Willowbrook stables? Any feedback?

sodslaw

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Hi!
As per the title really. Tentatively starting to have a look around for something safe and sane. I don't mind if it is a little bit green as long as it is safe. Does anybody have any experience of dealing with Willowbrook? I know the question has been asked a few times, but there seems to be rather a lot of PMs sent??
many thanks
 

splashgirl45

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I don't have personal experience but seem to remember quite a lot of negative posts on here some time ago. I would be very cautious, definitely have a 5 stage vetting (with a vet who you know or friends have recommended NOT their vet) and have bloods taken . almost everything on their website seems to be advertised as very safe and a reasonable price and if you look at other ads on horsemart, horsequest etc all the safe ones are quite a bit of money, so that would ring alarm bells for me.. what sort of horse are you looking for, size age etc? and what are you intending to do, happy hacking or competition?
 

splashgirl45

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I don't have personal experience but seem to remember quite a lot of negative posts on here some time ago. I would be very cautious, definitely have a 5 stage vetting (with a vet who you know or friends have recommended NOT their vet) and have bloods taken . almost everything on their website seems to be advertised as very safe and a reasonable price and if you look at other ads on horsemart, horsequest etc all the safe ones are quite a bit of money, so that would ring alarm bells for me.. what sort of horse are you looking for, size age etc? and what are you intending to do, happy hacking or competition?
the negative posts were about willow sports horses I think so willowbrook may be ok. but wherever you go you need to be cautious. good luck
 

sodslaw

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Thank you for the replies! It will proceed with caution ;-) Probably always best to be a little bit cautious where any sale of horses are concerned. Splashgirl45: I am looking for something about 15.3hh with a leg in each corner who is steady and sane. Not looking for a worldbeater or fancy horse (thinking more in the region of cob), but would like to do a little bit of dressage without it turning into major stressage. I enjoy schooling horses, so don't mind if it is a little bit green in the school. Would preferably want something to hack out without a fuss -I am not brave hacking out (hacked out too many nutters over the years and lost my confidence for it). Does a horse like that even exist? :)
Thanks again for the replies. x
 

PeterNatt

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The issue with buying from a dealer is that they don't have them long enough to know their true temperament or behaviour.
The old fashioned type of dealers that used to keep them for a few years and use them as hirelings for hunting had a far better idea of their true character.
What you want to find yourself is a nicely laid back and established horse that is 100% bombproof spook proof when out hacking by itself or in company and you will probably find it in a private home but never the less take great care and ensure you see it ridden out by itself on a busy road!
 

splashgirl45

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just had a quick look on horsemart to see what is about. meadow stables in wickford Essex has a 15.3 shire cross mare, age 8 called cassie which looks like the sort of horse you want. if you can believe the ad she sounds perfect!!!!!!! however this is a dealer and I don't know anything about them, so buyer beware.......good luck with your search
 

Helen000

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I drive past them hacking out most days. The ones I see are cobby muddy types but all calm in traffic.
Can't say more than that though. sorry.
 

sodslaw

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Thank you all for the kind replies. I have so far not found anything negative about them. Helen000, thank you, that is great feedback!
many thanks!
 

teapot

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Willowbrook as in the one at Hambrook?

I've never heard anything major, and think they're fairly generic cob types. Certainly would have been out on the roads. As per any sale, get a vetting and be sensible.
 
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