Opinions on this ad?

Kat said:
If you think it looks good from the viewing but haven't been able to ride properly then it might be worth asking for a trial or a loan with a view to buy. Be clear that this is just so you can try the horse, you are in the market to buy if it is safe and sound, so that they don't think you are a timewaster. I know lots of people won't agree to them but if they are genuinely keen to move this horse on and there is nothing wrong with it they may agree.

I would be very cautious, but if your budget is tight, you are confident about your ability to take on a project and have plenty of support you could get more horse than you would otherwise be able to afford. However be a bit wary, why haven't they sold to a dealer or put him on sales livery if they have lost interest? Or just put in a couple of weeks work themselves or paid a rider so that he can be sold for a decent price if he does everything they say.

Having said that, he could still be worth it even if you end up needing professional help with him.

Go and have a look, be cautious, don't believe everything you are told, do your homework by checking references and previous owners and let us know how you get on.
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exactly what i have been trying to say, only you worded it better!
 
fwiw, not all horses sold from the field are unrideable lunatics!! my TB was sold from the field, he was unfit but still managed to walk and trot and OMG he even cantered:eek:;) if i had to sell him now it would again be 'from the field', not because he's a loon but because i have been short of time, old sharer wasn't suitable and I'm still in process of finding another one so he's unfit.....again:o
Only thing i would strongly advise is find out how old those pics are and check and double check his legs for signs of tendon problems;)
 
moleskinsmum said:
Now that I've finally moved, I'm looking for a horse. I'm a first-time buyer. Forget the fact that I've worked in a riding school and a racing stud, had my last horse on full loan for 16 years, have ridden everything from ex-racers to fat cobs...Sounds like I'd better buy a donkey as it's my first time.
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seriously??? I think thats a bit childish, nobody on this thread has said for op to get a cob/plod/whatever, purely said be cautious as its being sold from the field and the op asked why it was so cheap, did not spot the reason in the ad which most have. Suggested maybe it was a big risk to get this horse for the op poster, nobody said dont get a tb/ex racer, or that she was a numpty. I honestly dont know why you are getting anti, you cant see that we are trying to HELP!!!
 
pixiebee said:
its not the fact he is a tb/ex racer, it is the fact he is being sold from the field which the op is unlikely to be able to ride to trial that is the issue. I would caution any potential purchaser in this case, especially a first time buyer on a budget who might let the price/looks of a horse sway them than the actual facts (not saying this is the case with op) I think its wise to proceed with caution.
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Again, sorry, but I think this is a massive generalisation! Why should price or looks be more deciding factors to a first time buyer than to any other?

Once again, you make the assumption that, by definition, first time buyers lack experience, which is certainly not the case.
 
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AMH said:
Again, sorry, but I think this is a massive generalisation! Why should price or looks be more deciding factors to a first time buyer than to any other?

Once again, you make the assumption that, by definition, first time buyers lack experience, which is certainly not the case.
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well clearly a FIRST time buyer lacks experience in BUYING a horse!!!
 
AMH said:
I think this is a little bit harsh, sorry. First time buyers come in all shapes and sizes - I sold my old competition horse to a lady who had never owned but had plenty of experience. For all we know the OP might have had a string of loans before she and her family decided to take the plunge and buy. And if I was the OP, I would find your tone about a bit condescending :o

Maybe it's better the OP goes to a dealer and gets ripped off with a crock, eh? She could spend ten times as much as this ad and still buy a dud, and plenty of 'experienced' buyers have done just that.

We weren't asked to comment on the horse's suitability for the OP (about whom we know nothing) but about what we thought of the ad...
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No offence either and i wouldnt want to start an argument as you are... but as you said we dont know the OP and the comments made about green horses/ ex racers not being suitable for first time buyers/ less experienced needed to be said. As you are well aware of horrific stories from people overhorsing themselves.

Not all exracers are hard to handle we have one and he's superb, but then i have seen others with horses that are way to much for them and sometimes difficult for experienced riders too.

As said by others he does look fab and i wouldnt miss out on the opportunity on a good horse.. good idea taking your instructor to veiw and a freind with you, more eyes may spot something u might miss. Never know he may be a super riding horse in time just like our ex racer. but do be aware not to over horse yourself, you will know what you can handle. good luck.

The OP will know if she/he is capable and experienced enough to handle this horse and should be able to take these comments on the chin.
 
Talented Mare said:
No offence either and i wouldnt want to start an argument as you are... but as you said we dont know the OP and the comments made about green horses/ ex racers not being suitable for first time buyers/ less experienced needed to be said. As you are well aware of horrific stories from people overhorsing themselves.

Not all exracers are hard to handle we have one and he's superb, but then i have seen others with horses that are way to much for them and sometimes difficult for experienced riders too.

As said by others he does look fab and i wouldnt miss out on the opportunity on a good horse.. good idea taking your instructor to veiw and a freind with you, more eyes may spot something u might miss. Never know he may be a super riding horse in time just like our ex racer. but do be aware not to over horse yourself, you will know what you can handle. good luck.

