Need some experienced horse peoples advice

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Lydz85

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Hello :)

Ive been loaning for a year and am now ready to buy me own. I have found a horse I love the look of which i think will suit my needs - hacking, schooling and local competitions. Is advertised on horse mart as ideal first horse.

Here is link to the horse producers website:
http://www.kenthorseproducers.co.uk/detailed.aspx?horseid=303

Please can you let me know what you think of him? There is a video of him.
What a he is aproximately worth? (I know what is being asked)
And if you have had experience with this dealer?

Many thanks in advance.
 
personally i feel that a 6 year old is not a first horse.

he moves nice and looks nice, jumps nice. He is a nice horse from the description, photos and video. no actual mention of any wins, just placed. I think he has too much white on his face and i dont personally like that. He is a nice horse, not a wow horse, a nice horse. looks like he would do well hunting (feel sorry for him carrying that fat man!)

pricewise in todays market = £3000 ish
 
He looks very sweet and if what they say is true he sounds ideal. To be honest a horse is only worth what someone is willing to pay for him so he could be worth his weight in gold to one person and dog meat to another! Have you had an experienced friend or your instructor with you when you've tried him? Also, if you have the slightest smidgeon of doubt about anything don't let yourself be talked round - gut instinct should not be ignored!

Also is there anything on your list of "must haves" that are missing from his description - don't take anything form granted!

I'm in Yorkshire so no idea about the dealer, bit I'm sure someone on here has.
 
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The big drawback to Coral is her age. In a couple of years time she will be a "veteran" and although probably perfectly healthy, insurannce for vets fees can be limited and her value virtually nil. I know it sounds hard, but should Lydz85 want to go on to bigger and better things she will have a hard time finding the right home for Carol

If Lydz has had a horse on loan for a year she isn't exactly a "first timer".. If she's looking for a bit more experience, perhaps a 9-12 yo?

Dancing Queen's suggestion looks very nice, but he is only 6 as well!
 
Thank you for your advice. I am going to see and 'try him out' this week. Im quite worried as I am going alone :(

I liked the idea of a 6 year old, from speaking to dealer he seems calm and at least this way we can learn and develop together (I dont like the idea of outgrowing horses and having to sell them on). He would be my first horse but I am 25 not a little young thing. Do you really advise me against a horse this age and experience though?

So he does look sound then? Yeah i thought the dealer was asking for a bit too much!
 
Dancing Queen said:
personally i feel that a 6 year old is not a first horse.

he moves nice and looks nice, jumps nice. He is a nice horse from the description, photos and video. no actual mention of any wins, just placed. I think he has too much white on his face and i dont personally like that. He is a nice horse, not a wow horse, a nice horse. looks like he would do well hunting (feel sorry for him carrying that fat man!)

pricewise in todays market = £3000 ish
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My boyfriend said the same thing! :D
 
Bettyboo222 said:
Is there anyone 'Horsey' you could take, its always usuful to have a second pair of eyes
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I am trying to get someone to come with me - its difficult as im not that close with anyone from the stables. We only really socialise there. My boss would be the best person but i doubt she can take time off work mid week, im working on it though as i know how important it is to get other opinions. And im still so new so will believe what im told really!
 
its not always a good idea to have 2 novices together (learning together) but i see where you are coming from. Just be careful and be ruled by your head not your heart. Gut instincts are usually correct.

I cant remember what the advert say about traffic etc - is he bombproof - saying he hacks out alone isnt ideal - get as much in writing as you can through emails before you see him.

If you like him and you gel together then it could be a good thing waiting to happen. Ask to see him caught and tacked up - this will reveal a lot. If he is already in, ask them to turn out and re catch - if they wont then something is wrong. make sure you pick all his feet up and feel his legs (they should be clean). Ask to see him walked and trotted in hand and away from you, check he moves straight and doesnt dish.

im sure more will come?!

I assume he has a passport up to date- there is no mention of tack so factor that into your budget and negotiations. Are his jabs, wormer and teeth all upto date - if so then great - if not factor it into your negotiations.

I have watched it back and at time his does seem to be alot on the forehand, so just check he doesnt lean on the bit. If you happy then go get him and post pictures!

how much does the dealer want.

