Where to look for safe 1st horse?

[Puzzled]

My sister is looking for a horse for her husband who is learning to ride, something 15.2hh plus that is 100% bombproof (or as close as you can get!) can anyone recomend any dealers please? Something along the M4 corridor would be good. She's spoken to Clip Clop traders who were very helpful they have a horse called Billy (has anyone else viewed him? I seem to remember someone saying they were going there to look at horses). The only problem is distance as we're about 3 hours away (we're on the welsh side!) so would be nice if we can find something closer!

 

[floradora09]

I'm afraid I can't tell you of any dealers as not near you, but try www.horsequest.co.uk

They've got thousands of horses for sale, so I would just look for a really honest advert from someone who's near to you. Good luck with the search!

x

 

[Storminateacup]

my friend has bought a fabulous cob from Safecobs.com.
Pricy though I think.

 

[Puzzled]

Thanks, have had a look on there and a few other websites but will check again today!

 

[doonrocket]

I would be careful buying a first horse from some dealers. There are a couple of dealers in your area who buy in Ireland , import them to their yard and sell them on in just a few weeks. Not a problem, except they are good riders and the horses behave well for them , they don't really know whether it is suitable for a first horse.

Try speaking to your local hunt or riding club. The Hunt will know if a novice rider has been on board, and the riding club could have info on what the horse has done etc.

 

[Scoutie]

I know someone selling a 16.2 gelding, 14 years old and bomb proof near High Wycombe if you are interested. For sale for just under £4000. Really lovely boy.

 

[CeeBee]

Re. Clip Clop Traders - yes, I tried Billy! He is a really lovely boy. If you look at their website, I actually bought the bay ID called Alfie and he is gorgeous! There was nothing at all wrong with Billy, except that he is a more traditional cob and I preferred one with less feather. I know people say be wary of dealers, but Emma at Clip Clop has an excellent reputation and wants to keep it that way. If you are honest with your ability and what you want, she will match you with the right horse. She won't sell you something she doesn't think will be suitable. For example, she currently has one on her website called Charlie, who I also liked the look of, but she said she thought he might need more than I could give him and said Billy or Alfie would be more suitable for me. I have had Alfie (now named Harvey) for 3 weeks now and so far, so good! It was also a long drive for me - about 2 1/2 hours, but well worth it - and I went twice! Good luck with your search x

 

[[59668]]

I also viewed Billy! He is exactly what she says! So safe!

I actually bought a horse called Micky Blue Eyes cos I wanted something smaller than Billy.

But if I had the money I would buy Billy for the OH in a flash!

 

[PeterNatt]

My advice would be to put up some wanted posters in your local tack shops/feed merchants and yards and try to source a horse locally so that you can try it out a few times and also locals will know its true history and temprement.

 

[pootler]

My friend who hasn't ridden for a couple of years and is a very nervous rider bought a lovely cob from safecobs last week, so far he is absolutely everything they said he would be and is a real dude.

 

[Ranyhyn]

I really prefer word of mouth for a safe first horse - local riding schools - livery yards etc are the best place to look for me.

 

[cazrider]

My friend also has had two from Safecobs, both exactly as described.

 

[Puzzled]

Thanks for all your help so far, I'll give safe cobs a ring as well and see what they have! It's just finding something with enough height as well as the temperament! Suspect I may have some long journeys to go on! My sister is very experienced but she needs me to ride anything we try as in her words if I feel safe then so will her novice husband (I'm not very brave at all!)