Please help me buy a horse!

book_lover

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Hi there,

I rode a lot when younger, had my own horse (who it turned out needed a lot of work), worked in stables, exercised other peoples' horses.... then had a good 12 or more years off and am back in the saddle now, some riding lessons, some hacking out on an older Clydesdale X, etc. I still feel totally comfortable in saddle but instructors didn't give me any feedback on riding - other people in class were being corrected but not me - perhaps I have maintained my technique or perhaps they were just busy! My daughter has her own pony now, and I am looking to buy one for myself. I am struggling with all the cloaked-speak in these ads, and for example drove 7 hours round trip the other day to view a horse who was underweight with no muscle tone - an ex racer who was desperate to please but unschooled and without brakes. I didn't feel unsafe actually aboard this lovely gentle creature. But didn't want to take him as we are live OUT livery, and was concerned about getting his condition up and maintaining it. Also he perhaps needed someone with more recent experience than me.

I'm really struggling, when I do find an "ideal" horse, get chatting with owner by email/FB and it turns out the horse has some sort of vice - evades the bridle, tosses it's head and jogs when hot/sweaty, etc. etc. etc. Or the other end of the scale, the horse is a star competer and is totally out of budget. Advised to avoid TBs and warm bloods and go native, only to be advised that natives can be stubborn (we are having bucking/napping problems with my child's native pony and I don't want another dose of that!). My ideal would probably be a 10-12 yo 15.2hh medium-boned horse. I've been told to avoid Welsh Ds, Friesians, TBs, etc. etc. I'm basically quite confused. When I find a good horse it turns out to be 5 yo, too young. And so on. If you could help me get my list of priorities straight that would be amazing. I suppose what I want is the perfect horse! Well mannered, forward but only when asked, has brakes!, enjoys jumping - teacher rather than needing to be taught.... having said that I am happy to work on fitness or schooling with a horse who has been out of work - as long as he or she is safe and gives me confidence.

Does such a horse really exist? And does it exist in my part of the world for under £2,000?? (even better if under £1,5000). I would appreciate any help whatsoever. I'm starting to get distrustful of sellers which is not good.... As an aside, I would also consider loan and ideally LWVTB but I appreciate that sellers have reasons for not liking LWVTB. And I am away quite a lot in April so would be looking to bring horse home in May.

TIA!
 

smja

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As with all things, judge what's in front of you when it comes to the horse's age and breed. Be honest with the seller about what you want, and have a list of criteria/questions to ask so you don't end up wasting your time, and theirs, travelling long distances to view unsuitable horses - get a recent photo.
The 10-12 age bracket is quite desirable - don't discount an older, been-there-done-that type, which can be worth their weight in gold. If you want to be guided by breed, how about something Irish?

Could you perhaps have a private/individual riding lesson, and explain to the instructor that you want them to evaluate your riding so you know what kind of horse to get? That would give you some direction.
 

L&M

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First of all no horse is perfect - they all have their own personalities and am yet to meet a horse in 40 odd yrs that does not have a quirk, however minor, so you may have to compromise. Also you will probably find that a lot of people are after the same type, so will have a lot of competition.

I find writing a wish list helps - things such as sex/age/loading/catching/hacks alone/good in traffic/health issues etc so that when you enquire about a horse you have all the basics asked before even viewing.

Also do you have an experienced friend/instructor that could accompany you to viewings, as another pair of eyes can often help.

The other thing you could try is a 'wanted' ad - you can then specify exactly what you are after and your budget. We did one for my sons pony and had a fantastic response, and although over 50% were 'trying their luck' with unsuitable ponies or over our budget, we did end up with several to view.

Good luck as know how hard finding the perfect horse is.
 

Arizahn

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Get your child's pony sorted out first: check the fit of tack/saddle, get teeth checked, get back checked, is it diet or schooling related, etc. Please don't believe the stereotype of it being naughty because it is a native. It is a child's pony - either it is fit for this purpose or it isn't. And if it isn't then you need to know why. Perhaps the issue is fixable, perhaps the pony is simply not suitable. But either way you need to know. Finding out what is up could well take up your time until May anyhow.

Also, find a decent instructor to assess you properly and help you look for a horse. Sorry, but you sound as if you don't know what you are actually looking for yet, which will make finding one almost impossible. Give yourself another few months with an instructor who actually works on your riding with you, and in the meantime keep saving what you would be paying towards livery costs per month.

Good luck :)
 

book_lover

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thanks for all the great responses. I will do all of the suggested. I think a lesson is a great idea, I can ask L's instructor whether she can do that for me on one of her own horses.

An experienced friend I do have, however, not one that I can take on long-distant viewings. There is so little up here at the moment that fits what I want (Aberdeenshire). I like the idea of a wanted ad, and a wish list - will do both.

Arizahn we are desperately trying to sort out our lovely boy before sending him back to his loaner. I could perhaps do a separate thread about it in case anyone can help. Saddler is coming today.

I can see why you think i don't know what I'm looking for - I do really, inside I'm just trying to talk myself out of taking an unsuitable horse if that's all that seems to be available. I've waited so long for this, definitely want to be in the saddle in May. I do know what I want in a horse, but guidance on types would be good in order for me to see through the "fibs" in the adverts, e.g. is it really true that Welsh D's are unsuitable for novice? If so, even if an ad says their horse is, I can rule it out.

thanks all :)
 

splashgirl45

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my only advice is do not discount something because of its breed, judge the individual animal on its own merits. not all tbs are nutters, welsh d s can be lively and forward going but not necessarily unsuitable if you are a competant rider... and lots of natives are great family ponies.....have a look on horsequest for hacking horses or family friends and you will see a good selection...good luck
 

book_lover

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OK thanks... actually my friend (owner of the livery) pointed out tonight that her pony is welsh d x highland (and she is USUALLY sensible).

I will try horse quest, thank you. One question actually - generally if a horse is advertised as a happy hacker, does that mean I probably won't be able to do jumping, x country etc??
 

L&M

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My happy hackers also compete at a local level/hunt/jump everything on fun rides......!

You can post wanted ad's on Horsequest but be warned that the majority if horses on this site are more expensive than your (and mine's!) budget - I find Horsemart is better for lower budget horses.
 

splashgirl45

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horsequest will give you an idea of the different types available....yes a bit more expensive but if you want something safe and about 15.2 you will prob have topay a bit more. if you go down to 14.3 they are a bit cheaper..maybe ask locally there maybe someone who wants a home for a safe horse/pony...contact local farrier, riding school, riding club . vet etc and ask them if they know of anything....
 
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