Viewing and buying nerves

[SO1]

Having lost Homey back in July and having seen nothing I liked the sound of since then and having been very sad and not really feeling ready to enquire about new ponies I have a viewing on Sunday.

The pony although not related to Homey sounds really good. Ideally I wanted a pony related to him and was going to do a wanted ad in Feb as I have as I have very limited time for viewings in Jan due to some family commitments but I got a very good feeling looking at his photo and ad.

YO made the call for me as I felt nervous and has confirmed he sounds very good so then I called owner and had a longer chat. Very few ponies are perfect for 10k or less but his quirks were similar to Homey's one of which I was trying to avoid if possible and when I told YO and the Head Groom at the yard what it was they burst out laughing. They said he sounds like Homey reincarnated and I should do a viewing as it is very hard to find good hacking ponies that will hack out on their own and I have quite a long list of requirements and only have up to 10k including wardrobe if Homey's things don't fit

However so much has changed with regards to the market over the last 15 years. Also with social media it is much easier to find the history and information. People also seem perhaps less patient.

When I was looking last time I viewed 6 ponies including Homey over 9 months starting in March and with Homey arriving in Sept. I had one failed vetting. I viewed Homey twice and had him vetted and I loved him for 15 years. He was a very special pony and I know that no new pony will replace him.

People now seem to buy more frequently with only one viewing now and or no vetting. I am not in a massive rush to buy.

I think I can offer a good home to a new pony. We have all year day turnout at the yard in herds. I am part livery so there are always people around during the day to keep an eye on the horses whilst people are working and there is a late night check at 10pm with staff living on site. I am also an adult so will not grow out of the pony. The previous owner will also be welcome to visit and ride as well. I am also not a first time owner.

In this fast moving market I expect it will be harder to secure ponies if I want two viewings and a vetting before making a decision. However as it is a permanent home I want to make sure that I don't rush into decision making.

The first viewing will be only me and the second would be with an instructor or my YO so would depend on their availability. At the moment I can only do weekends due to some work commitments but I am willing to travel. March will be less busy at work so I can probably take time off during the week to do viewings.

I don't want to be seen as a time waster but I wonder if some people consider anyone who does not buy a time waster. I don't want to go viewing loads of ponies as a joy rider as the process is not fun.

When I was looking for Homey there were some ponies which were ok but I did not get the vibe from them and it is very difficult in that situation as there was technically nothing wrong with them I just didn't have the right connection.

I know this may seem a bit mad but I can look at an ad and the pony sound really good but the photo just does not appeal to me. Other ads pony not quite perfect but something about them draws me to them. I was not looking for a 5 year old when I got Homey but there was something about his photo on horsequest and ad that drew me to him. He was not perfect but we had a close connection and I could not have loved him more.

I have a max budget of 10k which is partially based on most of Homey's wardrobe fitting the new pony including his 16 inch saddle which is an adjustable one as I am only looking at New Forests in the size range 13.2-14.1. I am only going to view within my budget range. My budget could also cover professional help if needed some intensive training but I don't really want a 4 or 5 year old if I can help it.

I am being very open and explaining the situation I am in and needing two viewings and the vetting so sellers if they want a fast sale know the situation. I have also said to sellers that I know there is a risk with the longer process that someone else could come along who is less demanding and buy so if they are after a quick sale I am not that person. I have also explained I have lost my pony.

Is there anything else I need to do try and avoid upsetting people or making them angry. I am quite sensitive and vulnerable at the moment.

 

[Abacus]

You’ve done all you can in explaining the situation. Sadly there’s nothing you can do if you have one viewing, like him, and someone else makes an offer before you can have the second. This does seem to be the way things work (I think I’ve only ever viewed once before buying - anything I’ve seen twice has been because I wasn’t sure, and walked away from). While respecting your wish to take your time, is there anything you can do to speed up your end, such as organise viewings 1 and 2 upfront and close together, with an arrangement to leave a deposit subject to vetting if the latter goes well? Of course you might not want to do this if you need thinking time.

