Pre vetting help please

[IMJS97]

Oh OP I really feel for you, I have fallen in love with one with red flags, I had people on here look to get other opinions (secretly hoping I was wrong) they talked some sense into me and I have decided against him. Horses are great at breaking and also breaking your heart but at least set yourself up to limit that heart break

Hahaha these are not the responses I was hoping for but you are all right! I have spoken to an equine physio and my friend who rides for GB, both said he’s fine to be honest. Just needs some weight on him

 

[onemoretime]

When I eventually buy another I’ll either send videos to my physio or pay her to come with me and pretend she’s my friend!

That's an excellent idea.

 

[irishdraft]

OP I haven't read all the replies but I can only agree with others that you can buy ex racer for much less money, my friend has just bought one to field master on, he was a fraction of 9.5k. However he costs her a fortune in feed to keep any weight on & is generally high maintenance, something to bear in mind. Take a look at the equestrian noticeboard there are a few very reasonably priced hunters on there, a nice ID mare for 5k and several ex racers about 4k who are out hunting.

 

[Shinx]

I wasn’t looking for ex racers. Just to note though, I do ride ex racehorses and my yard is all ex racers so I am well aware of what they’re like before anyone thinks I’m beyond mad!!!! I share the loveliest race horse right now. Also 13.

I’ve tried looking for months and they’re all SO expensive. Around 12-15,000. Will keep looking

I don’t understand, I’ve been looking myself over the last couple months and have been spoilt for choice! Horses haven’t been this inexpensive for years. I’m in Sussex but have looked all over. I saw several established older Irish schoolmasters for less than 10k.

 

[ycbm]

Hahaha these are not the responses I was hoping for but you are all right! I have spoken to an equine physio and my friend who rides for GB, both said he’s fine to be honest. Just needs some weight on him

I ask myself , with those connections, why on earth you joined a forum to ask a bunch of strangers then.

I wish I hadn't bothered to answer you.

I hope he is what you are expecting and not what I am expecting.
.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Hahaha these are not the responses I was hoping for but you are all right! I have spoken to an equine physio and my friend who rides for GB, both said he’s fine to be honest. Just needs some weight on him

I find this very hard to believe. The red flags on this highly overpriced horse are redder than a red thing.

Trot on, OP.

 

[ycbm]

For anyone else who can't see what I am seeing:

 

[onemoretime]

Thank you, that’s very kind. I’m based in Surrey. I’m actually not looking for an ex racer (he just caught my eye). Ideally want a very safe horse who I can hack and do some fun rides and hunts on. A good confidence giver who doesn’t get strong or silly in open spaces etc.

16-16.3h.

A lot to ask, but there’s plenty out there as you’ve all said. I’ve been looking for ages. I did find a lovely one today who fit the bill (very healthy looking too haha!) but she is £15,000 so that’s a no. Mind blowing

It would be worth you contacting Julia Martin at Kingshill Equestrian at Bolney in Sussex near Hickstead. I have recommended her to lots of people as she is straight, you wont get any drugging up there. Julia has horses coming in all the time and she has very good trial facilities. Lots of people I have sent there have bought lovely horses from her.

 

[Clover Girl]

Are there any vets / chiros / physios out there that I can send some pics / videos of a horse I viewed today? Can pay if needed. Just don’t know if this is an existing service or not!

Thank you

My physio rehabs for well know P to P and National Hunt trainers, the injuries these horse still race with is mind bending, especially healed broken pelvises, if he’s raced until now run the other way, and if you are worried about his conformation now you’ll despise it if it is an issue. Plenty more fish in the sea. Ex racers are never more than 4k in my experience.

 

[Clover Girl]

For anyone else who can't see what I am seeing:



View attachment 151505

Yes wastage there for sure especially if he’s standing level. Pelvic injury maybe at some point

 

[webble]

I don’t understand, I’ve been looking myself over the last couple months and have been spoilt for choice! Horses haven’t been this inexpensive for years. I’m in Sussex but have looked all over. I saw several established older Irish schoolmasters for less than 10k.

Agreed, I have seen loads of nice ones further south than I want to travel

 

[Birker2020]

Horses can and do create muscle mass and topline. Before and after of my boy.

Actually no real pronounced hunters bump from the side view but both acute and chronic factors illiac issues that could not be resolved with strengthening, steroid injection or professional riding.

Horse is happily retired.

 

[IMJS97]

I don’t understand, I’ve been looking myself over the last couple months and have been spoilt for choice! Horses haven’t been this inexpensive for years. I’m in Sussex but have looked all over. I saw several established older Irish schoolmasters for less than 10k.

I’m looking for experienced hunters x

 

[IMJS97]

Agreed, I have seen loads of nice ones further south than I want to travel

And yes sorry should add. I have seen lots up north that are nice. Northumberland in particular seems to have a great selection of horses. Just way too far!

