Should it be this hard to buy a horse?

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Bloodaxe Bombardier

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I'm getting increasingly frustrated. I'm horse hunting but everytime I see something advertised that is suitable I phone up and it's already sold. I don't want a world beater just something sane/sensible and 100% trustworthy to do a bit of everything with. I have a decent budget. But I want something around 15hh to 15.2hh and that seems to be the issue.

I've been looking on horsemart/horsedeals/horsequest as well as on here. I've tried contacting dealers but they either never return calls or by the time they do the horse I was interested in has already been sold.

I'm based in Herefordshire - willing to travel within a couple of hours but don't have time to traverse the entire country.

Can anyone recommend a dealer who (a) actually phones back and (b) has a big enough selection of horses that if they sell one they will have another suitable one waiting in the wings (c) perhaps most important are honest and trustworthy?
 
Sorry i cant help with dealers etc but going by threads on here it might be worth looking at something advertised a bit bigger than you want as its most likely not that big - i think you'll find alot advertised as 16hh are actually 15.2!

Mine was advertised as 16hh, she was about 15.1hh in reality but as was only 4 may make 16hh one day!

Good luck with the search!
 
I wouldn't scupper yourself by sticking to 15-15.2 for the simple reason a 16hh with high withers or finely built could in reality be a lot smaller than a 15.2 with no withers or of a more chunky build. I have a 14.2 and a 15.2 and everyone assumes the 15.2 is smaller than the 14.2 just based on their builds. They are to same to ride as well, the 14.2 feels much bigger!

Perhaps widen the height range and see if that brings up something that suits.

Rarely do they measure what they are supposed to be anyway! I always take a stick to a viewing and I've never had anything measure larger indeed, they have nearly always been smaller.
 
Trouble with the height you're looking for, is what everyone is also looking for, as it's that nice in between height!

I got my 15.2hh mare quite easily last year. She was from EJC Equine, I think she's based Worcestershire way and always gets in a decent selection of horses.

https://www.facebook.com/EJC-equine-387082658158024/

If only you were looking next year as my mare will be up for sale then!
 
Deltic Blue said:
Trouble with the height you're looking for, is what everyone is also looking for, as it's that nice in between height!

I got my 15.2hh mare quite easily last year. She was from EJC Equine, I think she's based Worcestershire way and always gets in a decent selection of horses.

https://www.facebook.com/EJC-equine-387082658158024/

If only you were looking next year as my mare will be up for sale then!
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At this rate I'll still be looking next year! Thanks for the link - I will have a look.

And thanks all for the tips - I was thinking of pushing my height limit up to 16hh, so will definitely do that. I don't mind riding bigger horses at all - it's just the getting on and getting off that's the issue ;)
 
I'd definitely look at slightly bigger horses! My friends 16hh tb is mostly wither, so in reality he's probably 15.2/15.3.

I went from a 13.3 to a 16.2, then a 15.2. At my height (5ft2) a 15.2 horse is just right for me :)
 
Why limit yourself to such a small height range, I did not discount bigger horses when I was looking. I wanted safe, sensible and bomb proof, that was what was important. I was not worried about gender or colour or really type, although I needed it to be up to my weight. I am only five foot high, so although I wanted your height range it didn't stop me looking at bigger horses. Alright so you don't have to come home with a 17hh Clydesdale but as some one else said some of those 16hh-16.2hh can come up small. I did come home with the Clydesdale and to be frank have not regretted that decision. Buying a horse is like house hunting, some times you have to compromise or look for the potential. I went looking for a horse that I could hack out, on my own, without fearing for my life. I wanted it to be able to do low level dressage , on my own. I went and saw him and my first thought was OMG! As it is, he rides smaller then he looks. He is as steady as a rock, kind and gentle and has been so neglected its a crime. However, he was totally unschooled and a bit green. The potential however was clear and I took a punt and have been thrilled so far. He now steers and everything. As for getting on and off......I now have a huge mounting block, which I have taught him to stand by, he does so like a rock. Getting off is interesting, I kinda hang off the saddle and lower myself, as I have a bad ankle. again he stands for me. I always get off on the road so I have a flat landing and it is now getting easier. My next step is to teach him to let me mount from five bar gates, so i can get back on if I get off on a hack. If they have the right temperament you can teach then anything. Plus he won his first intro at the weekend, so the horse that did not steer is now doing dressage too......:)
 