If as many expect the market slows down in the coming months, you might find that you have less competition and so can do things in your own time.

Could another option for you be to try dealers that offer a 2 week trial at your yard so that you really have some time to get to know the pony and organise any vettings, instructors, second opinions you want? I’ve also done this and found it much better than viewings which never give you the full picture. It’s also nice to ride them unwatched by the dealer (not because I beat them senseless, just to feel unselfconscious!).

 

[nagblagger]

To be honest I am concerned you are doing this first viewing on your own, could a friend, even a non horsey one, accompany you for moral support. Or even a HHO from here may volunteer if local.

 

[Dexter]

You are really narrowing your market looking for a relation of your horse or one very similar. Similar breeding doesn't mean they will be remotely alike.I've known full brothers as different as chalk and cheese. Could you open up the breeding and ideally the breed you are prepared to look at? You are then increasing the pool of ponies and stand a better chance of getting one. 10k should be a very good budget for a pony to hack and low level rc stuff. They don't command the same prices as horses and the smaller you go the cheaper they tend to get

 

[Dexter]

Some here for much less than 10k as well, including some nice sounding new forests. The chestnut is only 4 but he sounds lovely and safe to hack and lots of money left over for schooling

https://www.nfed.co.uk/cgi-bin/clas...egory&category=14.2hh+ampersand+Under+Offered

 

[Hobo2]

After rush buying in covid and it not working out I made sure I did two viewings and vetting. The first failed the vetting but both sellers were happy to do the two viewings and wait for the vetting. I think the market has settled a bit if you are aiming at the top of your budget.
Good luck with the viewing.

 

[SO1]

I really don't want a Welsh Section D. YO would love me to have one as they are her breed of choice. But we agreed they are not for me.

Other natives like Highlands, Dales and Fells are even rarer than Foresters and are a bit wide and hairly for me with the mites potentially be problematic. Alot of the heavy feathered horsess struggle with mites in our area.

Connies mainly over budget.

The other breed I did think about was Arab but they too are rare. I have ridden some amazing Arabs on riding holidays.

I want pure breed as a small adult as I like to do showing as my second interest after hacking.

I am actually willing to hold out for the right pony and every month I am horseless my budget increases.

A lot of the new forests still on NFED have been advertised for a long time or second round of advertisements. I look on NFED most days. I also went to the Breed show back in August and have mentioned to producers and people I meet there that I will be looking.

Some here for much less than 10k as well, including some nice sounding new forests. The chestnut is only 4 but he sounds lovely and safe to hack and lots of money left over for schooling

https://www.nfed.co.uk/cgi-bin/clas...egory&category=14.2hh+ampersand+Under+Offered

 

[gallopingby]

I think you should take someone with you the first time you go and also have a backup / follow up plan for a second viewing if the first one goes well. I've had a pony for sale for a few months now and am really fed up with the amount of time wasters Time wasters in my book though are people who say they would like to view a pony on a specific date and chat well on the phone, get priority, but then the day before they're coming to view decide not to travel / haven't looked at the mileage / height of animal / age etc and so either don't bother to turn up or with luck send a text to say they aren't coming and even suggest they'll come at another time. I don't take deposits for a second viewing which might or might not happen but will if things have gone well and a vetting is being arranged within a reasonable time frame. Non refundable unless there's a problem at the vetting. The other issue is the amount of time between the vetting and transport/ horse leaving the premises. These are all costs the seller has to consider. I don't think the market for safe, sound, nicely schooled native ponies will change very much, there simply aren't enough of any of the registered breeds around for sale. Until the prices increased recently it simply wasn't worth breeding and so the numbers have decreased as they did in previous years. I'm sure the right pony is out there for you and most sellers will love the prospect of the new owners wanting to keep in touch but do make sure you plan appropriately and don't be too distracted by the minor details such as saddle fit. A 16" saddle is quite small and obviously size depends on the conformation of the pony but you should be able to exchange / sell some of the equipment you already have to help with the costs. Good luck, its an exciting but stressful time for buyers and sellers as well.

