What is he worth

[I'm Dun]

This isnt a sneaky sales ad as hes not for sale and probably wont be, but I have too many horses and need to cut down so am looking at my options, and I have no idea of value.

4yr old highland, technically not 4 for 3 months. Hes going to be full up 14.2hh and very solid, currently a good 14.1 and bum high. Really old fashioned type with lots of substance, hes a really nice quality pony. Bay dun. Very, very bold, nothing phases him. Hes been backed, as in tacked up and sat on and lead around and done lot of ride and lead on the road etc. Has shown an enormous jump on the lunge, and happily went and popped round a mini xc course in hand. If I did sell I think I'd get him walk, trot, canter and hacking out first. It wouldnt take much as hes so easy.

But how do you work out a price in this market? Mature ridden highlands dont come up for sale very often, and even less often as full up, non greys. Selling him would be a huge mistake as he would be impossible to replace, but I'm just working out my options and need to know a rough figure so I cant start making decisions

 

[Equi]

Does he have papers?

 

[The Xmas Furry]

If he is fully registered, then with what he has done so far, should be in excess of 4k.
Prices are still high for any large breed native with ridden ones going between 3 and 12k on average.
If he is good show quality then I'd market at 'offers sought in excess of 5k' to test the water.

 

[Green Bean]

If he is everything you say he is, plus if he has papers (including being registered for showing) and is developed as you say, I would expect 6k starting, going up to 10k as you develop him more.

 

[MagicMelon]

Prices are insane at the moment IMO so you can probably ask whatever you like! Im shocked people are suggesting £6k+ for a Highland personally (my only highland cost me £2,500 and he was a superstar but that was years ago I guess). But if there's really not many of them around then you can ask a premium.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Prices are insane at the moment IMO so you can probably ask whatever you like! Im shocked people are suggesting £6k+ for a Highland personally (my only highland cost me £2,500 and he was a superstar but that was years ago I guess). But if there's really not many of them around then you can ask a premium.

Registered but poor (show) quality Dales and Fell ponies are reaching 4 to 6k if they have had a saddle on.
Good show std ponies are still advertised well in excess of 8k (usually poa), and fetching more like 10 to 12+ as they are as rare as an Olympic rocking horse at present.
Last September I was offered 5+ x what I paid for B Fuzzy. But she isn't going anywhere. I pointed the want to be buyers to her breeder.

 

[windand rain]

Kittens half brother was for sale he has only be a companion 10000 was muted as his price he is 4 too

 

[webble]

At least 6k I would say

 

[Tarragon]

He sounds lovely! Registered with papers and basics in place, I reckon around £6k to £8k

 

[Sprig]

At least 6k, potentially a lot more. Lots of people looking for this kind of pony and hardly any of them around.

 

[I'm Dun]

Hes papered, old blood lines I am told. Dam line is stirlingdene and I cant remember his sire off hand so would need to check. Pretty sure he won HOYs at some point. Mine is definitely show potential, hes been assessed as HOYs potential but showing just isn't my thing. Quite how I ended up with him is a ridiculous chain of events and he's wasted really.

But I can't quite get my head around selling the most quality pony I've ever owned in 30 odd years of ownership. But I have too many and something has to give and I'm trying to work out which one. He is definitely the most valuable looking at the figures people are quoting. But equally, I would never ever be able to replace him. So lots to think about. Thank you for your input

 

[SEL]

I know you want breeder to have 1st refusal - but if you are still pondering then give me a shout. Genuine offer ?

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Hes papered, old blood lines I am told. Dam line is stirlingdene and I cant remember his sire off hand so would need to check. Pretty sure he won HOYs at some point. Mine is definitely show potential, hes been assessed as HOYs potential but showing just isn't my thing. Quite how I ended up with him is a ridiculous chain of events and he's wasted really.

But I can't quite get my head around selling the most quality pony I've ever owned in 30 odd years of ownership. But I have too many and something has to give and I'm trying to work out which one. He is definitely the most valuable looking at the figures people are quoting. But equally, I would never ever be able to replace him. So lots to think about. Thank you for your input

No animal is 'wasted' as I'm sure you'll know. If you enjoy him, then keep him. It costs as much to keep a good one as a not so good one. He has a good pedigree and would reach the upper ends I've estimated easily.

Both my 2 are bred 'in the purple' but I rarely show these days. Instead, I do what I and they like doing ?
If you need the money then obviously sell, he will go in a second. Otherwise resume light work when you are ready and get him lightly hacking, re assess in early summer?

 

[SO1]

Highlands are rare. Large breed natives suitable for showing at least 6k if you can get to some in hand shows and he does well the price will go up.

