New horse shopping criteria

Michen said:
Argggh! Guys its all very well people having bought quiet youngsters and them remaining as quiet with little need for outside help etc, but there are just as many or probably more that don't!

OP needs a safe, sensible and sane horse. However quiet and mellow a youngster seems there is NO guarantee it won't go through a "kevins" phase or become something entirely different once it has strengthened up. How long, how bad that phase will be is anyones guess (if It happens). I've seen plenty of dobbins turn into sharp dragons for periods of time as they start to learn about life. Why risk it when the OP has already had so much stressful horsey drama?

I vividly remember when I first got Boggle telling my friend that he was BORING.. too quiet, too kickalong… the joke was definitely on me with that.
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I was not talking about youngsters necessarily. I have bought several made horses over the years for less than £2k and some of them are not all that long ago. I would not expect to pay more than £3k for similar horses now. It depends on where you are looking for them.
 
Just a random musing but a friend of mine had an ex-police horse and he was epic. Bombproof, lived in or out and had loads of fun. My friend likes big horses and he was certainly the same sort of stamp you are looking for. He was a dude and passed away at the age of nearly 30 with just general old age problems. He may be a one off but maybe worth thinking about if any pop up.
Ex - army horses often looking for a home and most of these are bombproof too and I have known a few and not met a nasty one.
 
It is all very well everyone pitching in with their own experiences, how they found the ideal horse for a low sum, links to totally unsuitable horses, there are links to tb's, etc but all it seems to be doing is making the OP even more confused as to what she is looking for and how much she needs to pay for it, in my experience you can find bargains but usually when you are not really bothered and have all the time in the world to browse ads with no pressure to actually buy one.

The OP is actively looking and is putting herself under too much pressure to find something, ideally today, and it seems to me that many of the suggestions are a long way off the brief which shows how few suitable ones there really are when you seriously start searching.
I would not change the basic criteria and would say slow down, take a deep breath and be prepared to wait for something that really ticks all the boxes and pulls you towards it rather than trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole, the right horse will come along possibly when you least expect it, don't stop looking through the ads but do try and read them fully, including between the lines, what is not said is often more telling that what is.
 
Michen said:
Argggh! Guys its all very well people having bought quiet youngsters and them remaining as quiet with little need for outside help etc, but there are just as many or probably more that don't!

OP needs a safe, sensible and sane horse. However quiet and mellow a youngster seems there is NO guarantee it won't go through a "kevins" phase or become something entirely different once it has strengthened up. How long, how bad that phase will be is anyones guess (if It happens). I've seen plenty of dobbins turn into sharp dragons for periods of time as they start to learn about life. Why risk it when the OP has already had so much stressful horsey drama?

I vividly remember when I first got Boggle telling my friend that he was BORING.. too quiet, too kickalong… the joke was definitely on me with that.
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There is a huge difference between a sharp little connie and a big cob or similar cross though. Yours is an athletic competition horse, which couldn't be further away from what the OP wants. I wouldn't take a connie on unless I was prepared for it to be hot and sharp.
 
Leo Walker said:
There is a huge difference between a sharp little connie and a big cob or similar cross though. Yours is an athletic competition horse, which couldn't be further away from what the OP wants. I wouldn't take a connie on unless I was prepared for it to be hot and sharp.
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And you think a shire x, a cob x or an ID doesn’t have the potential to be sharp?

Some of them can be worse than the TBs, although granted not quite as athletic about it when they do loose it.
 
be positive said:
links to totally unsuitable horses, there are links to tb's, etc but all it seems to be doing is making the OP even more confused as to what she is looking for and how much she needs to pay for it
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I just said similar to the OP about links to hugely unsuitable horses. I don't get the impression that shes under any pressure though, the opposite in fact. And an ad is only ever half the story. Some people write horrible ads, some know how to sell anything to anyone.

What she really does need to start doing, is viewing horses. Once she starts to do that, providing the sensible friend stops any silly panic purchases, then she will start to get a much clearer idea of what she wants and needs.
 
Leo Walker said:
There is a huge difference between a sharp little connie and a big cob or similar cross though. Yours is an athletic competition horse, which couldn't be further away from what the OP wants. I wouldn't take a connie on unless I was prepared for it to be hot and sharp.
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Sure, plenty are especially if they are bred to be like mine, though there was nothing sharp about Basil. My point is that the OP has certain requirements and needs. A youngster may or may not keep its temp regardless of breeding. Yes, a cob is more likely to stay relaxed or whatnot, but it will still need to be educated about life and there may or may not be hiccups whilst that is done. Hacking alone, travelling etc for example.

Cobs can be bloody stubborn, what if in its education it decides to try napping for example. Does the op want to have to bother working through anything like this with a young horse? Maybe.
 
Leo Walker said:
I just said similar to the OP about links to hugely unsuitable horses. I don't get the impression that shes under any pressure though, the opposite in fact. And an ad is only ever half the story. Some people write horrible ads, some know how to sell anything to anyone.