The OP will know if she/he is capable and experienced enough to handle this horse and should be able to take these comments on the chin.
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I don't see it as an argument, just an exchange of opinions :)

I just get a bit riled sometimes that we can't just answer the question as it's asked! The OP was very frank in saying she is a first time buyer, and I feel like she's been judged a little bit on that.

If people have concerns about buying from the field, they should just say so - there's no need to add value judgements about the level of experience of the person buying. There's another thread running at the moment, almost exactly the same thing, about a horse which seems lovely but cheap. The OP on that thread might be a first time buyer intending to view but because that's not been mentioned, no-one's questioned whether that horse is suitable for her.

The question wasn't 'is this horse suitable for me, being that I'm a first time buyer?' It feels like quite a condescending attitude to me, that's all... :o
 
pixiebee said:
its not the fact he is a tb/ex racer, it is the fact he is being sold from the field which the op is unlikely to be able to ride to trial that is the issue. I would caution any potential purchaser in this case, especially a first time buyer on a budget who might let the price/looks of a horse sway them than the actual facts (not saying this is the case with op) I think its wise to proceed with caution.
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good advice for all buyers not just first timers!! there's plenty of 2nd and 3rd time buyers who have been caught out too!
 
thanks everybody, still waiting for an email back. Yes budget is a huge factor in which horse to buy (especially for me) but it is not the most important.

I also think that people who ask why he isn't on sales livery is ridiculous , he's £800 not £8,000. I would imagine they can't afford that livery fee!
 
Just been browsing Preloved. Plenty of horses advertised on there that arent being sold from the field (assuming they are in work), for the same price.

I have just bought one in fact. In work, for about the OP's budget. However, if it was sold from the field, I wouldnt have paid that price for it.
 
wench said:
Just been browsing Preloved. Plenty of horses advertised on there that arent being sold from the field (assuming they are in work), for the same price.

I have just bought one in fact. In work, for about the OP's budget. However, if it was sold from the field, I wouldnt have paid that price for it.
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exactly. That said, the horse might be very nice, but personally I wouldnt pay that for a horse from the field, ive seen ridden ones for the same price.
 
OP he looks really nice and I feel your pain shopping on a budget but sometimes you come across gems like the bay in my signature.

If you are quite a distance from this horse it might be worth seeing if you know anyone in worcester who could have a look at him to get a general idea to save you driving quite a distance and then not liking what you see.

If that fails make a day of it, find a few other horses in the area that you like the look of and go to see several so it's not a wasted journey.
 
AMH said:
I don't see it as an argument, just an exchange of opinions :)

I just get a bit riled sometimes that we can't just answer the question as it's asked! The OP was very frank in saying she is a first time buyer, and I feel like she's been judged a little bit on that.

If people have concerns about buying from the field, they should just say so - there's no need to add value judgements about the level of experience of the person buying. There's another thread running at the moment, almost exactly the same thing, about a horse which seems lovely but cheap. The OP on that thread might be a first time buyer intending to view but because that's not been mentioned, no-one's questioned whether that horse is suitable for her.

The question wasn't 'is this horse suitable for me, being that I'm a first time buyer?' It feels like quite a condescending attitude to me, that's all... :o
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I understand your point here also... and yes it is rather nerving when people cant quite stay on subject or just answer the specific post/question.

I new to the horse and hound forum so not aware of the other posts but agree its not fair that on another thread similer to this one has not also been accused/ warned about over horsing themselves. just because they havnt stated that they are a first time buyers.


I must add as someone else has put its not just first time buyers that fall in to over horsing themselves, it sometimes can be worse withh those that have had a few horses over time and then go and over horse themselves.

rather than making an opinion on first time buyers straight of, it could just be nicer to warn them of the possibilitys of over horsing. after all the OP asked about the add and ones advice could be to make sure this horse is suitable for you and manageable.. what to look out for and what signs could be an indication of a problem. and then leaving it open to the OP to make her decision on wether they are equipped to have this horse. The cheap price is normal for exracers but could also be an indication of a vice of some sort. so making the OP aware of this should be ok, rather than accusing them of not being allowed such horse as a first time buyer. :)
 
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Not read rest of the thread but will add my comments as I'm also buying at mo and spending similar amount, although this lad is smaller than what I'm after so don't worry I won't be calling.

I think it depends on what his background is, is he an ex racer? If so then they may have done a little with him as he came out of training which would explain the pictures. If he's not from a racing background then I would be a lot more cautious, why at aged 8 having done various activities is he going for so little... something doesn't add up...

If I were calling I would need to know his history, why got going and competed and then left in field (tendon injury?)... in theory if he's not racing background and has always been a riding horse (or riding horse for few years) then he should be more money, imo
 
JVB said:
Not read rest of the thread but will add my comments as I'm also buying at mo and spending similar amount, although this lad is smaller than what I'm after so don't worry I won't be calling.