Bear in mind they are in the market to sell!! keep your eyes and ears open all the time you are there.
 
With any dealer, if you like the horse make sure you choose the vets--ask who their vet is then come back here (if necessary)and ask for recommendations of different vet for vetting and get bloods taken

Adding dont forget to ask to look at the passport
 
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i think he looks a lovely horse! hes schooled and looks pretty sane. it is important to have lessons when you get him to help you both get used to each other. I wouldn't worry hugely about age but just remember he may still be green in some respects.Going to shows or hunting for example but many horses regardless of age get excited by this! the fact that he goes out on his own as well as in company is good as it shows he is not nappy but it is important to know how much traffic he has actually seen. would you be hacking near busy roads? make a list of questions before you go because no doubt you will forget them when you arrive! if possible go see him more than once. do you know anything about the reputation of the dealers?
seeing the passport is important because it is vital that it matches! i think coral looks too old and having experience of two chestnut mares i would stay clear! also having a gelding as your first horse is probably a better idea as they are less likely to be moody (speaking from experience but obv there are exceptions.)
 
Just wanted to say my friend bought a just turned 7 year old from a dealer, its her first horse and he is brilliant. So a novice can buy a young horse and it be a good combination, she's owned him for over a year now and the relationship just gets stronger and stronger. But I would also take into account what every one else has said,ask a lot of questions and if it don't feel right,walk away or ask to see any other horses they may have. A lady on my yard went to view one horse, didn't like how it moved , the dealers brought out others which she rejected for one reason or another, and then they took her to see a horse that was hidden round the back and she was perfect !!!!
 
Thank you for all your tips, I will definitely be making a list of questions and asking to see the passport. I had already thought of asking them to let me see him being caught and tacked up and not to have him ready before i arrive.

The dealer orginally said £4750 but i had the figure £3500 in my head. I have read around and the dealer is apparently highly priced but very willing to negotiate. I am still trying to find out more about this dealers rep as i have found brilliant reviews and not so good reviews - mainly relating to the conditions the horses are kept in :(, but i will obviously see this for myself.

Anyone in the area and free Friday early afternoon and fancy seeing a horse with me??? :D
 
Just a word on the age - my girl is my first horse, and she's a 5yo thoroughbred. However, I've ridden the majority of my life, and have had a huge amount of help from friends and my RI, without whom I doubt we'd be as far on as we are currently. For a young TB, she's got a very relaxed (for the most part) attitude to life, so I certainly don't doubt that young horses can have wonderful, laid-back personalities.
However, one thing I have found with her (though she is a year younger), as obvious as it might sound, is that you do have to treat her differently to how you might treat a 'fully formed' horse, as such. It's not generally possible just to hop up and immediately go 'right, work'. That might be her personally, but it's also a matter of teaching her. I'd just suggest that it's something you keep in mind when considering how the horses you go to see are schooled. Could you keep up their current level of schooling consistently, and bring them on? Do you have someone on hand to give you help if you ever need it? I'm not saying you shouldn't go for a younger horse, as that'd be hypocritical, just be aware of what you might be taking on... whilst not putting too much pressure on yourself?!
That said- if you do go for it and it all works out, it's a brilliant feeling to really be able to feel as if you're accomplishing something positive with a young horse. Good luck with viewing ;)

On a side note, the other horse was 14 right? Would hardly say that's ancient.
 
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He looks a nice sort. Is he a similar age and type to the horse you have had on loan? If so then go and see him, try to take an experienced person with you. If your loan horse has been a quiet, older horse, then maybe look at something a bit older. Also bear in mind that a horse will always behave differently in a new place, some new horses can be a downright handful. Would you be keeping him at a livery yard where there would be back up if needed?
 
elderlycoupleindevon said:
He looks a nice sort. Is he a similar age and type to the horse you have had on loan? If so then go and see him, try to take an experienced person with you. If your loan horse has been a quiet, older horse, then maybe look at something a bit older. Also bear in mind that a horse will always behave differently in a new place, some new horses can be a downright handful. Would you be keeping him at a livery yard where there would be back up if needed?
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My current loan is a young riding school horse so very well behaved, but he has a mind of his own, knows what he likes to do and not do, so I can handle some mischief.