What she really does need to start doing, is viewing horses. Once she starts to do that, providing the sensible friend stops any silly panic purchases, then she will start to get a much clearer idea of what she wants and needs.
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I agree.
OP has money in pocket and just needs to go and sit on a few that tick most boxes.
Most of these horses will be advertised by people that don’t have much of a clue - do the reality when you get there can be quite different (either way!).

Just get sensible friend to at least do a second viewing, 5 stage vet and pull its records
 
ihatework said:
And you think a shire x, a cob x or an ID doesn’t have the potential to be sharp?

Some of them can be worse than the TBs, although granted not quite as athletic about it when they do loose it.
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Maybe, but they are the exception rather than the rule. Everyone knows someone with a sharp cob, but I'd hazard a bet they know 20 more dopes on a rope. They are bred to be laid back and easy going.
 
Ive been debating whether to post this or not.

Not mine but I know it well.

15.1/2hh cob. Up to 15st, as wide as he is tall!

Rising 5, he’s been picked up and put down a little bit, low mileage and green. Hacking and a couple of local shows.

Generally steady and kind. Good in traffic and open spaces. Not a clingy type so could suit your set up.

2 main disclosures would be he has been a bit iffy to load but improving. He also had a scare out hacking last year when crossing a field of playful cows, he got chased & legged it! Now wary - it is that latter bit that could be your gamble.

3.5K and not a penny less. Not actively on the market.
 

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SatansLittleHelper said:
I know I shouldn't laugh but this did make me chuckle. Fair comment there SA 😂😂😂
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I hope that didn't come across as an insult SLH, although I'm well aware it sounded like one. The written word can come across as far more harsh than intended, and as I'm often at work posting, don't have the time or energy to write huge softly worded posts! I don't think you're a numpty by any means, I just think you could do with an easy, quiet horse to enjoy!
 
IHW i think the earlier posts by SLH said she didnt want a smaller horse so i have only been looking at 16 hands to 17 hands ....i think that one looks good but again she wants something safe for hacking alone ....maybe SLH could come on and put what she wont compromise on and which parts of the country she would be happy to travel to as quite a few of the horses have been lighter boned and tall or heavy boned and shorter... the heavy boned large safe horses seem to be few and far between and also seem to be at the other end of the country as well. it is a difficult search, but with all of us looking we should find something suitable..:)
 
Not posted yet on this thread but in my opinion the best thing SLH could do now is stop looking. As a previous poster has mentionned, I also think you would be better placed loosing the weight you want to which will give you a focus.

When you are ready to start serious searching start then. In the meantime should anyone hear of a good horse by word of mouth then it would be worth a look, but in the meantime give yourself a break. It is easy to think you want a horse and must have one now but sometimes a step back for careful consideration reveals a different outlook.
 
SA, I didn't take it as an insult, just made me laugh :)

Right, I have had long discussions with people who know me in real life and the general consensus is as follows:
* I don't need a completely novice ride, I've regained alot of confidence and something that's forward going etc is fine.
* I don't want/need something that naps, I hate it and it irritates the shot out of me
* I don't want/need anything sharp/spooky. The odd spook or a bit "looky" is fine.
* I do need/want something with some bone, ID type or chunkier. With or without weight loss I'd be looking for the same stamp, spindly legged types just aren't my thing. Bonus points for feathers ❤ NOT NEGOTIABLE
* I do want (need is debatable) something tall.
* I do want something on the younger side although I'm not ruling out older, this is a preference.
* I want/need something that hacks alone and fine with big vehicles and traffic. NOT NEGOTIABLE.
* I want/need something that can live out. NOT NEGOTIABLE.
* I would "prefer" a gelding but not ruling out a nice mare.
* I need/want something that is safe and sane. NOT NEGOTIABLE.
* I would "prefer" to not have to have shoes but not a deal breaker.
* I would "prefer" not to have a grey lol.
* I want/need something that stands politely at the mounting block.
* I will travel to most places if the horse ticks the boxes.

I'm looking for a nice personality that wants to be mates, will hack out around the countryside, do some fun rides, some schooling and jumping. 80% of it's job will be hacking so everything else schooling wise can be worked with as long as it's 100% in this aspect.
 
This one is the only one that worries me -
* I don't need a completely novice ride, I've regained alot of confidence and something that's forward going etc is fine.
That may be true in reality, but in dodgy advert world 'Not a novice ride' usually means it won't fulfill some or all of your other criteria. Confidence is much easier to lose than it is to regain (though well done you on regaining it before!) and it can be lost multiple times...

If you are experienced enough, you would be better to get the plod for now and school it into the horse you want (i.e. more responsive, etc) than try and get the forward going sharper one who then won't be as receptive to being ridden 3 or 4 times a week for a gentle hack. Almost any horse is capable, with schooling and fitness, of doing basic riding club activities which is what you want. A plainer one may not be doing it now, but will fill all your other jobs, and as you get to know the and like them and get a bit of training they can turn their hoof to a bit of jumping or cross country or whatever.
 
