Opinions on this horse?

Casey76

Casey76

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 July 2011
Messages
3,651
Location
North East, UK
Visit site
So this is the horse which in in Marseilles

More photos on this link: http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/437069373.htm?ca=21_s

3B374BB6-8F6D-4368-98E0-7DC719304685-1847-000005384E0427CD.jpg


Though it was this photo which sold me...
25605_1320703789238_1580124800_769626_8290114_n.jpg


I'm awaiting conformation photos and video, but I'm going to see him at some point in the next couple of weeks. The owner isn't desparate to sell, but she doesn't have enough time for two, and from what she has told me he sounds perfect.
 
Last edited:
Maybe the way he is stood but his front legs don't look great.

If he's not too far away, and you think he's great then get him vetted?
Click to expand...

That's one of the reasons why I'm waiting for conformation photos.

I don't mind a bit of dodgy conformation, as long as it isn't going to interfere with everyday life or put health at risk, as we won't be showing comepting to any great standard.

He is miles away, about a 7 hour drive - which is why I've also requested videos before I make the decision to visit.

I will get him vetted, of course, but vetting a horse for purchase in France is nothing like getting a 5* vetting in the UK!
 
He looks very cute, would get him checked out though. Although am well aware that vettings are not the same here than in the UK. His front legs do look strange..

Would also say for me he does sound very expensive for what he is though.
 
I don't like him but he must be a saint or numb to the world if he has been ridden in that poorly fitting saddle.

What is it about him that appeals to you?
 
He has a kind face but his stance is odd as others have said. Looks like he's trying to shift the weight off... but could just be an unfortunate photo.
 
Have you seen any videos of him ridden? Are the photos recent, they look a bit summery!

To be honest I would not buy based on liking a head shot. Can you not hop on a plane and see him in person?

Marseilles has a decent horsey population you should be able to find an equine vet who could do similar to a 5* vetting (e.g. round here there is one very experienced vet who does everything including x-rays and some decent competition horses get vetted this way, so although I wouldn't trust just any French vet, or even any equine French vet, there are options).
 
Action shot looks ok but side on conf shot horse looks over at the knee in front and weak behind. Sounds expensive but not sure what prices are like over there. Sounds as like has a lovely temperament though. Depends what you are looking for really,I wouldn't travel 7hours to view sorry.
 
Conformation photos and gait assessment videos have been requested and are pending.

I suppose price is all relative. There is a hugh SJ influence around here, and most of the horses for sale are selle francaise A, and it's difficult to find one which hasn't been over jumped as a 3/4 yo and less than 5 figures unless you are after a mid to late teenager or older.

What I like about him, well obviously I only know what I've been told... he is 7, has the basics of dressage and jumping but has mainly hacked. Will go in front, behind, in the middle, doesn't get strong in group canters.
Ridden in a leather snaffle. Armchair ride.

The photos are almost three years old (so taken when he was 4), so hence the request for new and conformation photos.

Any dodgeyness in stance/gait I'm hoping can be ameliorated by a decent trim as his feet don't look brilliant.

And yes, I probably could import from the UK, however I don't think it would be any less expensive, especially when you factor in cross-channel transportation.
 
He does look over at the knee but doesn't look like he is bearing weight on that foot at that moment in time, which could be just because he shifted his weight and is dozing! Defo some proper conformation shots with him standing up properly needed. He looks sweet though! You would find quite a lot of his type over here but I don't know how much it costs to transport over there.
 
Assume the cost to transport him would be significant anyway if he is 7 hours away. He is a £1000 horse here and ten a penny... Just something to consider.
 
Have to agree, a channel crossing on the tunnel for a car and trailer and a horse box would be a cheaper way.
Click to expand...

Which would be great if I had my own transport... but I don't ;) Nor do I have a suitable car for towing if I could hire a trailer.
 
Casey76 said:
Which would be great if I had my own transport... but I don't ;) Nor do I have a suitable car for towing if I could hire a trailer.
Click to expand...