Sukistokes2 said:
Why limit yourself to such a small height range, I did not discount bigger horses when I was looking. I wanted safe, sensible and bomb proof, that was what was important. I was not worried about gender or colour or really type, although I needed it to be up to my weight. I am only five foot high, so although I wanted your height range it didn't stop me looking at bigger horses. Alright so you don't have to come home with a 17hh Clydesdale but as some one else said some of those 16hh-16.2hh can come up small. I did come home with the Clydesdale and to be frank have not regretted that decision. Buying a horse is like house hunting, some times you have to compromise or look for the potential. I went looking for a horse that I could hack out, on my own, without fearing for my life. I wanted it to be able to do low level dressage , on my own. I went and saw him and my first thought was OMG! As it is, he rides smaller then he looks. He is as steady as a rock, kind and gentle and has been so neglected its a crime. However, he was totally unschooled and a bit green. The potential however was clear and I took a punt and have been thrilled so far. He now steers and everything. As for getting on and off......I now have a huge mounting block, which I have taught him to stand by, he does so like a rock. Getting off is interesting, I kinda hang off the saddle and lower myself, as I have a bad ankle. again he stands for me. I always get off on the road so I have a flat landing and it is now getting easier. My next step is to teach him to let me mount from five bar gates, so i can get back on if I get off on a hack. If they have the right temperament you can teach then anything. Plus he won his first intro at the weekend, so the horse that did not steer is now doing dressage too......:)
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What an inspiring post - thank you :) xxx
 
Have you thought of one of the Racehorse rehoming charities? They take a long time to ensure that their horses are restarted carefully, and match riders to horses. Lots of TBs in your height preference and they are extremely affectionate and trainable in all disciplines.
I've had Godolphin and Jim Boyle recommended to me in the past, when I was making enquiries on behalf of a friend.
 
Im horse hunting and looking for similar but more around the 16.2 mark. Its the safe and sensible aspect that is hard to find. Ive been looking for months. I went to see a 16.1 the other day and it wasnt big enough due to such a high wither, tonight im going to see a 16hh which i have no idea until i see it whether it will be any good. Im happy to buy from a reputable dealer and thats the way i might head soon but the travelling is certainly getting me down
 
It took me months to find similar (safe and sane 15.1-16.2hh with budget of £7500). After several failed vettings with more schoolmaster types and viewing a bunch of utterly unsuitable ones I've finally settled on a newly broken 5yo. She by no means meets any of the criteria I set out in my initial search but she is the sweetest little mare and a great prospect for the future.
 
stilton said:
Im horse hunting and looking for similar but more around the 16.2 mark. Its the safe and sensible aspect that is hard to find. Ive been looking for months. I went to see a 16.1 the other day and it wasnt big enough due to such a high wither, tonight im going to see a 16hh which i have no idea until i see it whether it will be any good. Im happy to buy from a reputable dealer and thats the way i might head soon but the travelling is certainly getting me down
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there is a 16.1 all rounder over there £2,500 I thought she looked quite nice and sounds sensible.
 
I also ended up buying and 15.2 hh five year, I wanted something that had done a bit but either too expensive or not as discribed, the boy I have bought is an angel xx
 
Am sincerely feeling your pain OP.

