Out of work for a yesr

[TJB]

Interested in buying first horse. Information so far states horse has been out of work for a year. Owner has had her for 11 years. I am just at the asking questions stage. However l was surprised when l asked for any videos she didn’t have any. Any advice greatly received

 

[ycbm]

Walk away. There are huge risks in buying an out of work horse and they are far too great for a first time owner to even think about it.
.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Agree with ycbm….

This kind of project is not for a first time owner, its for someone with tons of time and tons of money to throw at a potential vet bill. Of course the horse may come right but you dont want your first experience to be that!
Buy something that is hassle free and you can just ride

 

[HollyWoozle]

Any advice greatly received

Don’t buy this one would be mine.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Buy something that is currently doing the work you need it to do and living in the same circumstances that you will want it to live in.

Anything else is for experts or gamblers with money to waste.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Sorry, I was in a hurry & that comes over a bit terse!

So, decide exactly what you need, eg must be steady in traffic and currently hacking on his own. Needs to jump to ... and be used loading and to staying over night at shows Needs to live in a small mixed herd with mares and geldings. Height over... age not less than...

Only look at adverts that are for your specifics. You will look at a lot fewer adverts but those you do look at will be ones you might possibly buy.

Be very very fussy and careful. There are much worse things than not having found a horse yet.

When you think you might have found one, get advice in the real world, from an expert such as your riding instructor. Take an expert with you when you go to view the horse (never buy unseen) and get a vetting.

And good luck. Very excited for you - first horse hunting is wonderful.

Horse & Hound’s ultimate guide to buying a horse: all you need to know

If you're thinking about buying a horse, then Horse & Hound's ultimate guide is here to help you avoid the common pitfalls so you find the perfect horse

www.horseandhound.co.uk

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Agree with everyone above buy something that is being ridden, horses that have just been left in a field for a year doing nothing usually have something wrong with them.

Added to the fact the owners have no videos or pictures of the horse being ridden is also very suspicious.

 

[TGM]

Do not touch with a bargepole, would be my advice! How are you going to try this horse under saddle if it is not in work? Are you going to just saddle up and pop on board a horse that hasn't been ridden for a year, with all the risks that entails? Or are you going to buy without trying? In which case how on earth would you know it is suitable for you? Let alone the issue that the horse might have serious soundness issues which may not show up until back in full work.

 

[sbloom]

Getting your first horse purchase "right" is hard enough, we'd be recommending you take a knowledgeable second set of eyes with you, ideally a trainer who knows your riding and your abilities. That would be for a horse in full work. Walk away.

 

[Goldenstar]

I also don’t think you should consider this horse .
I think it’s vital for a first horse that you see the horse doing the job it does now and then consider if that type of job makes it suitable to do your job .
Don't take chances .