I think it depends on what his background is, is he an ex racer? If so then they may have done a little with him as he came out of training which would explain the pictures. If he's not from a racing background then I would be a lot more cautious, why at aged 8 having done various activities is he going for so little... something doesn't add up...

If I were calling I would need to know his history, why got going and competed and then left in field (tendon injury?)... in theory if he's not racing background and has always been a riding horse (or riding horse for few years) then he should be more money, imo
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yes, he's raced. Four times over hurdles and P/U in his last in 2008 :)
 
Ooh I got my horse from Worcester :D They have some pretty good horses IMO ;)
As for the whole 'first time buyer' thing, as long as you go into it with your eyes open, and you already mentioned that you are bringing some more experienced horsey people with you, then you will be fine :D.
 
aww he looks nice.....being sold from the field will need some work tho, loadsa folk have already given great advice. i suppose another thing to think of is the fact that if they need to sell quickly its not exactly a great market at the moment.....u might have found a real bargain, but u can never tell till u go see him :D
 
Horse looks nice, rider looks very novicey - perhaps why she "lost interest" if horse got a fright or took advantage? Worth taking a look I'd say.
 
'Sold from the field' for me means can't be ridden in the viewing and is unfit. Personally I would be very weary about that because it gives you very little opportunity to gauge the horse's temperament and suitability with the rider. Committing to buy with 1 or 2 full viewings is risky enough I wouldn't want to commit to a horse I had never ridden.

Then again it may be perfectly possible to ride this horse on the day although I would strongly advise you to get the owner to pop on first and not to get on if she refuses!!!

The other concern with the owner's lack of time to keep the horse fit is that it may just be untrue. The horse may have scared her and you may need to invest time and money to exclude physical problems before spending more on training.

Then again the horse may just be perfect for another rider.

Quite a risk so all in all probably not a good bet for a first time buyer (which to me means relatively inexperienced).
 
Apologies OP - Ive only just got back on a computer, yes, thats them (but youve already worked that out) and they will get back to you - just sometimes takes a little bit of time, the longest Ive had to wait is two days for a reply though, so dont worry - you will get one !!! :D

Is it specifically an ex-racehorse you are after? PM me if so, I can probably help...
 
Booboos said:
'Sold from the field' for me means can't be ridden in the viewing and is unfit. Personally I would be very weary about that because it gives you very little opportunity to gauge the horse's temperament and suitability with the rider. Committing to buy with 1 or 2 full viewings is risky enough I wouldn't want to commit to a horse I had never ridden.

Then again it may be perfectly possible to ride this horse on the day although I would strongly advise you to get the owner to pop on first and not to get on if she refuses!!!

The other concern with the owner's lack of time to keep the horse fit is that it may just be untrue. The horse may have scared her and you may need to invest time and money to exclude physical problems before spending more on training.

Then again the horse may just be perfect for another rider.

Quite a risk so all in all probably not a good bet for a first time buyer (which to me means relatively inexperienced).
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UH OH, you will get shouted at for saying that.lol Ive already tried warning op but apparently it means im saying she needs to buy a donkey.
 
OP I like the look of the horse I would want to see a recent picture before travelling.
I have bought from the field before and would do so again but I have several horses so one that goes wrong is not a problem for me .
If you take your trainer with you and do not bypass a five stage vetting I am not one who says just because you are a first time buyer you can't take a punt on a horse .
However if you do this you must be prepared that it may go wrong it's a gamble to do this but if you have good facilities to work in and company to hack in and the time to spend I would not say don't do it but do it with care and your eyes open.
I am deciding at the moment if I want to buy myself a horse to hunt I would look at him if he where near me good luck with your search and I hope you have great fun with whatever horse you buy.
 
He looks lovely. Although my might want to actually call about him, not wait on an email: he'll probably sell really quickly (within a couple of days)

Yes will definately be expecting to w/t/c and jump. No way I'll buy if not
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You are unlikly to able to do that: he's advertised as 'sold from field'! I would expect to be able to get on and have a walk trot about but not much more. There is no reason you couldn't see him hop over a jump on the lunge though.

A short loan would be idea but most sellers won't allow it.

Just go with a suspicious frame of mind and GET HIM VETTED!!!!
 
pixiebee said:
UH OH, you will get shouted at for saying that.lol Ive already tried warning op but apparently it means im saying she needs to buy a donkey.
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You really seem to be taking this thread personally! Why is it such a big deal, why can't you see the other side of things? Your posts do come across as a bit one track. Have an opinion, but if its not taken and there is sense why, move on..

A NOVICE first time buyer should indeed steer well clear of this type of sale. One with sense, a good instructor coming to view with them, and a good support system behind them will be fine. I really didn't understand your comments about a first time buyer having no experience of buying a horse - it doesn't matter at all - you take an instructor with you, you have it vetted - they have the buying experience to advise you...
 
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