Yea he would be stabled at my current livery, with my riding instructors and others for support. Yea I would be expecting teething troubles until he was settled and would be having lots of schooling so we could get used to each other.

I don't know what it is about him the second i saw his ad i stopped looking at others!
 
Hi there

Firstly, I would consider a 6yr old to be too young for a first horse for someone with limited experience and limited support. I would advise you to look at horses 8yrs or older. And don't discard horses in their teens, as most will go on happily until their early 20s. Both "learning together" is a nice idea, but often just ends in a horrible mess.

Also, please, please take someone for a second opinion. If you don't know anyone go on the BHS website, look up freelance instructors, phone one local to you and see if they'll go with you (obviously paying them for their time). You really do need an experienced eye when buying a horse.

And finally, when you find one you like - regardless of what the seller says, have it vetted.

Good luck with your search, but please be cautious as buying horses even for the most experienced can be a minefield.
 
Please please use your own vet!!! They will try and make you use one that they recommend but don't!! Also make sure you are there for the vetting!

I've known several horses brought through this dealer and it will be green.

Also take someone very experienced and be very wary if the horse is issued with a new passport x
 
I would say a 6 year old could be too young but it depends entirely on your support system. I bought a very green 6 year old as my second horse after 18 months of horse ownership and I made so many mistakes! However now I have an amazing support system at the livery yard I am on and an amazing instructor who I am having weekly lessons with and I am finally getting the horse I wanted (touches wood!).

So if you've got people around you who are willing to sit with you while you are schooling, go on steady hacks with you and just generally offer useful advice and have regular lessons I think a young horse can be a good first horse. Can't wait to hear how the viewing goes good luck x
 
firewell said:
Please please use your own vet!!! They will try and make you use one that they recommend but don't!! Also make sure you are there for the vetting!

I've known several horses brought through this dealer and it will be green.

Also take someone very experienced and be very wary if the horse is issued with a new passport x
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I would definitely choose a different vet than they suggested. Im not sure why they would advertise as perfect for beginner/first horse if he was green just would be a waste of their time and prospective buyer as they must realise it will be obvious when its ridden? :confused:

Can you explain what you mean by be wary if a new passport? Does that mean its likely to be fake?
 
Going against the grain- I bought a 12yo 'bombroof and experienced' horse as my first horse being a fairly newish owner and she was retired and an expensive field ornament after 3 months.. I then went against good advice and bought a very green 4yo, which shouldn't have worked- but it did, partly because he was a sensitive and beautiful boy who loved me as much as I loves him and now- 3 years on it is a lovely partnership where we have learned together, made mistakes together, win together and I would never change him
 
be very wary. Please search horse and hound and the internet for more info. If you do go and you do like the horse make sure you have at least one very experienced person with you. Do not accept that he has passed the vet already and insist on using your own vet for a vetting. Please note that these are associated with another local name that has an extremely bad reputation. My yard has recently acquired a horse that came through there and he was far from what he was brought as. If you are local to Ashford I know of a few horses for sale which may well meet your requirements and level of experience.
 
Can I recommend Meopham Vets, Bell Equine or Newnham Court for a vetting? As the other say, always get an independent vetting.
I would suggest that the odds are that this young horse is unlikely to be suitable as a first horse, but if you really like then no harm in looking.
 
I think most of the 'anti' dealer threads are removed so you won't be able to find them... For what it's worth, I am very aware of the reputation of this dealer - and I live in Scotland!

I'm not saying don't go to see him - in fact I like him a lot - but keep your wits about you.

:)
 
I like him a lot but have some advice. When you view him, keep your eyes open and don't be distracted by people talking to you. Watch closely when he is tacked up and when the rider gets on and warms up. The video is good but not one single canter transition, he is trotting along, then a still image of him then bingo he is cantering so watch the canter transitions carefully there may be some greeness there that is being ironed out.

It is very easy to be rabbit in the headlights when viewing a horse. Really the only thing you can rely on is height and colour and number of legs unless there are results that can be verified or a previous owner that can be spoken to.

Good luck, he is very nice.
 
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