I have NF also rare breed prices have rocketed since I got him.15 years ago when he was 5. He was 3K then a 5 yr old NF of his quality would over 6k now. Highlands are way more popular than NF.

 

[ycbm]

I've been offered £5k for an unregistered stocky 15.1 of the same age and a slightly less training. I would expect yours to be worth at least 7.5k
.

 

[ArklePig]

I don't know, only that I can't afford it. He's exactly what I'm after.

 

[Tarragon]

I would love to see a photo of your guy

 

[AmyMay]

I don't know, only that I can't afford it. He's exactly what I'm after.

Post pictures when he arrives ??

 

[Mrs B]

Bearing in mind how crazy the market is at the moment, anything between 6 and 8k ...


On a slight tangent, there are so many ads like this one below at the moment! Whether they get the asking price is another matter though (it's a fairly unremarkable looking bog-standard coloured hairy) - I am assuming 6 plus 3 carrots is 6k, not simply 9 carrots ...


xxxx is a 14hh, 7 year old welsh cob looking for a new forever home. He would be suitable as a 1st or 2nd pony or just someone wanting to have a bit of fun
•Bomb proof in traffic.
•Has hunted, been on fun rides and xc and didn’t put a foot wrong.
•still a bit green in the school but he’s willing to learn. When he’s fit he loves jumping!!
•Lives on a farm at the moment so doesn’t mind farm machinery or other animals.
•He will happily stand still all day being brushed and pampered or clipped.
•He can still be a baby somtimes and will have some cheeky moments but nothing nasty or dangerous!
•His legs need clipping regularly as he is prone mites. Amazing field and stable manners, very loving.
I would rather him go to somewhere where he will have a friend in the field! Would really like to keep in touch and get pictures of him and maybe even be able to visit as this is such a hard sale so. I’m in no rush for him to move.
No time wasters

6

 

[I'm Dun]

Thats him in November of last year at 3 and a half. I've always thought he was special, but people who know what they are talking about have assessed him for me and agree. He moves very well for his type and has the most balanced canter I've ever seen in a hairy little pony. Hes really sweet natured as well. Loves kids and is used to loose dogs, cats, chicken, turkeys and sheep. I trust him enough to let friends kids have a quick pony ride

Hes never really been taught to lunge, yet first time I lunged him he walk, trot, cantered like a pro. I swear he watches the others and learns.

However he escaped my electric and stock fencing again today for the third time and its starting to cause issues so the fact hes seemingly worth so much now feels very tempting! He wont be an issue once I move to a livery yard and give my little yard up, but then I come full circle that 3 is too many for livery so 1 has to go. Arrggghhh!!

 

[wills_91]

He's gorgeous and remind me very much of a friends childhood pony who lived well into his 30s!

 

[pistolpete]

Very handsome indeed. Such a kind face.

 

[Fjord]

He's gorgeous. He could sell for a lot in the current market, Highlands are always sought after and he's a stunner.

 

[TPO]

How imminent is the move to livery?

If you have livery lined up I'd be tempted to sell your other riding horse. He's a known quantity and a harder keeper type compared to a Highland. Just thinking long term because its soon going to be too expensive to do absolutely anything never mind the increasing prices for feed, bedding and forage.

If you don't have livery arranged then I'd sell Highland ASAP because something starting to make a habit of escaping out of your yard is a real worry.

I'd also sell whatever horse quickly before the realisation dawns on buyers that costs are about to go through the roof. Although if you're a person with 10k+ for a horse that's possibly not a big concern.

 

[SEL]

Could your retiree go to a grass retirement livery? Would that help with costs?

 

[I'm Dun]

How imminent is the move to livery?

If you have livery lined up I'd be tempted to sell your other riding horse. He's a known quantity and a harder keeper type compared to a Highland. Just thinking long term because its soon going to be too expensive to do absolutely anything never mind the increasing prices for feed, bedding and forage.

If you don't have livery arranged then I'd sell Highland ASAP because something starting to make a habit of escaping out of your yard is a real worry.

I'd also sell whatever horse quickly before the realisation dawns on buyers that costs are about to go through the roof. Although if you're a person with 10k+ for a horse that's possibly not a big concern.

It needs to be very imminent as I am done with the lack of water and being on my own and had intended to move after the summer. Then the storm wrecked parts of the fencing. And the dodgy fencing and escaping horses/sheep is going to end very, very badly and has pushed this to being an outright emergency. Realistically it going to be the 1st April by the time I find and organise something, although the highland could go much sooner as I'd still have 2 at the yard to keep each other company.

