Where to find a new horse to event?

S

spinner1

Well-Known Member
Joined
6 November 2008
Messages
88
Location
London
Visit site
Hi everyone, I'm currently trying to find a new young horse to event 4/5 or greener 6yo with potential for novice but ..... I'm not having much luck! I've looked on horse quest/ horse scout/ British eventing and various pages on Facebook but there just doesn't seem to be much. I know it's the beginning of the season so my timings a bit off but would appreciate any suggestions as to where else I can search? Budget is pretty solid but not 20k+++ type money!! Thank you!
 
There is horse deals plus some dealers do not advertise online but it would depend if you want to go to a dealer. There is a very good ISH dealer that has a wide selection who, when I went was very honest about each horse-though the horses are very very green which he did state when I phoned-so might not be what you want. The other option is to contact studs or agents directly.
 
Irish Horse Imports near Reading have a good reputation for that sort of horse as long as you know what you're doing (I've not been there myself as I'm too much of a chicken to do proper jumping!). Their website is never up to date but their FB page seems to be updated often.
 
Irish horse imports or find an agent and go to Ireland directly and see a selection. there are some in europe but they tend to cost a fair bit more.
 
Victoria palmer - Stafford
Shane walsh
Irish horse imports - they've just had a new batch and some of them look beaut.
Vere Phillips
Meryl connaughton - based in Ireland d and sources to your requirement. My next one would Be coming from her and if that didn't work, one of the above.
 
I went to Shane Walsh for mine - couldn't rate him highly enough. He came very highly recommended, and if you search his name on here you'll find some good stories (which is what I did!)
 
We have been looking for a young horse to bring on to event for months, aiming above Novice, so had to have the ability to jump 1.20 comfortably, have good feet/limbs and move straight, with a trainable temperament (that's what everyone looks for tho!).

Got fed up with the lack of quality and/or amount that would need undone, in the UK, and didn't have the budget for Vere Phillips or similar.

Went over to Ireland last week and had an agent (golden vale sports horses) show us horses that met our budget and criteria, saw 12 (rode 9), and some how 2 are coming over next week (not sure how that happened :o).

We were spoilt for choice really, and everyone was so helpful and friendly.
 
Haha! Sounds like a productive visit! did you know the agent beforehand? I have seen a lot thats coming through Goresbridge/Cavan with a huge mark up once it gets to the UK but not sure I have the confidence to head over alone..
 
spinner1 said:
Haha! Sounds like a productive visit! did you know the agent beforehand? I have seen a lot thats coming through Goresbridge/Cavan with a huge mark up once it gets to the UK but not sure I have the confidence to head over alone..
Click to expand...
Not personally but it couldn't have been simpler to organise. You have to say exactly what you are looking for and what your budget is, they will find the horses.
Good luck :)
 
The consensus is definitely go Irish!

I bought mine from a private seller but viewed a few at Irish horse imports whilst my friend was looking (she bought one) you have to go with deposit in your pocket and an idea of what you want. They showed us all the horses they had in with a bit of back ground, asked what ones we wanted to see loose, showed us those, asked who we wanted to ride, then got those out and we picked a nice Clover HillxIndoctro mare who is super. I would go there again, but have seen a few sourced by Irish Gal on here and they have been very nice too, so i may venture direct to Ireland if I'm looking in the future!
 
Thanks Leannepip! I have just tried Irish horse imports but it seems I want quick enough off the mark so a 7am trip as soon as the next batch arrives may be in order!
 
spinner1 said:
Porkchop any idea how much you're talking to make it worth calling Vere Philipps? Just trying to avoid being laughed at!
Click to expand...

£20-25k for a youngster. However, if you are only aiming at novice I would wait until Aug/Sept time when he will have some hunter types in; they tend to be a bit cheaper but with a bit of work would all go round a novice next season. One that I turned down finished 7th in a one star two seasons later.
 
Thank you everyone - definitely have a few more places to try after this. Seems like there's not much out there at the moment so need all the help I can get!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top