack shops/feed merchants and try to find one locally which she could try out several times or even share for a while. Also contact local farriers and riding instructors. It may take some time but I find this is the best way of getting nice safe steady horses where you will be able to find out the character, and full veterinary history etc of the horse.

You must remember that most dealers just buy in horses from sales or associates and do not know the full history or character of the horses that they are selling.

You need a special horse for this lady and I would try to get it from a private home.

Alternatively try the veteran horse society as you may be able to find a real sane schoolmaster that has many years left in it.
 
Thank you all for your help and advice.
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PeterNatt, you're right it does need to be a special horse and if we could source it locally so much the better.

The sort of thing I have in mind is about 15h perhaps a SHP type, or native cross but really that is immaterial, attitude is the most important aspect.

I think a TB might just worry her, but of course if it were the right one.......

I have a few to call about, thanks for the PMs, and if they come to nothing perhaps I could get back to you Llwyncwn?

Daisychain......if only he were 15.2! He does look lovely but I think just that bit too big for her.
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MarleyMoo, never fear.......won't touch them!!!
 
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