Didn't you say you particularly liked Clydesdales? If so why not maybe wait until you spot one you really like that is safe as well? If that's the breed you really love is it worth waiting for a good one to come up? There used to be a lovely one at the RS I rode at he could pop a small jump, was good out hacking though obviously being rs he was in a group and safe for all levels of rider but he was pretty responsive if you were more experienced. I think there are trekking centres that use them and shires maybe worth emailing them to see where they usually source them?

I'm not sure on location, reputation of anything but typing Clydesdales for sale on Google brings up the following, some in budget?

http://www.adhorse.co.uk/Clydesdale_horses_for_sale.html
 
Crazy_cat_lady said:
Didn't you say you particularly liked Clydesdales? If so why not maybe wait until you spot one you really like that is safe as well? If that's the breed you really love is it worth waiting for a good one to come up? There used to be a lovely one at the RS I rode at he could pop a small jump, was good out hacking though obviously being rs he was in a group and safe for all levels of rider but he was pretty responsive if you were more experienced. I think there are trekking centres that use them and shires maybe worth emailing them to see where they usually source them?

I'm not sure on location, reputation of anything but typing Clydesdales for sale on Google brings up the following, some in budget?

http://www.adhorse.co.uk/Clydesdale_horses_for_sale.html
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Aww, Fern sounds lovely
 
If it's a Clydesdale you want then I have a friend who is heavily involved with the breed and could find you a riding one with your budget (and money left over to transport it to you). Catch is that she is in Scotland so it's a bit of a commute for you! She's bred, backed, driven and ridden them and now handles for other breeders and is very "in the know" with the breed. I know of a couple locally that were sold via her and they are the mellowest animals ever.
 
DabDab said:
Aww, Fern sounds lovely
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She does, obviously not sure what she would be like away from the trekking centre or on her own, they've been honest about the canter thing too but could OP's friend help get that taught if she ticks all the other boxes

Also the guy with the top advert again I have no idea how reputable they are but if you go on his website you can email him the sort of Clydesdale/ Shire you are looking for so may be worth doing?
 
TPO said:
If it's a Clydesdale you want then I have a friend who is heavily involved with the breed and could find you a riding one with your budget (and money left over to transport it to you). Catch is that she is in Scotland so it's a bit of a commute for you! She's bred, backed, driven and ridden them and now handles for other breeders and is very "in the know" with the breed. I know of a couple locally that were sold via her and they are the mellowest animals ever.
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If thats what you want OP, I'd get yourself to Scotland! One long trip might save you hundreds of shorter ones and months of wasted time. i'll come and drive you myself if thats what it takes :p
 
SLH, have you reflected further on whether you would like a pure bred heavy? You seemed to be having second thoughts about them up thread.
SatansLittleHelper said:
I 'think' I've talked myself out a purebred heavy, as much as I love them I'm not sure they would be ideal for jumping etc, it wouldn't be fair to expect that.
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TPO said:
If it's a Clydesdale you want then I have a friend who is heavily involved with the breed and could find you a riding one with your budget (and money left over to transport it to you). Catch is that she is in Scotland so it's a bit of a commute for you! She's bred, backed, driven and ridden them and now handles for other breeders and is very "in the know" with the breed. I know of a couple locally that were sold via her and they are the mellowest animals ever.
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I don't know if anyone has seen the Omega All Star Academy on H&C tv where that Clydesdale had a showjumping lesson with Geoff Billington and it was the BEST thing ever. Lovely genuine horse who tried its hardest over the jumps... I'm not a massive fan of heavy breeds but I wouldn't say no to a Clydesdale :)
 
I would absolutely kill for for a smaller purebred Clydesdale. I'm just not sure if it would be able to do the stuff I want?? I've had mixed thoughts on the jumping side of things, though I appreciate that a Clyde wont ever be the next Milton lol.

Eta:
My "sane" friend may be losing it a little as she said she likes the sound of this....to buy and sent straight to the yard for breaking in...

https://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/118887421/jack-4-year-old-gelding.html?link=/search?keyword=Shire&sectionId=3365

I don't have much experience of Shires, I'm told they can be sharper than Clydes???
 
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That is extremely weak, lacking in depth with a very short back, it does have plenty of bone to grow into but I am not sure it fits any of your criteria other than supposedly having a good temperament.

Maybe your friend is also discovering how hard the search will be, don't get sidetracked.
 
SatansLittleHelper said:
I would absolutely kill for for a smaller purebred Clydesdale. I'm just not sure if it would be able to do the stuff I want?? I've had mixed thoughts on the jumping side of things, though I appreciate that a Clyde wont ever be the next Milton lol.

Eta:
My "sane" friend may be losing it a little as she said she likes the sound of this....to buy and sent straight to the yard for breaking in...

https://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/118887421/jack-4-year-old-gelding.html?link=/search?keyword=Shire&sectionId=3365

I don't have much experience of Shires, I'm told they can be sharper than Clydes???
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It will mature into the stamp you are wanting I reckon.

But it’s too weak over its top for you at this stage and also you want something as close to 100% certain out hacking. It’s bloody unbroken for gawds sake - you need something a bare minimum of 6 months under saddle
 
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