The highland does have a potential loan home lined up once hes going properly, so thats another consideration. I cant get him started with the fields so wet, so I might just send him off to get started by a pro for a few weeks.

My TB is my absolute pride and joy. He is the one that is absolutely staying. I guess him being my riding horse probably sways my decision, but I've given it a lot of thought over the last couple of days and hes the one that stays.

Yes the old boy could go to retirement livery so I'm looking into that as well. I'd feel guilty as hes so happy where he is, but I just cant make it work any longer. In an ideal world I'd like him somewhere with 24/7 turnout and someone I trust close by to hack him out and fuss him. He loves hacking still and hes bombproof but not a plod so he would give someone a lot of fun.

Theres lots of options I just need to work out which ones are best for the horses and me

 

[SO1]

If he is a houdini with electric fence then he may be difficult on a livery yard with electric fencing.

My NF is not good with electric fencing he does not have a lot of respect for it and grass is always greener on the other side. YO had to make a reinforced double fenced area for him and his companions to prevent him getting out. I am a part livery so pay quite a bit.

The other problem will be grazing on livery if he is a good doer you may find it hard to control his weight if the grazing is good. If he does not respect electric fencing and you need to restrict grazing on livery again an issue. I think some of the natives with thick fur and skin don't feel the electric fence or their desire for food makes it worth the sharp shock to get the better grass.

He will command a good price and livery may not the easiest option for you with him.

Thats him in November of last year at 3 and a half. I've always thought he was special, but people who know what they are talking about have assessed him for me and agree. He moves very well for his type and has the most balanced canter I've ever seen in a hairy little pony. Hes really sweet natured as well. Loves kids and is used to loose dogs, cats, chicken, turkeys and sheep. I trust him enough to let friends kids have a quick pony ride

Hes never really been taught to lunge, yet first time I lunged him he walk, trot, cantered like a pro. I swear he watches the others and learns.

However he escaped my electric and stock fencing again today for the third time and its starting to cause issues so the fact hes seemingly worth so much now feels very tempting! He wont be an issue once I move to a livery yard and give my little yard up, but then I come full circle that 3 is too many for livery so 1 has to go. Arrggghhh!!

View attachment 88081

 

[TPO]

It needs to be very imminent as I am done with the lack of water and being on my own and had intended to move after the summer. Then the storm wrecked parts of the fencing. And the dodgy fencing and escaping horses/sheep is going to end very, very badly and has pushed this to being an outright emergency. Realistically it going to be the 1st April by the time I find and organise something, although the highland could go much sooner as I'd still have 2 at the yard to keep each other company.

The highland does have a potential loan home lined up once hes going properly, so thats another consideration. I cant get him started with the fields so wet, so I might just send him off to get started by a pro for a few weeks.

My TB is my absolute pride and joy. He is the one that is absolutely staying. I guess him being my riding horse probably sways my decision, but I've given it a lot of thought over the last couple of days and hes the one that stays.

Yes the old boy could go to retirement livery so I'm looking into that as well. I'd feel guilty as hes so happy where he is, but I just cant make it work any longer. In an ideal world I'd like him somewhere with 24/7 turnout and someone I trust close by to hack him out and fuss him. He loves hacking still and hes bombproof but not a plod so he would give someone a lot of fun.

Theres lots of options I just need to work out which ones are best for the horses and me

Ah well sounds pretty certain that Highland is the one. Taking all emotion out of it then he also seems to be the one who will sell for the most so the most sensible option.

Obviously your call but I wouldn't keep a horse to loan out for numerous reasons even less so given you stand to are quite a lot of money right now.

Devoid of all "feels" its makes sense to sell him ASAP especially if there's already a high risk of him incurring costs, or worse, with his Houdini impression.

It doesn't make it an easy thing to do but definitely sensible considering all factors.

Good luck. At this rate he'll be with another HHOer!

 

[I'm Dun]

Hes good with decent electric fencing so I'm not too worried about that. But having done years of very good doers its never fun anywhere you dont have total control. Probably subconsciously why I prefer the TB. I get immense pleasure from stuffing him full of food!

And yup, logically he will sell easily and for a lot of money which could be very useful if I want to upgrade my boat etc, which makes it the obvious thing to do. Im not sure its the right thing to do from the point of view of the emotional investment etc, but life is full of very hard decisions and this is just yet another one!

 

[COldNag]

Wish I was in the market for one - he's fab!

I think in line with what others have said, he'll fetch a tidy sum. There aren't that many like him around, and he's had a good start. I think you might be very pleasantly surprised.

He wouldn't actually be the one I'd lose though, because as you say, he'd be very difficult to find again. Not sure if that helps remotely