 

[Janique]

The fact that he is 13 years old and had only raced 27 times, would make me think that he had troubles !

That's very little, NH start as 4 years old and he could have been slow maturing but even so, i would check his racing history
and see if there is any gaps.

That could mean, he was injuried at some point.

Whatever, you do, good luck,

 

[Shinx]

I’m looking for experienced hunters x

I thought you said this one was only a month off the track? I may have misunderstood.

 

[IMJS97]

I ask myself , with those connections, why on earth you joined a forum to ask a bunch of strangers then.

I wish I hadn't bothered to answer you.

I hope he is what you are expecting and not what I am expecting.
.

Confused? I wanted peoples advice which has been greatly appreciated and so helpful. Just saying how confusing it all is! They are v v loose connections from a previous yard. Thought it was interesting sharing their opinion (which I never said was correct!!!!). I actually think what you have all said is far more correct than them!

 

[IMJS97]

The fact that he is 13 years old and had only raced 27 times, would make me think that he had troubles !

That's very little, NH start as 4 years old and he could have been slow maturing but even so, i would check his racing history
and see if there is any gaps.

That could mean, he was injuried at some point.

Whatever, you do, good luck,

Good point actually… But then again, why bother keeping him 13 years if he was terrible. Seen his stats. No real big break but oddly would just do a couple a year. I do agree… all a bit odd!! And I think I am going to give it a miss. It’s already caused me enough emotional stress this week

 

[IMJS97]

I thought you said this one was only a month off the track? I may have misunderstood.

There have been so many responses here so it’s hard to keep track. I said that I was looking for happy hacker experienced hunt horses (Irish sports horse type) and then stumbled across this one and unexpectedly fell a bit in love. I often hear people end up with the opposite of what they were looking for . I’m not buying him though! X

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Granted I don't know much about buying horses but if you're looking for a safe and experienced hunter, in hunt season, surely £12-15k (or more?) isn't far off the mark for one?

 

[IMJS97]

Granted I don't know much about buying horses but if you're looking for a safe and experienced hunter, in hunt season, surely £12-15k (or more?) isn't far off the mark for one?

I agree - you can’t put a price on a safe horse! But everyone here is saying I can get that for 9.5k. Which you can, but I’m having trouble finding that.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I agree - you can’t put a price on a safe horse! But everyone here is saying I can get that for 9.5k. Which you can, but I’m having trouble finding that.

There is a great deal of difference and therefore ££'s between a seasoned or experienced hunter than an ex NH horse that has recently been hunted, really incomparable between the 2.

 

[ester]

There is a great deal of difference and therefore ££'s between a seasoned or experienced hunter than an ex NH horse that has recently been hunted, really incomparable between the 2.

and there's something inbetween those 2 that will still be in budget.

 

[IMJS97]

There is a great deal of difference and therefore ££'s between a seasoned or experienced hunter than an ex NH horse that has recently been hunted, really incomparable between the 2.

Exactly. I agree with you. It was others saying I could get what I wanted for same as ex racer. I think it’s been taken out of context about the money anyway! X

 

[ihatework]

HQ 358984 would be worth a call. Looks an ideal type and they bumped it on FB today as still available, looks a little overpriced as not massively scopey/athletic but good first horse type. I’d be tempted to call and see what sort of negotiation range.

 

[IMJS97]

HQ 358984 would be worth a call. Looks an ideal type and they bumped it on FB today as still available, looks a little overpriced as not massively scopey/athletic but good first horse type. I’d be tempted to call and see what sort of negotiation range.

Thanks for this. He is sort of what I’m looking for but too strong really. Also had a grey and it was a nightmare keeping him clean . But if it’s the right horse then that obviously doesn’t matter. Am keeping my eye out!

 

[ihatework]

Thanks for this. He is sort of what I’m looking for but too strong really. Also had a grey and it was a nightmare keeping him clean . But if it’s the right horse then that obviously doesn’t matter. Am keeping my eye out!

What do you mean by too strong?

 

[IMJS97]

Thanks for this. He is sort of what I’m looking for but too strong really. Also had a grey and it was a nightmare keeping him clean . But if it’s the right horse then that obviously doesn’t matter. Am keeping my eye out!

Also over budget! 10k is my very max really

 

[IMJS97]

What do you mean by too strong?

She commented that he gets strong & is therefore ridden in a gag sometimes.

 

[gunnergundog]

You say you want a safe experienced hunter.....but for which country????

A safe hunter for the fens will be very different to that for the Quorn/Shires which again will be different to that for Exmoor which again will be different to umpteen other countries.
Am guessing that you are not a thruster??? Are you a mid-field person? Are you a gate-shutter or what?

9.5k may be reasonable for some areas mid-season but not for very many others. By this time of the year I would want to know how many days a prospective purchase had done ane why it was being advertised for sale. Most hunters that are worth their salt at this point in the season will transfer by word of mouth and not be advertised. Are you an experienced hunter yourself or new to the game?