Realistic budget?

[skint1]

Background:
My daughter has come to the heartbreaking decision to sell her TB mare, we don't expect to get that much for her, right home most important. She's tried for 3 years, made a lot of progress (horse schools and jumps pretty well, has fair manners on the ground) horse can be quirky and really she needs a much bolder rider to take her to the next level.

Anyway, my daughter has shown great commitment, personal sacrifice, humility and maturity in her ownership of this mare and in her decision to call it a day. Because of this I want to help her buy a less complex horse that she can fully enjoy. Realistically our ideal budget is around £1500, but there is some flexibility there

Criteria

*Ex racers are fine, would preferably like one with a bit more after racing experience but it doesn't have to be totally schooled to a high level or anything. By experience I mean:
*Hacks alone and in company without major napping episodes
*Has at least had rudimentary re-schooling and shows a reasonable attitude
*Ideal would be if it had at least been to a competition a few times

*Loads and travels in a trailer happily.

*Older horses, even older ex racers are also fine as long as they're healthy/sound

* Will consider a horse with vices like cribbing or wind sucking

* 4yo would be youngest we'd consider if it had a good solid base

* 14.3-16.3 in height, gelding preferred


The only horses she really doesn't want is a cob, no offense to cobs because they're lovely horses, it's just her personal preference. Also we really don't want a massive horse over 17hh because we'd worry it wouldn't like the trailer and it would be too scary for me to handle

So, what do you think? Do you think we have any chance of finding a horse like this for that kind of money?

 

[Miss L Toe]

I would consider selling my horse at this price for the person you describe, so it's not impossible, but remember most of the cost is the annual cost not the cost of the horse.

 

[skint1]

oh trust me, I know all about running costs. We spend about £300 per month on her mare, more if you count her lessons. (she has lessons with Neil Spratt-excellent eventer-excellent teacher)

 

[Firewell]

I'm sure you will, there are lots of nice and sane ex racers out there.
My friend has a lovely one for sale, but she is 2k and 4. She has a super temperament though hence the higher price. She's better to hack then my friends 19yr old schoolmistress lol.
Also why don't you try the rehoming charities? They have already been reschooled and they will match your daughter up to the right horse. Your daughter can also go and try it as many times as she likes and you know they will be honest with you as it won't be in the horses or the charities best interest to lie. They also get older horses in who have seen more of life. My mums ex chaser is so laid-back shows he's horizontal, if anything he's lazy!! Dressage is all rather boring and quiet after Aintree .

 

[skint1]

Thanks Firewell, I guess we could try the rehoming charities,we're quite near to Greatwood and I've always liked the sound of Darley. The only thing that put me off was that many of them also want a monthly donation by DD in addition to the other donations they ask to make.