 

[gallopingby]

A lot of the new forests still on NFED have been advertised for a long time or second round of advertisements.

I wouldn't be influenced about the amount of time a horse has been advertised for, there could be a number of reasons for this including the aforementioned time wasters or that the seller is looking for a particular home.

 

[maya2008]

I would take the instructor or YO the first time. Saves you falling in love with something that in the end won’t suit.

 

[SO1]

They are screening the adverts I like and helping with doing initial contact to try and reduce the risk.

In an ideal world this would happen but they don't want to travel very far at all unless they are 100% sure I really like the pony due in part to experience with other clients and also because I what I want to feel when interacting with a pony which makes it a little more complicated. I am willing to go everywhere including overnight stays if really far like Scotland. They don't want to go to Scotland for example only to find I don't feel the connection with the pony or it is not as described when we get there.

The new forest which is 1.5 hours away is about as far as they really want to go if a first viewing and ideally to see a few on the same day. They also have to find cover for the yard or rearrange appointments which is not that easy so they don't want to be doing that too often. It is easier during the week and once it gets lighter evening viewings are easier and work is less manic for me after April so I can take week days off for viewings.

I am actually very cautious and fussy by nature. They are more gung ho "why don't you view this one you might be pleasantly surprised when you get there" or it has a few issues but we could manage them between us, but I don't want to be too reliant on them as I don't want to be in a situation in case their circumstances changes or mine and they are no longer able to help.

However I can see their point of view.
When I was looking 15 years ago I nearly gave up and thought about taking a break from horse hunting for 6-12 months in order to have a substantial budget. I had decided Homey would be the last one I looked at he was not really what I was looking for and was a surprise success despite having a few quirks. I only went and looked at him as one of my friends kept suggesting I look at youngsters and I just wanted to say I had considered their advice and tried. I also knew nothing about new forests and had my heart set on a connemara.

I am not at the point yet of considering different breeds or something a little bit younger yet but if I am still looking after 9 months I may start considering connemaras as I will then have probably 15k rather than 10k so they become an option and there are more of them as they are not a rare breed or possibly something younger.

I think once I get the first viewing out the way I will feel more confident about dealing with sellers. Hopefully he will be the one but if he is not then life goes on and I will try not to feel guilty for wasting the sellers time if that is the case.

I wish I was a more laid back person rather than a worrier.

I would take the instructor or YO the first time. Saves you falling in love with something that in the end won’t suit.

 

[Abacus]

Please don’t think you are wasting a sellers time for viewing a pony and choosing not to buy. Whatever they say. If they do get annoyed, it is them being unreasonable and not you. Don’t feel guilty. There are many ways of being a time waster but this is not one. It’s polite of course to let them know if he isn’t suitable, at the time or afterwards.

 

[Kaylum]

Look on the Facebook dodgy dealers pages and ask about the horse your viewing. Loads of info on those before you even go to view. Often dealers pose as private sellers.

 

[Cloball]

You sound quite similar to me except I was looking for a first horse. I think the horse buying world is a bit wild but don't let people bully you, I say that as an anxious people pleaser. I really had to push myself to stand my ground.

I found some great sellers and some clueless sellers and thankfully didn't encounter any too dodgy other than through the virtual world. My budget was much smaller than yours as well, I started looking in October. I went to see 2 ponies twice and bought the one I didn't want to get off which wasn't the perfect one on paper ? I was recommended the seller multiple times. I was looking for a new forest and ended up with a fell!

I had a massive wobble after the first viewing as I felt so nervous on the poor pony but I'm thankful I persevered. I also got a lot of advice on here. I don't know about you but I hate phoning strangers so calling people about their ponies was very stressful!

Best of luck.

 

[Peglo]

Best of luck with your search. I really hope the right one comes along soon. When I bought my one it was just off her picture. I fell in love with her. I’m not sure why but I did. I bought her unseen and I couldn’t have hoped for better when she came home. ( not suggesting this, just saying I know what you mean about a photo)

remember to let the ponies in. They are not Homey and they aren’t trying to be. Try and see them for them. And try and enjoy it.

