Reputable Dealers in the South? (and budget??)

[VioletStripe]

I am toying with the idea of getting another and I am very out of touch with the horse market at the mo - I bought my boy nearly 10 years ago now and I am ashamed to say haven't looked at the market or any ads since (I used to love window shopping!). Current boy came from Emma Hinkley at Clip Clop and I'm very sad to see it doesn't look like she is dealing any more.

So, recommendations, and potentially pricing guidance?
- It will need to be in the South - ideally SE but happy to go out to SW/further afield.
- 15.2hh+
- Ideally ~8 or under - I don't want a complete 'baby', but I don't want a completely finished article? I bought my current lad at just-turned-4 and adored bringing him on but I'm not sure I want to have a proper youngster again at the moment (famous last words...)
- Something to bring on for RC competitions and probably low-level BE over the next couple of years.
- Absolutely NOT a grey

I've heard from here that Amy Derber is very good and I've had a snoop on her website a few times. Any more suggestions/sites to look at to get my mind turning?

 

[ew0855]

Amy Derber definately worth a visit - I didn't end up buying from her but saw a couple of lovely horses and appriciated her honesty in telling me they wouldn't suit

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

Mine is from Kate Ludden in Kent. She often has Irish types in that would fit your criteria (although mine is a grey ?).

 

[Oldernewbie]

Emily Chambers (EJC equine) is based Tewkesbury way. She has a good reputation and the majority of hers are young Irish horses although she does get some older ones in.
Amy Derber is near me and has a good reputation although hers do seem to be more the ‘sports’ competition type horses and seem expensive (probably not for what they are just relatively).

 

[millikins]

NT Equine (Natalia Thorpe) in Surrey has a good reputation. Sells mainly all rounders, Irish imports and sales livery. I've just bought one off her and would recommend personally, she's also been there for years. Prices seem to be around 3-12K.

 

[Irishsportgirl]

At the moment horse prices are rediculous but some horses obviously well worth the money. I've dealt with Trina's Cobs (you can find them on facebook) several times and they are lovely, genuine people - unlike some dealers.

 

[ihatework]

In addition to Amy Derber and Emily Chambers you could also do South West Eventing. Could make those 3 a day/weekend round trip. I think you will need 8-12k depending on what you will compromise on.

 

[[59668]]

Mine is from Kate Ludden and she is everything she said and more.
Also Kate Greenhalgh is good and has some lovely ones at the moment.

 

[Bernster]

Following for similar reasons! Have joined a couple of Facebook dodgy dealer groups which are providing useful. I won’t suggest specific dealers as currently all I’m working on is Facebook stalking and reviews, not personal dealings, but I’m following a few! Good luck with your search.

 

[The Bouncing Bog Trotter]

Another vote for Kate Ludden - the horse in my avatar comes from her and I've sold through her as well. NT Equine has a very good local reputation as well.

 

[VioletStripe]

Thank you everyone! I've had a snoop around and I have to say I'm a bit in love with the 5yo at NT Somebody stop me!!

 

[millikins]

Thank you everyone! I've had a snoop around and I have to say I'm a bit in love with the 5yo at NT Somebody stop me!!

Look at my post, 222 on ycbm's "tell me not to" post to see what I bought from her. The ad for this one is still on her FB page I think.

 

[Dustygirl]

Kilnhanger stables - Lynn has a good reputation. She’s in Surrey

 

[dorsetladette]

Georgie Jenkins in Dorset has a nice reputation. Lovely honest lady selling a few currently between the 3-8k mark. Might be a bit far for you though

 

[VioletStripe]

Look at my post, 222 on ycbm's "tell me not to" post to see what I bought from her. The ad for this one is still on her FB page I think.

Oh my goodness what a sweetie!! How fabulous - congrats!!

I think I'm catching the bug I can't stop looking at adverts!!

ETA - why are most of the horses in the ads grey??!

 

[VioletStripe]

Georgie Jenkins in Dorset has a nice reputation. Lovely honest lady selling a few currently between the 3-8k mark. Might be a bit far for you though

I'll keep an eye - for the right horse I am willing to travel! Can't see much on her site at the moment though?

 

[millikins]

I'll keep an eye - for the right horse I am willing to travel! Can't see much on her site at the moment though?

She puts a lot on NFED, her adverts always sound honest, often TB's but she must have a source for good, sound ones and they always appear reschooled well and assessed for their likely future path.

 

[dorsetladette]

She puts a lot on NFED, her adverts always sound honest, often TB's but she must have a source for good, sound ones and they always appear reschooled well and assessed for their likely future path.