I'm just despairing of finding the right horse. Have been told the most outrageous porkies to, had sellers who think I was either born blind and/or born yesterday, and who have dangerously IMO mis-described horses. The latest viewing was a total disaster in that after booking a professional (also a judge) to come with me for the afternoon last Friday and after driving more than an hour to get to the place, on walking into the yard to view a mare that "oh by the way she has a bit of a cough". Oh yeah, and a snotty nose to boot....... also the mare had shocking feet and was visibly run-down. There were also anomalies on the passport. A waste of time and effort - and petrol. Poor sad little mare :(

Then there was the "ideal family pony" who wouldn't be caught/barged through the leccy fencing, and "hacked alone" but wouldn't leave its pairbond and then started to bronc; plus the "hacks solo regularly" gelding who started lifting up its front legs when asked to leave the yard.

Saw a lovely little mare that I liked a lot; had travelled an hour's journey to view, and had arranged to go back again for a second viewing - only for her to message me that evening to say sorry she'd changed her mind and didn't want to sell the horse after all! FFS!

Sharing your despondency OP. I don't know where to go from here either!!
 
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MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Then there was the seller of a lovely little mare that I liked a lot; had travelled an hour's journey to view, and had arranged to go back again for a second viewing - only for her to message me that evening to say sorry she didn't want to sell the horse after all! FFS!
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This is something that really annoys me! Do not advertise your horse if you aren't 100% sure you want to sell! It would save so much heartache and wasted journeys for the potential purchasers if owners were honest with themselves from the outset.

When I was looking last year, I wanted something 14.2-16hh, been out and seen the world a bit, only had a budget of £3k so I knew I wasn't going to get a world beater. After seeing one horse from a private seller who was completely mis advertised, I went to the dealer I got my mare from.
Not the been there done it type, but a 5 year old newly broken. Lots of potential, but not the experienced horse I was initially after!
 
FfionWinnie said:
I wouldn't scupper yourself by sticking to 15-15.2 for the simple reason a 16hh with high withers or finely built could in reality be a lot smaller than a 15.2 with no withers or of a more chunky build. I have a 14.2 and a 15.2 and everyone assumes the 15.2 is smaller than the 14.2 just based on their builds. They are to same to ride as well, the 14.2 feels much bigger!

Perhaps widen the height range and see if that brings up something that suits.

Rarely do they measure what they are supposed to be anyway! I always take a stick to a viewing and I've never had anything measure larger indeed, they have nearly always been smaller.
Click to expand...
I also always take a stick with me and have found they always measure smaller.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Am sincerely feeling your pain OP.

I'm just despairing of finding the right horse. Have been told the most outrageous porkies to, had sellers who think I was either born blind and/or born yesterday, and who have dangerously IMO mis-described horses. The latest viewing was a total disaster in that after booking a professional (also a judge) to come with me for the afternoon last Friday and after driving more than an hour to get to the place, on walking into the yard to view a mare that "oh by the way she has a bit of a cough". Oh yeah, and a snotty nose to boot....... also the mare had shocking feet and was visibly run-down. There were also anomalies on the passport. A waste of time and effort - and petrol. Poor sad little mare :(

Then there was the "ideal family pony" who wouldn't be caught/barged through the leccy fencing, and "hacked alone" but wouldn't leave its pairbond and then started to bronc; plus the "hacks solo regularly" gelding who started lifting up its front legs when asked to leave the yard.

Saw a lovely little mare that I liked a lot; had travelled an hour's journey to view, and had arranged to go back again for a second viewing - only for her to message me that evening to say sorry she'd changed her mind and didn't want to sell the horse after all! FFS!

Sharing your despondency OP. I don't know where to go from here either!!
Click to expand...
Its soul destroying isn't it. The lies and tricks that some people get up to never cease to amaze me!!
 
Bloodaxe Bombardier - I have a few that could suit (all home-bred Irish Draughts/ID Sport Horses). I'm not too far from you (Shropshire/Worcestershire borders). Be warned - I will be brutally honest about your capabilities and tell you if the horse doesn't deserve you, lol, but then I like my babies to have happy owners!

Message me if you'd like to come for a browse!
 
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