Where are all the older all rounders hiding?

vermillion

vermillion

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Where would you look for a relatively middle aged(13+), all-rounder to pop around the local RC winter showjumping, hack alone and with friends and have a few days hunting popping most hunt fences?

Actively trying to seek something with a bit of a quirk or some character, quite happy for one requiring a bit of riding or can be sharp etc.; not seeking 'potential' nor does he or she need perfect conformation but must be sound. breeding irrelevant (whether gold plated or heinz 57).

Drawn a blank on the horsey facebook pages, with most dealers I am familiar with, H&H (obviously), and the common equine websites. where am I missing out on?

Any pointers most certainly welcome!
 
Older allrounders seem to be all I can find! Where as I am looking for younger.. try HorseQuest, PCUK classifieds and preloved. If you PM me what you are looking for will keep an eye out as actively searching for something myself.
 
https://rehoming.worldhorsewelfare.org/horseprofile/283

Not sure on location but could this mare be an option for either of you if you’re looking for something this height...? I know she’s a bit younger than you’d like OP but I would ALWAYS recommend WHW as I have had both mine from there and they have been pretty much as perfect as you could ask as long as you’re prepared for them to be a bit greener than you’d expect for their ages!
 
WHWMo said:
https://rehoming.worldhorsewelfare.org/horseprofile/283

Not sure on location but could this mare be an option for either of you if you’re looking for something this height...? I know she’s a bit younger than you’d like OP but I would ALWAYS recommend WHW as I have had both mine from there and they have been pretty much as perfect as you could ask as long as you’re prepared for them to be a bit greener than you’d expect for their ages!
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What a shame she has got to 8 having been born there and has issues that cannot be anything to do with her past, with the resources available to WHW they should have produced her as a confident horse with no security issues, she certainly doesn't sound suitable for the OP.
 
I don't think people sell them very often, I have one aged 11 and there is no way she is going anywhere ever. They only normally end up on the market if small enough to be outgrown or the owner has lost interest/given up/had a baby/gone to uni/left the country. Plus they often sell without advertising, on reputation and personal contacts. Someone I know has just paid good money for a 15.2hh lower level all rounder and happy hacker, it was only for sale due to a teenager going to uni and sold through word of mouth almost immediately.
 
be positive said:
What a shame she has got to 8 having been born there and has issues that cannot be anything to do with her past
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Fair point there, though apparently she's bee in a home already as a youngster, so there may well have been something that went wrong there. Especially if she's now 8 and has been broken by WHW, the previous loaner may have attempted to back her and gone wrong (this is pure speculation, mind). That said, my driving pony came from WHW as an unbacked 5 year old and whilst he was confident and friendly, I got the feeling that 'friendly enough to follow' was the extent of any groundwork he'd learnt as leading, picking up feet etc seemed to be an intriguing new concept to him. Even with all their resources, I think they're so inundated with demand that they must have to prioritise those most likely to find a home quickly.
 
If you are prepared to travel to France, I have an 8 year old, sound as a bell, talented but a Princess. Not for sale at Horsemart prices though. There are also pure and part-bred Cleveland Bays around which do everything but you need to network on the CBHS Open Forum.
 
Try word of mouth. Tell everyone you know who is remotely horsey, farrier, vet etc that you're looking and what you're looking for. I found mine that way. A horsey friend was talking to someone she worked with whose daughter wanted a bigger horse. I got her smaller one. He's perfect and never hit the open market. Oh, and put a wanted ad in every local tack shop. Horses come out of the woodwork. :)
 
I had one for sale but gave up! My mare is a little quirky in that shes not too simple on the flat until you figure out how she works (she just sticks her head in the air until you get the right amount of hand/leg) but never refused anything Ive pointed her at - BE90's with serious ease, working hunters, TREC etc. she's done it well and is also a dream to hack and do in all ways. But because riders want to get on and immediately "click" with a horse the second their bum hits the saddle, sadly nobody wanted her so Im keeping her (unless a perfect home popped up!) - they dont know what they missed out on!
 
be positive said:
What a shame she has got to 8 having been born there and has issues that cannot be anything to do with her past, with the resources available to WHW they should have produced her as a confident horse with no security issues, she certainly doesn't sound suitable for the OP.
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This just sounds like a sensibly cautious advert for a naturally slightly sharp little mare to me, not as if anyone has done anything wrong:

Melody can be a delight to ride when she is worked well. However, she is by no means a "push button pony" and it is essential she has an experienced, confident rider who can bring out the best in her. Melody is an extremely intelligent mare who will soon pick up on her rider's weakness and she will push the boundaries if she thinks she can get away with it. Melody is a bright mare who thoroughly enjoys her work providing her rider keeps her attention and focus. The ideal rehomer for her would be a person who has competed at most disciplines to a reasonable standard in the past and is now looking for a horse to compete at a lower level for fun. She needs an effective rider with the ability to bring out the best in her but also the experience to recognise her limitations. Melody is still quite green for her age which could explain her butterfly mind and her need for a rider to take control and shoulder her basic insecurities. With the right person this mare will make a brilliant all round ridden horse.
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vermillion said:
Where would you look for a relatively middle aged(13+), all-rounder to pop around the local RC winter showjumping, hack alone and with friends and have a few days hunting popping most hunt fences?

Actively trying to seek something with a bit of a quirk or some character, quite happy for one requiring a bit of riding or can be sharp etc.; not seeking 'potential' nor does he or she need perfect conformation but must be sound. breeding irrelevant (whether gold plated or heinz 57).
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Why do you want one with a quirk? I would not describe anything quirky as an all rounder. An all rounder is something novice people would be looking at. I would describe a quirky horse as a project? Or 'suitable for knowledgeable home'.... especially if its an older horse.
 
A twelve year old Thomsonbrook CB mare for sale on Cleveland Bay Open Forum. The breeder has produced many quality horses for dressage and eventing. Take a look.
 
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