I think they often go to her as breaks and then go on to sales livery. I sent Benjamin Brown to her last year. She really is a lovely lady who puts the horses first. From what I've seen she likes to stay in touch with the horses she sells if possible

 

[Sail_away]

I have quite a few in that area to steer clear of if that’s any use? Including a couple mentioned here - don’t think I’m allowed to name them on the thread but pm me and I will be happy to help. We ended up buying privately after a couple less than stellar experiences with dealers.

 

[Bernster]

I have quite a few in that area to steer clear of if that’s any use? Including a couple mentioned here - don’t think I’m allowed to name them on the thread but pm me and I will be happy to help. We ended up buying privately after a couple less than stellar experiences with dealers.

Such a shame we can’t post more publicly! I get why there are forum restrictions on naming and shaming, and different views on dealers, but I think dealers should be held to account. If they value their reputation then they should be open to honest reviews and feedback. Otherwise they can continue to be dodgy dealers and get away with it! (Not having a go at you LP, just commenting on the inability to be open on this forum and only post positive reviews.)

 

[VioletStripe]

I have quite a few in that area to steer clear of if that’s any use? Including a couple mentioned here - don’t think I’m allowed to name them on the thread but pm me and I will be happy to help. We ended up buying privately after a couple less than stellar experiences with dealers.

Please PM me

 

[Annagain]

I bought Charlie from Natacha Bonner - NB Equine on Facebook. She was lovely to deal with and very honest. yopu only have to read my stupid gushing posts about him to see how pleased with him I am. He's been everything she said he was and more. She specialises in Irish riding club all rounders and hunters and is based near Portsmouth. She does get a lot of greys but they aren't all grey!

 

[Sail_away]

Such a shame we can’t post more publicly! I get why there are forum restrictions on naming and shaming, and different views on dealers, but I think dealers should be held to account. If they value their reputation then they should be open to honest reviews and feedback. Otherwise they can continue to be dodgy dealers and get away with it! (Not having a go at you LP, just commenting on the inability to be open on this forum and only post positive reviews.)

Yes if I didn’t think it’d get removed I’d be quite happy to name and shame!! A lot of dodgy dealers seem to get by with great reputations just by refunding the ones who catch them out...

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I have quite a few in that area to steer clear of if that’s any use? Including a couple mentioned here - don’t think I’m allowed to name them on the thread but pm me and I will be happy to help. We ended up buying privately after a couple less than stellar experiences with dealers.

Would you mind sending me a PM too LP? I'm not looking to buy imminently but I do keep a regular eye on a few of these dealers' pages to get an idea of what comes up/prices etc for when I'm ready to take the plunge. Bit worrying if we're only allowed to hear the good bits!

 

[VioletStripe]

I bought Charlie from Natacha Bonner - NB Equine on Facebook. She was lovely to deal with and very honest. yopu only have to read my stupid gushing posts about him to see how pleased with him I am. He's been everything she said he was and more. She specialises in Irish riding club all rounders and hunters and is based near Portsmouth. She does get a lot of greys but they aren't all grey!

Congratulations on Charlie! Could you possibly link me? The only NB Equine I can find is Noah Brooke?

ETA - nevermind, found it!!

 

[Annagain]

Congratulations on Charlie! Could you possibly link me? The only NB Equine I can find is Noah Brooke?

ETA - nevermind, found it!!

She has a lovely looking youngster in at the moment but he's grey.

I spent 14 months looking for a non grey , Charlie was the first grey I saw. I'd seen another with Natacha who wasn't quite right for me and she kept in touch. She told me I had to come and see Charlie despite him being grey as everything else was spot on and she was right!

 

[VioletStripe]

*bump* any more? Please feel free to PM me as well if there are any to strictly avoid - I know of a few from back in the day but not up to date obviously!

Does anyone know if Equine Agents or Martins Irish horses are still trading? I remember them having pretty good reps!

 

[Bernster]

You were obv looking for horses around the same time as me (a few years back now!) as I recognise those names. Pretty sure Avril at equine agents isnt selling any more and has gone into horse transport. And Martin’s Irish don’t seem to be active selling either.

 

[VioletStripe]

You were obv looking for horses around the same time as me (a few years back now!) as I recognise those names. Pretty sure Avril at equine agents isnt selling any more and has gone into horse transport. And Martin’s Irish don’t seem to be active selling either.

Around 9-10 years ago - they were all the people to go to!
Interesting... thank you! Collating a little list of names to keep an eye on for later this summer when I might be in the market... We'll see how long I can put off actually viewing any my OH reckons it'll be within the month....

 

[Nicnac]

Yep Martins still trading - start at around £12k now though. As far as I am aware they just have one new one at the moment but that can change quickly and they don't hang around there.

I still have my Clip Clop boy and such a pity Emma not trading anymore, but having just sold a horse privately I can understand why - some buyers are a nightmare!

Irish Horse Imports have a new batch arriving this Friday.....