daisydoo
Well-Known Member
Dubsie-I'd ask your daughter's instructor along to viewings to try!
Petrified of buying new horse!
- Thread starter Gypley
- Start date
russianhorse
Well-Known Member
I feel your fear :/
When I got my lad 19 years ago, we went and saw masses of horses that were quoted as being perfect for novices, and yet couldn't be farther from the truth - 1 "perfect gent" reared on us before we even got on and bolted off dragging the handler away, who ended up face down in a puddle after letting go as the horse proceeded to run through all surrounding fencing. Another one had a cataract that caused it to be dangerous hacking out - which they only owned up to when the lady we were with queried them and suggested that an unofficial contract be drawn up for them to pay for the vetting if the horse failed on a cataract. Luckily she pretty much had a good idea what to look for. When we got Dizzy however, he was a green 4 year old (I also knew very little about horses) who survived on bute because his knees were so wrecked - unfortunately we didn't find this out until after we got him. He was certainly not a novice ride, but a super horse that I love to bits and know all his quirky habits
But, being that he is 23 and I know he won't go on forever, it already worries me about getting another. I don't think I am experienced enough to pick the right ones :/ . Already mulling it over, I have befriended a couple of dealers recommended on here, and one in my area who 'appears' to have great feedback. I would also try and look at LWVTB if possible - or put my feelers out on here
It also doesn't instill confidence in me knowing my friend ended up buying and selling 22 horses before she got her 2 sane cobs :/
When I got my lad 19 years ago, we went and saw masses of horses that were quoted as being perfect for novices, and yet couldn't be farther from the truth - 1 "perfect gent" reared on us before we even got on and bolted off dragging the handler away, who ended up face down in a puddle after letting go as the horse proceeded to run through all surrounding fencing. Another one had a cataract that caused it to be dangerous hacking out - which they only owned up to when the lady we were with queried them and suggested that an unofficial contract be drawn up for them to pay for the vetting if the horse failed on a cataract. Luckily she pretty much had a good idea what to look for. When we got Dizzy however, he was a green 4 year old (I also knew very little about horses) who survived on bute because his knees were so wrecked - unfortunately we didn't find this out until after we got him. He was certainly not a novice ride, but a super horse that I love to bits and know all his quirky habits
But, being that he is 23 and I know he won't go on forever, it already worries me about getting another. I don't think I am experienced enough to pick the right ones :/ . Already mulling it over, I have befriended a couple of dealers recommended on here, and one in my area who 'appears' to have great feedback. I would also try and look at LWVTB if possible - or put my feelers out on here
It also doesn't instill confidence in me knowing my friend ended up buying and selling 22 horses before she got her 2 sane cobs :/
Spanish Eyes
Well-Known Member
I must have been incredibly lucky, because every one of the five horses I have bought, have turned out to be exactly what I expected.
But then, I do expect them to be horses, not machines (or even the finished article) and know that I'm going to be working throughout their lives to educate and improve them (bit like you have to do with your OH
)
I am certainly not a fantastic judge of horses - in fact I'm probably a better judge of people! Tbh, I try to vet the owner as much as the horse, if that makes sense.
Anyway, all the very best for your search.
But then, I do expect them to be horses, not machines (or even the finished article) and know that I'm going to be working throughout their lives to educate and improve them (bit like you have to do with your OH
)I am certainly not a fantastic judge of horses - in fact I'm probably a better judge of people! Tbh, I try to vet the owner as much as the horse, if that makes sense.
Anyway, all the very best for your search.
Blythe Spirit
Well-Known Member
About advertising as 'not novice ride' : space in the adverts is often limited - ring them up and ask! I bought three advertised as Not Novice Ride and none were crazy. But I did discuss this with them if they had said 'oh he's not for a novice because he threatens to rear up' I'd have looked elsewhere - not a problem I want to deal with. But of they say 'Oh he's not for a novice because he is responsive to the leg and forward' I might go have a look and try, I know I can ride that kind of horse within reason.
Ibblebibble
Well-Known Member
what you have to remember is that you do tend to hear of the horror stories on forums because they make good reading and people are looking for answers. occasionally you get the 'perfect new horse' story but apart from a few congratulations what else is there to say so the thread soon dies a death and disappears to page 101 there are thousands of people who have bought a new horse and not been duped or conned, i'm one of them
there are thousands of people who have bought a new horse and not been duped or conned, i'm one of themWednesday's child
Member
what you have to remember is that you do tend to hear of the horror stories on forums because they make good reading and people are looking for answers. occasionally you get the 'perfect new horse' story but apart from a few congratulations what else is there to say so the thread soon dies a death and disappears to page 101
I would absolutely agree with this. I bought my first horse earlier this year. Everyone I spoke to prior to buying told me their favourite anecdote about friends who had bought a dangerous/drugged/unsound horse. We bought a lovely mare who was everything the dealer promised and then spent the next month nervously waiting for it all to go wrong! A large number of the doom and gloom merchants appeared visibly disappointed...