Smart Performance Horses

[Annagain]

Any opinions, good or bad, on Sam Walton / Smart Performance Horses in Ashby de la Zouche?

I'm tentatively thinking of getting another as my two are both 23 and it looks like I might be losing my share horse to his owner's (my best friend) 12 year old son. His pony has sold subject to a 1 month trial and while riding M is supposed to be a stop gap, he doesn't look small on him (M's 17hh) and M being the total gent he is is looking after him brilliantly so I think it might end up being more permanent, which I'm totally fine with.

Anyway she has a few horses that look just my type. Although it's a long way for me, as there are 3 or 4 that look promising, I would be happy to travel. Her Facebook reviews look great but I'm an old cynic so just want to do as many checks as possible especially as it's such a long drive.

 

[Ambers Echo]

Check out the Dodgy |Dealers site on FB.

I have no personal knowledge but have only heard good things.

 

[Shoei]

I have never been but someone I know has had a few from them.

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Have only heard good things, but have no personal experience of them.

 

[Myloubylou]

I tried a couple out recently and although bought neither I was happy with the experience. I too have heard nothing bad about her

 

[Annagain]

Thanks all. Backs up the Facebook reviews if nothing else.
I'm very skeptical about Dodgy Dealers. I know a couple of very reputable dealers who have had people moan about them on there - including one who refused to sell a horse to someone who wanted it because she didn't feel the rider was good enough. That rider then slated her on DD with a pack of lies, saying the horse wasn't as described, she was promised it would be quiet for her and it wasn't etc. I know the dealer's version was true because I had the school hired after the viewing and witnessed part of the conversation!

 

[Ambers Echo]

You have to take all sites with a pinch of salt but LOTS of bad reviews by lots of different people are useful I think. Also you can tell a lot by how the review of DD is dealt with by the dealer. A ranting post with a courteous and clear reply looks worse for the poster than the dealer whereas a ranty response from a dealer puts me off. The dealer who sold me Ginny and who I know sold a known bolter to a novice child has a mixed DD reception. There are lots of people singing her praises and a few who say 'never again' - and they all get a mouthful from her. I wish I had checked her out first as I would have steered well clear, but I went with word of mouth.

 

[Goldenstar]

There won’t be a successful dealer who has not had the odd sale go wrong .
You just have to be very aware the dealer wants to sell the horse and you want to buy one so it’s easy to get swept along .
Never take anything on face value if the angel Gabriel swept in with a nice 16:1 bay five year tradionally bred ISH I would be listening with some scepticism to his sales patter .
I don’t know this dealer and it has to be said there’s no way of really knowing as some are so clever at managing their online presence but if there’s more good than bad go with an open mind and have a look .
Good luck .

 

[hollyandivy123]

pm'd you

 

[Annagain]

There won’t be a successful dealer who has not had the odd sale go wrong .
You just have to be very aware the dealer wants to sell the horse and you want to buy one so it’s easy to get swept along .
Never take anything on face value if the angel Gabriel swept in with a nice 16:1 bay five year tradionally bred ISH I would be listening with some scepticism to his sales patter .
I don’t know this dealer and it has to be said there’s no way of really knowing as some are so clever at managing their online presence but if there’s more good than bad go with an open mind and have a look .
Good luck .

My thoughts exactly. Although I've put my more sensible hat on now and as I'm not in a hurry maybe I should bide my time and see if something comes up locally before traipsing halfway across the country (even if there are 4 potential horses there)

 

[Goldenstar]

Seeing four horses in one place is very tempting .