Spur of the moment trip to Ireland to see a horse...am I mad?!

Dusty85

Dusty85

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So Ive spur of the moment booked some flights with a friend to go and see a horse in Co Tipperary tomorrow.

Ive never done this before, so feeling like I must be a little mad!

He's a lovely 16.3h 6yo by Chacoa video looks great. Don't have the balls to buy unseen, hence my decision to go over there. If he's no good, my friend and I figure we would have at least had a fun road trip!!

Anyone else done this type of thing before? Good/bad experiences? Tips?

Getting excited, but also feeling nervous!
 
Just bought one, but used an agent.
You are mad to fly over for just one horse. I'd be rapidly trying to find a handful to view if I were you
 
I'd book to see a few and contact an agent over there to see what they have. Have you tried Gerty nan spelt something like that. She has a website/Facebook page
 
Ihatework- there is another i can see too- at yard of horses, i spoke to them yesterday, but I'm primarily going because of the other horse
 
Not mad at all!! If you can afford it...do it!! You'll probably end up being approached by someone wanting to show you horses anyway!

We've just had 2 bought over from Ireland (following a previous 2 3 seasons ago) from the same guy and they are all fantastic! Do exactly what they say on the tin!

If you're in Co Tipperary I can send you the info for the guy we deal with who is in Waterford if you do want to make your trip worthwhile and have a look at a few!!

Good luck :-)
 
I think its a great idea... It's only a short, cheap flight horses are generally much cheaper over here & u could find your perfect horse :)
 
I went and did it with an agent. Didnt buy in end as found out agent was trying to screw us over. Negotiated £2700 via agent. Got back and saw same pony advertised for £1800! Was happy to pay her fee but wasnt prepared to be treated like a mug.
 
I wanted to do this bit lacked courage!! I then purchased a Irish over here! but probs paid a lot more. I think try and see a few more than one but a great idea and you can have fun as well! can you post the videos would love to see horse! xxxx
 
When we went out last week there was one I had spotted on the Internet that looked amazing. Just fantastic event breeding and a very professional video from a decent stud.

I honestly thought we would buy it.

The agent didn't get time to view it in advance but agreed it looked good. We went directly there and in the flesh it was a huge disappointment. We wasted 4 hours of our road trip and due to the distance didn't see 2 short listed horses the agent had lined up for us. Thankfully we found what we wanted otherwise I might have been a bit more grumpy about it.

Just remember the Irish could sell snow to the Eskimos and videos can be deceptive.

Get to 3-4 sales yards if you are making the effort to go over
 
Jojo_27 said:
Not mad at all!! If you can afford it...do it!! You'll probably end up being approached by someone wanting to show you horses anyway!

We've just had 2 bought over from Ireland (following a previous 2 3 seasons ago) from the same guy and they are all fantastic! Do exactly what they say on the tin!

If you're in Co Tipperary I can send you the info for the guy we deal with who is in Waterford if you do want to make your trip worthwhile and have a look at a few!!

Good luck :-)
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Jojo_27 if you could PM the details that would be fab. The other place is in Co.Cork, so I'm bit worried it might be a bit of a rush
 
ihatework said:
When we went out last week there was one I had spotted on the Internet that looked amazing. Just fantastic event breeding and a very professional video from a decent stud.

I honestly thought we would buy it.

The agent didn't get time to view it in advance but agreed it looked good. We went directly there and in the flesh it was a huge disappointment. We wasted 4 hours of our road trip and due to the distance didn't see 2 short listed horses the agent had lined up for us. Thankfully we found what we wanted otherwise I might have been a bit more grumpy about it.

Just remember the Irish could sell snow to the Eskimos and videos can be deceptive.

Get to 3-4 sales yards if you are making the effort to go over
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I completely agree, and your rider has advised me the same- Ill be really disappointed if he doesn't suit, so will make the effort to see some others too.
 
Just don't feel like you HAVE to buy to make the trip worthwhile. Buying the wrong horse is a lot more expensive than a trip to Ireland!
 
No i totally don't, I've actually never been to ireland so if anything it will just be a fun road trip with a good friend with ponies involved

ETA- FF- I nearly did go on thurs!

I have two appointments lines up so far- a 16.3h Chacoa 6yo in Nenagh, then a 16.3h 5yo in Wexford. I really like them both, although i think the one in wexford might be more the finished product

Im happy to pm vids for anyone interested!
 
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Erm....bit random, but can i take my riding hat in my cabin/hand luggage?! Im not checking anything into the hold as we're only there for the day....
 
Dusty85 said:
Erm....bit random, but can i take my riding hat in my cabin/hand luggage?! Im not checking anything into the hold as we're only there for the day....
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You should be fine for hand luggage. Put in insulated bag to minimise damage if it hasn't got own bag.
Pop inside light rucksack with spare gloves, socks, joggers and thin beach shoes (in case you get a dunking lol)
Wear jodh boots for comfort & take gaiters or chaps :)

Enjoy :)
 
Dusty85 said:
Jojo_27 if you could PM the details that would be fab. The other place is in Co.Cork, so I'm bit worried it might be a bit of a rush
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What kind of an animal are you looking for? Young & green or older & more experienced? :) from cork myself so may be able to offer some advice if you like!
 
Im looking for something 5-8yrs, I have a budget of £5000 so whatever experience i can get in a horse thats quality! If that makes any sense anyway.

Im not going to Co.Cork anymore- It will be too far. So I've got viewings in Nenagh (although this dealer is proving inconsistent to get hold of) and a rather smashing looking horse that Im quite excited about in Wexford.

I will write down contact numbers of any others and take with me, should this one in nenagh fall through.

Thanks all- you've been really helpful!
 
Dusty85 said:
Im looking for something 5-8yrs, I have a budget of £5000 so whatever experience i can get in a horse thats quality! If that makes any sense anyway.

Im not going to Co.Cork anymore- It will be too far. So I've got viewings in Nenagh (although this dealer is proving inconsistent to get hold of) and a rather smashing looking horse that Im quite excited about in Wexford.

I will write down contact numbers of any others and take with me, should this one in nenagh fall through.

Thanks all- you've been really helpful!
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I know people in Carlow that hunt with the Carlow Farmers and would generally have a number of horses in the yard at any given time. I have two horses from them that have serious potential if you would like me to pass on a number? :)
 
Yes please- event prospect types. geldings only.

Carlow would fit nicely with Wexford/Nenagh

Thanks all- at this rate I'm going to have hundreds to look at!
 
wench said:
When in Ireland, youghal
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Small world Wench...i'm in Ardmore!! Dusty I know of another dealer in the Carlow/Kilkenny area who has a great reputation. Not sure what he has in at the mo but can PM you his info if you like
 
minimex2 said:
I went and did it with an agent. Didnt buy in end as found out agent was trying to screw us over. Negotiated £2700 via agent. Got back and saw same pony advertised for £1800! Was happy to pay her fee but wasnt prepared to be treated like a mug.
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I think we may have had the misfortune to use the same agent. My story is almost identical to yours but luckily I sussed her game before any money changed hands, and I live over here so it did make me a bit worried for people from outside Ireland come over here and being fleeced by this 'lady'!
 
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