I already posted about my Covid purchase, Rigsby, the cob. Plus my inherited dog, Crackers. Now I have another Covid purchase...
I had been trying to buy another horse for ages, but kept getting gazumped by people buying unseen before I could get there. Even 2 hours in the car was enough to lose one, even if I set off straight away. I had always said I would never buy unseen. Then, I started to *think* about it. That meant I started to look at Ireland, as they seemed a little cheaper there, and didn't sell quite as quickly.
I looked at a few, one was a private sale, but I couldn't get enough supporting evidence, so it could have been a lame dog and I had no way to find out. Looked at another from a dealer, but again couldn't find out enough.
Finally I saw an advert for little Homer. He is a bit thicker set that I normally go for, was advertised as very young but sensible by nature. The video was plentiful, there were back up videos over long periods of time. I had actually spoken to the dealer before, when she was in England, a few years ago, when looking for a previous horse. There were also plenty of recommendations, where I had previously seen horses advertised, then later the horse was shown with the new, happy owner.
I decided to fly over to Ireland, to go view, as Homer looked really nice, but someone was going to view the next day... so I did it! Bought a 4yo, unseen, off video! I had the vetting, even though I believe that not many horses fail an Irish vetting LOL, but the vet sounded professional. It was Southern Ireland too, so whatever came off the box was going to be 'mine' as the chances of getting any money back by legal means from here to Southern Ireland, I believe, would not be easy.
The deal was done. I was kept updated on my purchase by video. He was purchased on Tuesday, the vetting done the next day, and he was delivered by Friday. I had photos from the transporter of his pickup, I followed the ferry on my phone overnight, more photos of him being transferred to a little box for the final leg, and he arrived on time. 14 hours travelling.
What came out of the box was exactly as advertised.
I tried to change his name. Mr Red hoped he had been named after an author, but no, whoever named him Homer knew him and he was defo named after "Doh!" Homer. He has been here 3 weeks and we have taken it slowly, a bit of schooling but not so much, some riding in the fields and a little hacking. Rigsby has been nannying him.
The dealer was Olivia Chamberlain, I would highly recommend. It was actually the easiest purchase I have ever made. I mean, ring up, agree to buy, pay the money, speak with the vet and pay, be told when he will arrive, and he did.
I used to train big 4yos for a living, and know how unusual it is to get one who is easy on the yard: ties up, picks feet, has fly spray, stands to be bathed, catches, easy to bridle, friendly etc.
He isn't perfect - he is GREY
Photo out with Rigsby yesterday. Rigsby is proving a good nanny, easy enough for a variety of people to ride him (although this rider is also a retired pro!).