I’m also envious you’re small enough for these ponies. I’ve always wanted to be taller until now when I think being small and getting a pony in your range would be awesome.

good luck.

 

[Trouper]

I think you are taking a very sensible approach to getting a new horse - though maybe worrying a tad too much!!! You will know from the first visit whether this one has possibilities or not - that's the time to get excited and get a second opinion as you are doing. If you really like him you could offer a refundable deposit pending second viewing/vetting but do try to make that second visit as soon as possible.

@Peglo has said it perfectly - this one might be as suitable as Homey but is not a clone. Open your heart up to loving a new character.

Good luck.

 

[bubsqueaks]

I hope it all goes well with the viewing - when I was selling our much loved Coblet last Spring I was only too happy to allow people to take their time as it was as important to me that they were right for the pony as the pony was right for them - anybody who puts the interest of their horses first will be only too happy to ensure it is right from both sides - you come across as very genuine & honest which speaks volumes in itself!
PS I have 3 New Forests - their the best!!

 

[blitznbobs]

I did something similar when my horse of a lifetime died. I tried to replace him like with like… it didnt work i never got on with any of his relatives or look alikes because i was expecting them to be him — i only found my next true partner when i gave up trying to replace my first… widen your search and look for what you need now not what he gave you

 

[Caol Ila]

I think somewhere, there's got to be a happy medium between being over-anxious and buying two-year olds or weirdo ex-ferals.

 

[JoA]

I too am finding horse hunting stressful, so I sympathise greatly. I, like you am honest and upfront about my situation....and I hate being watched whilst riding by people I don't know. 10k is a lot of money to make a mistake with! I have viewed 4 horses since August last year. One owner was so rude to me I wouldn't have bought the horse on principle and I had driven for 2hrs to see her (just as well she wasn't suitable). Another was a 2.5hr journey to see a beautiful little gelding, definately not as advertised & no one to ride him. Advert was changed to read 'still for sale due to time wasters'. I hate seeing that comment in adverts. I wanted to phone the owner but not worth it. And sadly the other two just didn't turn out. One of those, the owner was lovely and I was pleased to hear they had found a lovely home for their horse and maybe I missed out there, maybe not, I'll never know.
So I wish you well in your search, but like others have said, try not to look for what you've lost. It's very hard when you've heartbreakingly lost a soul mate. I know.

 

[Annagain]

I understand the desire to 'replace' Homey but keep an open mind. You won't find another Homey so maybe something completely different is better (although I get the wanting to use your old stuff - when Arch retired my main criteria was something that would fit 6'9" rugs and a 17 1/2" saddle ).

After I lost Eb I went looking for an Eb replacement - black Section D but a bit bigger than him (he was 14.1 on his tip toes, I'd had him since I was 14 and 5'1". I finished up 5'6 1/2"). At one viewing, I saw a 15.2 black Section D but he did nothing for me, he was too quiet. I said this and the dealer said I should try Andy. Out came this 16.3 grey Irish Draught. "No," I said, "he's too big and too white." An hour later I was putting a deposit on him. 19 years later he's called Archie and in the field, naked, muddy and retired after many fun years together.

As far as Section Ds go they're not all crazy. Eb was bonkers in a really good way - excitable and keen - but never spooky or dangerous. His full sister was an RDA pony.

As a seller I would be wanting the right home and you do offer a lot so I'd definitely push what you can offer when you say you'd like to try him twice. It's a risk as not everyone would but if I liked you after the first viewing, I probably would put off other viewers until you came back as long as it was a few days and not weeks. I would definitely take someone with you to both viewings if you could, just for moral support - and to drive you home if you fall off and end up in hospital - I've been there!

