Opinions on this horse [=

SusieT said:
I am amazed you have decided, with what sounds like good riding skills but probably limited lameness/pain issue knoweldge to pay roughly what, a grand? for a horse that will cost you far more in vets bills if he has something serious giong on (the old story about not being fast enough to race...also fits in with an injury in training..which would also fit with being kept in a stable at the polo yard). I will be 'interested' to see how this goes, it is not too late to get a vetting yet.. For the extra 200 quid (or even less if you just go for a lameness and heart check) it's not worth the heartache of ending up with a horse you can't compete on-particularly if it's your only horse.
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My haggling skills are better than that ;) Paid a fair bit less than a grand [=

I can see what you are saying regarding the not good enough etc, but its a gamble I am prepared to take. The second I saw him, I realise what a lovely natured, kind horse he is. He will go far, and I hope I'm the person to get him there.

Just to add, thank you so much everyone for your opinions. It really has been very appreciated, and I went into it with my eyes wide open, and I know exactly what to look out for, improve etc etc. I dont what you thinking I'm the kind of person that asks for advise, and does what I want anyway, but I truely saw potential in him, and that was through pain, no school to try etc etc. I hope you will all come to love him as Im sure I will do [=

I will keep everyone updated, and I will be asking for advise throughout it all, Im sure.

Thanks once again :D

Also looking for a 15hh ish hack, but not a cob, for my OH, if anyone fancies having a look ;) Based as close to Reading as possible.

bexcy-bee x
 
He may be 'cheap' but still get him vetted even if its just a 2 stage, shouldn't cost more then £100 - £125. He's a sweet little horse but something is causing him discomfort. Its all very well saying everything is going to be checked but there could be something that a vet may pick up that a saddler wouldn't. Have you run your fingers down his spine ? How does he react ? He could of gone up and over previously for example hence the napping and bucking where as most of us would say 'oh the saddle doesn't fit'. Could be a dental problem as you say he hasn't had the dentist for over a year - poor boy there's so many changes going on with his teeth over the last 2 years he's probably in quite a bit of discomfort.

Hope it works out for you both and it's your hard earned money - you spend it on what YOU like :)
 
I like him too! Lots of issues obviously, but he just looks like a nice person. You clearly have the expertise to work with him to resolve his problems, and you'll get as much out of that as you will when you finally do get out and about with him. Good luck!
 
Congratulations on new purchase !!!! :D

May you have a throroughly brilliant future together - would you mind updating us who are interested please?

p.s. he really DID look like a donk in them first pics, I wasn't trying to be horrible.
 
Well done, only you know what is right for you and no one else. You have to trust your gut instinct which you have done. You rode him with confidence and that is half the battle with a horse like him. I wouldn't have had him vetted either. Am sure you will both get on fine and have a lot of fun. Good luck and enjoy!
 
tallyho! said:
Congratulations on new purchase !!!! :D

May you have a throroughly brilliant future together - would you mind updating us who are interested please?

p.s. he really DID look like a donk in them first pics, I wasn't trying to be horrible.
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Haha, Its ok, I can see where your coming from. And Its not an insult anyway, donks are lovely and gorgeous ;)

bexcy-bee x
 
you sound like youve got your head screwed on and would agree with the others what a fab quiet ,sensitive rider you are. im sure he will do well with you. i do love to watch brave confident but quiet riders,just wish i could be like that... keep us posted.
 
Congratulations! He is a lucky boy. A great outcome for him anyway. You ride him so sympathetically and I am sure you will have a great partnership. I do think he looked in pain and very uncomfortable at times. Same sort of behavour as our lad developed when he had PSD so do be careful. I look forward to seeing lots of happy updates:)
 
Well, bexcy-bee, what a nice girl you are:) I reckon you and Smokey are going to get along fine. He looks like he might have scared one or two people along the way and now you've given him something to think about.

Good luck with him and I look forward to hearing how you are getting on :)
 
Having just watched the Video I have never seen a horse as uncomfortable under saddle but you sound like you know your stuff and you ride beautifully considering and are very sympathetic to his woes.

I have just watched the video of you on the coloured pony too and think Smokey is in very safe hands and I am sure you will turn his life around and help him overcome his issues.

If you were closer I'd be begging you to come and help me back my 13.2 New Forest :D any tips ;)

I didn't have my 2 vetted both cost way under a grand too - I did insure the mare for her 1st year just in case anything cropped up but after that I don't bother ( I have BHS gold for public liability )

Enjoy him . I am sure you will.
 
