Strugging to find a horse..

LaurenyLou

LaurenyLou

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I am looking for a horse on behalf of a friend. Nothing Olympic medal worthy, just a safe but responsive hack/companion happy to do some sponsored rides and a bit of schooling. However, I can't seem to find ANY that don't have issues!

Can anyone recommend good sites to look at? I have tried H&H, Horsemart and even Preloved. Her budget isn't big (circa £1000) so don't want to be approaching local dealers with flashy WB's.
 
Thanks - her budget is circa £1k, not expecting to pay less but can go higher.

To be honest, in the current climate good allrounders are going for less than £2k so wouldn't expect an older happy hack/companion to be much over the £1500 mark anyway.
 
LaurenyLou said:
To be honest, in the current climate good allrounders are going for less than £2k so wouldn't expect an older happy hack/companion to be much over the £1500 mark anyway.
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So then you friend needs to look at £1500 and above.

Although I have to say, if I was buying I would still be expecting to pay a minimum of £3k for a good all rounder. However, if buying an older horse yes £1500 might do it - but you are also going to possibly be buying 'problems' as well, as you've allready said in your first post. It just depends on what 'problems' are acceptable....
 
There certainly are some out there. I have sold two super safe horses this year for around the £1250 mark.

It's just finding reputable people to buy from, and good websites to look at! If the catalogue is right, ex riding school horses were going for £450 at Ashford Sales... Not that it's my place of choice to buy from though although you do get a warranty.
 
Have you tried www.horsequest.co.uk? I regularly find nice horses on there (but Im not allowed to buy any more!!), I think people are being a bit more realistic about how much they can get for their horse in the current climate too so people are expecting to be knocked down on price as well, lets face it, no-one advertises at the price they actually want for the horse.

What about checking out local riding club/ pony club websites too, there are often happy hackers on there... to be honest if I was expecting £1000-£1500 for my horse, Im not sure I'd be wasting £30-£40 each time on advertising on all the big websites, unfortunately those type of horses without problems are generally word of mouth. Something like gumtree could be good too? Good luck! :)
 
Thank you friendly people. Any Amy May I think you are a dealers dream! :p

But in all seriousness agree with you for sound of mind, spending better money (albeit privately) usually means a better horse and if she was a novice I would tell her this is the way to go. But said lady is happy that the horse wont be perfect, but kissing spines and serial bolters are a no go.

We are in Kent.

Thanks again.
 
Have you tried talking to the local and national charities (redwings, blue cross, Bransby etc) they often have older horses who need a slower pace of life - clearly for loan only but they are lifetime loans.
I too think something sensible and safe will be worth more than £1k - unless say over 19/20 years old. People will pay £400/500 for an exracer off the track so safe and sensible to hack has a real value.
 
I didn't mean it in a derogatory way (sp?) just that I must be slightly tighter with my pennies when it comes to finding a new horse. I don't think I have paid more than £4k for something ever! And that includes BS horses with winnings!

I have been known to shop in Lidl sometimes though...! ;)
 
I use horse quest and nfed. I don't know about older safe horses going cheaper, I sold my friends 20yr old very safe horse for £2k and I had so many people interested and the lady who took him didn't even try knocking me down. You may get someone desperate to sell and they may let a good horse go for £1k. I really hope the markets not that bad though as il be selling my horse later in the year.
 
I have recently brought a 15hh Irish horse. From a very replicable dealers named shamus whom is located in meopham. His horses were all bred brilliantly and had all lovely temperaments which I fell in love with.
The only issue that you may have is with the amount of money you are willing to offer.
Shamus will come to a replicable, sensible deal with you if you have chosen one you are in love with. Horses range from £2000- upwards. I must say even the cheaper horses had a high quality standard.
Might be worth having a chat with him or looking on his site.

His site is :clover barn Irish horses.

Good luck
 
mmm I have been looking for a safe RC horse for up to £6000 and have not managed to find anything! have even advertised. Don't go to Seamus please check out Epona stars on FB and they will tell you why.:D
 
You can find a hack for under 1k. Many people I know have done. My horse was £700 but was passed around and never had chance to bond with anybody. Something will come up x
 
Chenice_rolo said:
I have recently brought a 15hh Irish horse. From a very replicable dealers named shamus whom is located in meopham. His horses were all bred brilliantly and had all lovely temperaments which I fell in love with.
The only issue that you may have is with the amount of money you are willing to offer.
Shamus will come to a replicable, sensible deal with you if you have chosen one you are in love with. Horses range from £2000- upwards. I must say even the cheaper horses had a high quality standard.
Might be worth having a chat with him or looking on his site.

His site is :clover barn Irish horses.

Good luck
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Hmm, what's a 'replicable dealer' in this context first poster? (I know what 'replicable' means btw)
 
Maria13 said:
You can find a hack for under 1k. Many people I know have done. My horse was £700 but was passed around and never had chance to bond with anybody. Something will come up x
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I would agree with this. I got mine for £600 - but no vetting. Luckily I knew the horse and history. Fabulous horse. Word of mouth is the way to go.
 
I am currently trying to sell my horse at the moment she has been advertised for a month already on all the major horse sites and the free ones too - the market currently isn't that great as i know a few others who haven't been able to sell theirs either. Definitely means there is scope to offer lower prices!!!
 
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