Where do I begin?!

Tiarella

Tiarella

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I have no idea where to begin in buying my own horse?!

I've always been lumbered with the hand me downs that no one wants so never had to go out and buy my own.

Where do people start?! It would help knowing what I wanted, but I haven't a clue?

My current little mare I have on full loan (she is available for full loan btw!) is an all singing all dancing perfect horse and I just compare everything to her.

One day I want an ex racer, the next day a cob, tomorrow a warmblood. My budget has gone from 3k to 6k in the space of a day (not sure where the extra is coming from? Donations anyone?) but I had 1k looovely ex racer vetted on Friday who unfortunately failed on right hind flexion - pretty gutted as he was potentially a very nice horse and generally a lovely person.

Help anyone?
 
I think you need to decide what you would like first and then you can search horse sale sites with that criteria eg horsequest etc or see a dealer specialising in the kind of horse you are after. I prefer to buy mine through reputable dealers find the process much easier!
 
Do you know what you want to do with it?

If you genuinely don't mind whether you do dressage, hacking, polo, eventing or Cossack stunt riding, then, well, just go out and try some. And get the one that you enjoy riding and that gives you confidence.

Also, a vetting fail doesn't always mean you ought to walk away. Take into account whether it's the right horse for you, how old it is, whether it's high mileage, whether price can be negotiated, and bear in mind that they can all break, any time.....
 
I recently bought a horse for the first time in 15 years and really struggled deciding what I wanted vs what I should buy. I wanted a nice forward Warmblood youngster but as I have serious long term health issues and have ridden the same two horses for the last 14 years I decided I needed an older Irish type who would look after me. I spent ages looking at ads and was thoroughly uninspired by the type of horses I should be buying. I took the time to ride a few of my friends' horses to see what I could cope with and what suited me re age, height, ability and experience. When I finally got to viewing I ended up trying a good mix based purely on what they had done and long chats with owners. I found going to a stud with 4 to try very useful. I ended up with a much older smaller horse than I planned but a nice Warmblood who has been doing the job I want her to do. I found it really helped riding a varied selection of my friends' horses first but also keeping an open mind. I'm quite proud of the fact that I walked away from my dream horse as she was too green and 4 weeks in I'm having an amazing time with my new horse. Good luck.
 
I'd just add that it's dizzying enough to find the right one even when you DO know exactly what you want... I wouldn't start looking with such broad parameters or you might do something you regret later, or drive yourself mad, whichever comes first! ;)

ETA Shane Walsh gets good reviews - there's a thread on here if you have a dig - so if a sensible Irish is what you're after it might be a good place to go and try a few?
 
I would start with a list of must haves and must not, once you have these work out suitable questions for any calls that you make.
Ride as many friends horses as possible - write down what you liked and what you didn't. I found I was used to riding my horse so riding others with no pressure was easier than doing it the first time on a strange horse in front of people.
 
In my experience, you can be as strict as you like with requirements and still end up with something completely random! :p When it boils down to it, heart always wins over head. Go and see as many as possible, one will stand out. I'll come from the other perspective - don't narrow your search down too much (especially for something non-essential) because you may miss out on a gem. Temperament for me would be the crucial thing.

I have to say, if I was buying right now I would go for something that I could get straight out and have fun with!

What about this guy? He seems like a real gent! http://www.horsemart.co.uk/93-bd-points-novice-horse/Horses/427176#y2eqzYBqvDzv792T.97
 
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