 

[mustardsmum]

An honest owner will want you to look more than once, and if they really feel you are the right one for their pony, they will put other buyers on hold. I had two ponies where this happened, the first sadly failed a vetting so the owner kept him and I was so disappointed I did not view another for about four months, then a year later I viewed the boy I now own. In all, over three years of very stop star horses hunting (which was affected by covid and lockdowns) I viewed a total of eight horses and of that, they were the only two owners who I felt were completely honest with me. Dealers were not interested in whether I really like the horses, they just wanted a sale and some were downright rude if I said (politely) the horses were not what I was expecting. The previous owner of my lovely new boy let me ride him every day for a week (luckily we lived nearby!) and she told me after we got him home she knew we were the right family for him. She put all the other buyers on hold, and really let me have the space to make sure he was right for me. The right one is worth waiting for, don't compromise. There is absolutely nothing wrong with walking away if you don't click with a horse. An honest owner wants the right home first and foremost. If someone tries to pressure you into buying by saying they have a queue waiting to buy, unless you are absolutely convinced its the one, walk away. It is such a big committment, both financially and emotionally, and one of the reasons I hate the use of the term time waster! You are buying into something that you will take a huge responsibility for, why would you not want to make sure its the right one. Good luck, I really hope you find your next riding partner whether it be a Homey descendant or another of the lovely New Forest lines!

 

[chaps89]

Good luck with your viewing today OP

 

[mustardsmum]

Hope everything goes well today! ?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

There is a lovely pure bred chestnut gelding on horse quest at the moment someone else on here put a link on another thread.

They are not that rare if you know where to look but a lot seem to be cheaper than most breeds.

Don't know where you are but Coombe Farm in Devon breeds some lovely Arab's, he often keeps them until they are backed and they have a lovely natural life and are started slowly and properly.

 

[DizzyDoughnut]

I'm sure the right pony will come along, I've bought all mine from a photo or a video. Somehow I just get drawn to their ad and photo and know they're the one.



If You do end up considering other breeds I can recommend Fells, I'd always had welsh ponies until my old welsh pony died and my partner convinced me we should get a Fell pony. I initially wasn't keen but we got one anyway. I honestly wish now that I'd found fells years ago, he's loves being with you and will have a go at anything if you ask him nicely, he makes me laugh everyday with his cheekiness. He's not ploddy but he is sensible and kind although I do have to admit he is rather wide. We've had no problem with mites but he isn't very heavily feathered.

 

[MagicMelon]

I must be totally out of touch because £10k sounds like a VERY decent budget for a sensible native hacking pony... do they really cost this much these days? Id say that a basic pony worth £2,500!

 

[gallopingby]

I must be totally out of touch because £10k sounds like a VERY decent budget for a sensible native hacking pony... do they really cost this much these days? Id say that a basic pony worth £2,500!

They cost what they cost! Sadly there aren’t many sensible native ponies around these days. There are no longer as many people breeding the numbers there once were as it simply wasn’t viable, although with the increase in prices a few more people may consider breeding again. Once you’ve a foal on the ground work out the costs to get it an£ it’s mum to 4 or 5 years then add on the breaking / schooling costs at ? a week plus the miles on the clock to get to sensible / safe hacking pony. Also consider inflation costs on £2500 over 5 or 6 years.

 

[chaps89]

I must be totally out of touch because £10k sounds like a VERY decent budget for a sensible native hacking pony... do they really cost this much these days? Id say that a basic pony worth £2,500!

We’ve had our eye on the market on and off over the last 2-3 years for something around the 14.2hh mark, 8-12 years, safe enough for your grandma to hack in the open and on main roads with traffic but sweet enough to tootle around the school politely too and sane enough to take to a fun ride without dying. Breed, gender and competition experience totally unimportant.
We really needed £6-8k for this.
8 years ago I bought that for under £2k!

I think OP wants to show too so something with the right confirmation/schooling/temperament and competition history could easily put it a bit higher.

 

[Gloi]

I think somewhere, there's got to be a happy medium between being over-anxious and buying two-year olds or weirdo ex-ferals.

Oops I recognise myself there and it isn't as over anxious ?

Hope the viewing went well OP