BoolavogueDC said:
I think I'll reserve any more judgement until we hear if the OP has bought this horse or not :) Good to see him with more condition on though, I was worried for him - fancy selling him with such unbecoming photos!
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Good call there...

I have seen the weirdest looking horses with the worst conformation do quite well going higher up the eventing ladder...

LOOKS are NOT everything....

What the heck do people want....perfection?? No such thing I'm afraid...

As for the comment....'..wouldn't pay more than £200 for it...'..

'It' is a 'he' I believe....

Good luck OP, he looks a cutie.

:D
 
Good luck with your new purchase, he looks lucky to have found a home with you.
You must keep us updated on your progress with him! :)
 
I'm not suprised that you have gone for it. I may not be popular here, but I have to say this and I hope that you can take it the right way.

He may end up a horse of a lifetime, whose to say?

He could become a fit strong, healthy eventing marvel that all your friends wonder at, if what you think will happen, does!
Yes, you may then be viewed as a talented horsewoman, but beware of your ego here and don't be to cocky as it could be your downfall.

It has to be said, as bad as it sounds that it is also a real probability that he could end up a very sad field ornament or even worse!

Take care and the best of luck with him.
 
KVH said:
Good luck with your new purchase, he looks lucky to have found a home with you.
You must keep us updated on your progress with him! :)
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I think this horse is extremely lucky ,he looks just plain bolshy and naps,would`nt even have it as a field ornament.Good luck!:)
 
Congratulations on your purchase!! :) I have to admit there's something about him I like..... I'll look forward to seeing lots of updates and photos :D
 
"It has to be said, as bad as it sounds that it is also a real probability that he could end up a very sad field ornament or even worse!"

You can pay £50K for a horse, have one fall or kick and get a "field ornament". Owning any horse has inherent risks. Good luck Becksy, he is a very, very lucky boy to have found you and from what you've said of his history, he deserves a big chunk of luck.
 
I'm not going to be nasty or superkind. You have spotted he has issues and accept there may be insurmountable ones I presume, but he's a nice enough horse for the money (£250 - £300) and you certainly have the necessary ridden skills to outwait and outwit any behavioural stuff which isn't pain related.

Over at the knee might look a bit iffy but the tendons don't usually go buggered on those legs! If he comes right, and I hope he does with time and patience, you'll have a smart little horse.

I wish you luck and will be on the lookout for updates. All the 'Smokeys' I have known have been smashers :)

Oh yes, he's VERY lucky you showed up.
 
Since you have bought him, can I politely suggest you get him insured up to the hilt, and then scoped for ulcers? Racing yard + his condition (or lack of) + his reaction to the leg and being ridden all point towards discomfort somewhere, and my money would be on ulcers being at least part of the problem....
 
I knew you were going to buy the blighter when reading your posts :p.

Looks like an utter sod at the moment tbh, its kicking out in temper not because of flies, it's canter is like a giraffe with three legs, and it's trot isn't much better.

However, it has got something about it! I can see why you like him :p he reminds me of my mare when I first got her. Never know, maybe you will turn a sows ear into a silk purse! I think the one thing I will say, realise his limits, if he isn't up to what you want, don't push him too far, sounds like he's had enough of that already! I wish you all the best with him, I think with some tlc he will be a sweet little thing :) good luck!
 
I hope he works out and you have great times with him.... but I just had to say in response to the posters who say he just looks plain bolshy and nappy, I don't think he does. I've never been in the bunny hugging every-little-quirk-means-it's-in-pain camp but watching the video, he really does look very uncomfortable under saddle. You look a good rider as others have said, so there's something else going on here. His whole carriage is just wrong - he really does look like he has a back or pelvis issue, he seems to be carrying his quarters underneath him and his hind legs aren't moving right.

I hope he is just nappy for no good reason, and wish you both a happy future but I have to agree a vetting might just save you some heartache.
 
Good luck with your new boy. I think he has landed on his hooves! I think you have given this considerable thought and although we have seen the video of him can't really give an informed opinion as we weren't on him.

I think you are a good and tactful rider and seem to know what you are doing and will bring out the best in him.

Good luck to the future for both of you and do keep us updated.

Jane
 
Any horse can become a field ornament, one of mine just had an accident in the field ( 6 yo, may or may not become fully sound ).

Good luck with your new horse!!

Can we have lots of updates please, be interesting to follow his story.
 
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