What to do - horse hunting??

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silverstar

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Ive been looking now for 9 months and Im getting fed up of it tbh. I saw a horse last night who was nice but the canter was too forward for me. Im not a novice but not the bravest rider either. A friend has recommended some ads but on googling the phone number they seem to be from dealers. Ive had bad dealings with dealers and will onyl deal with reputable ones. So Im not sure what to do now. Ive been looking at horses about two hours drive from me max. There are no reputable dealers around here. Most seem to be a few hours drive. I am getting a bit fed up now, especially now its lighter at night and the weather seems to be getting better, although not here today its miserable. I want to be out competing/doing some fun rides.
 
Dawnpeternathsir - I bet you've not been looking as long as me. I nearly got bought a horse though just got beaten to it by another buyer.

Dizzle - They are too far away from me, Im near Chester.
 
I'm in the same boat as you, although I havn't been looking as long.

I have my stable and tack room all ready and waiting collecting dust! have a couple of viewings booked so fingers crossed

Good luck with your search and hope you find something soon. Remember you will have to kiss alot of frogs before you find your prince! hehe :D
 
My advice;
Be absolutely clear what you are looking for. Make a list of criteria which you are not prepared to compromise on (in my case that would be excellent in all traffic) and those which you can be flexible on e.g. height and those which you really don't care about, e.g. colour. You could even write your own wanted ad, although I'm not suggesting that you publish it, unless you really want to. This will help you to be clear in your own mind about what you need.
Then look at ads (check EVERY website, not just the 'fashionable' ones) within your preferred area. Discount any which do not meet your essential criteria. Ring up about those which meet your essential criteria and have some of your preferred qualities. If you are not especially brave, do not be tempted to risk over-horsing yourself, just because the advertiser makes the horse sound fabulous.
I have bought many horses over the years and find that if you are strict with yourself about what you actually go to look at, you are more likely to find your perfect horse without spending hours looking at unsuitable animals.
Good luck!
 
I have been looking almost as long - I am at 8 months now and have to say I am finding it very hard to motivate myself at the moment - it is so disheartening keep going to see horses that are not for you.

I did find one 3 months ago that was just perfect - and I mean no compromise at all lovely owner - sadly he failed the vet (owner devastated as genuinely had no idea) and so I was back to the drawing board and even harder now as comparing everything to the one I wanted.

Everyone I speak to is telling me to keep going as the right one is there but it is hard.

I really hope you find what you are looking for. I am sure when you do you will look back a year on and be pleased you looked so hard for the right one.
 
Puppy said:
Any use:

http://www.horsequest.co.uk/advertisment/26606

:)
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Puppy - He's nice. I will ring up about him.

Nothing Original - yes it is hard to motivate yourself. Thats exactly how I feel with the horse I saw last weekend. Nothing comes close to him but now thinking about getting a youngster as there doesnt seem to be any ready made allrounders where I am. We will both get there, hopefully soon before the summer is out. Thats my aim anyway.
 
Silverstar I really feel for you! You've been horse hunting for ages and if I see of anything I will send it your way.

When you find the right horse you will know! Best of luck I have everything crossed. :)
 
I feel for you as it's so frustrating, It took me a year to find my girl & now I have to sell her :( (been trying for 2 1/2 months so far! )
hopefullly in the next 2 weeks more will be put up as its easter holidays and the clocks have changed :)
 
Sorry, nothing helpful to say other than I will keep my eyes peeled for you-have been following your posts and really feel for you!
All I can say is don't compromise on anything too major, just because you are longing to find your dream horse-I know much easier said than done, but as previously stated, the right horse is out there for you and it's better to wait and find your perfect ned, rather than buying and ending up unhappy and having to sell! Everything crossed for you :)
 
I would consider widening your parameters - perhaps consider a horse slightly older than you had in mind, or bigger or smaller, or further away?

You obviously don't want to end up with the wrong horse, but you might be missing out on the perfect horse because its 1 year older than you'd decided on or something.
 
WHat abotu Yaringale Magnum, on Horsequest - allrounders over 16hh. He's west mids (WWick)

Good luck SS, I only know once I'm ready I'll be posting the exact same woes on here myself! :D
 
Kitsune said:
WHat abotu Yaringale Magnum, on Horsequest - allrounders over 16hh. He's west mids (WWick)

Good luck SS, I only know once I'm ready I'll be posting the exact same woes on here myself! :D
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Going to have a look at said horse now....

My cars gone in for some work. Ive borrowed a car from parents but thats not sounding too good and until I can get my car back (hopefully next week) I cant go out looking, arghh.
 
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