Perth Equestrian Transport go across to Europe all the time and he is very reasonable. Cheap flight across, view as many as necessary to find the right horse, job done. :eek:
 
I asked my local centre équestre if they wouldn't mind lending me their lorry for a day. Was not a problem when money was involved (a very small amount + petrol), and the bloke was happy to drive it for me ! Would probably be cheaper paying for a crossing in a lorry than buying a way over priced horse and may be cheaper than asking a horse transporter to do the job.
For the record, I can't see him be advertised for more than 1500 here and wouldn't pay that for him. Although if you really think he is worth it and don't mind the price I would get a vet to check him anyway before buying. From my experience the french don't negociate on the price like the English do so if that's what he is advertised for chances are he won't go for less. Unless he has been advertised for a very long time or sale is urgent.
 
http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/445972283.htm?ca=19_s

Sold with foal too though.

http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/445982632.htm?ca=19_s

http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/445655062.htm?ca=19_s

http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/424105705.htm?ca=19_s

http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/433866766.htm?ca=19_s

http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/399960108.htm?ca=19_s

http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/425762892.htm?ca=19_s

http://www.leboncoin.fr/animaux/444001232.htm?ca=19_s

Ok, this could go on forever. All broken in and skwebald roughly the same age and size and all less than half the price that they are asking for the one you are interested in. Just to show you that there are other options out there, if you're interested.
 
Don't discount the importance of good conformation. Even if you are not planning on any competition and just want a horse to hack around on and have fun with its still extremely important that the horse is built in a way that will allow him to enjoy these activities comfortably. It's amazing how badly poor conformation can affect a horse even in light work. The last thing you want is to end up with an horse that's not sound. I've seen horses break down at a very young age not due to over work but due to being badly put together and sadly there's only so much that can be done to correct this problem.
 
sounds nice from the description but nothing really stands out???

just sounds like an average 7 year old but as its coloured price goes ^^^^^^^ ;)
 
HHO ate my last response so this might be a bit shorter :rolleyes:

Orls said:
Don't discount the importance of good conformation.
Click to expand...

No, I'm not discounting the importance of good conformation. As mentioned, I'm awaiting full (naked) body shots from the side, back and front, and also video for gait analysis.

Having said that I also wouldn't discount any horse which had minor faults 9e.g. slightly sickly hocked, or slightly over/back at the knee. Some things do freak me out a bit though - like long pasterns and long backs - talking generally, not about this specific horse.

sounds nice from the description but nothing really stands out???
Click to expand...

No, you're right, there isn't *one* particular thing which stands out, and I'm not sure why this particular horse calls to me after viewing hundreds of ads from both France and the UK last week.

However, after corresponding with his owner, the *whole* kind of stands out iykwim.

Having said that I'm not going to make any decision to travel to see him until I have the confo photos and video.

It may be that I'm ruling out perfectly goo dhroses, but I'm also being a bit picky with certain things like age/ height and gender. Paying a bit extra for "the one" doesn't bother me.

I'm also not in any great rush to buy again. Buying my first and second horses were both almost spur of the moment decisions. This is the first time I've looked with anything particular in mind.

But I also have a burning need to fill the aching hole in my heart that losing Pinto made. A good friedn told me that getting a new horse isn't a replacedment, but it does fill the void. I like that way of thinking. It takes a little of the guilt away.

and now I'll try to stop rambling lol...
 
OP You obviously love your skewbalds but don't rule out other (plain) colours.
Click to expand...

Nope, not ruling out non-coloureds. By youngster is plain black (with a tiny star and snip).

I do like a good coloured though... as long as it doesn't look coarse (and so many do these days it seems) or have masses of feather
 
As regards to his front leg he actually appears to be over at the knee, here are some images so that you can make the comparions yourself:

Diagram showing various positons and faults with the knee:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTvsoNRXLuE/Td1_Zh3NzoI/AAAAAAAAAEw/afHgbZuLvo8/s640/Knee+image.jpg

A horse who is over at the knee:

http://www.accphotography.com/gallery/download/26856-4/IMG_0462.jpg

From the pictures I have seen of him I would say that he appears to be over at the knee, and frankly I would avoid buying him if that is truly the case.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top