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Post by missusmisty on Oct 9, 2016 19:55:13 GMT
Hi. Messaging from North Yorks and having a rubbish time looking for first (bought) horse - have loaned before. Where do I start?
I've been scanning Facebook pages, forums, preloved, gumtree, horseandhound, horsequest, horsedeals, horsemart..
Finally stumbled upon a riding school selling horses, found a wonderful ID x horse at a riding school who was exactly what I was looking for fell in love, had him vetted and he failed spectacularly!
Now I'm back to square 1. I feel like I'm spending my life looking at these pages and websites and to no avail.
What's not helping is I feel like it's a minefield out there. I need something that is going to help me get my confidence up and I know the right horse exists because I found exactly what I was looking for at the riding centre. It's just a shame that the horse failed his vetting.
I'm not moaning, I just feel like I might have missed something. Or maybe it's the wrong time of the year? It seems if I didn't live in North Yorks, there'd be a few more that I could look at but I like to see them a few times (I had 5 riding lessons on the above) to make sure they are right. My problem here is that, if I do find a good one, I usually miss it because someone more confident says 'yep, I'll have it' on first viewing and that's not me either.
Also, here's another thing. Dealers or private sellers?! I was reading a thread the other day on a facebook group about how people only go to dealers when they haven't got enough money for a decent horse. I, on the other hand, had been looking at dealers thinking 'well - at least they have a reputation to uphold...' I've seen a few horses by private sellers and none of them so far have been particularly accurately described either. Also, I found private sellers, in general, seem to be asking less for horses than some of the dealers.
I know I've asked a million questions here but if you feel like answering any or all of them...I'd seriously appreciate any advice. Thanks!
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 10, 2016 8:54:21 GMT
Its very hard looking for your first 'bought' horse. And, it can be a minefield!
Firstly, write down what are the main attributes that you are looking for, min/max height, age, mare/gelding/breed/lw or hw carrier and for some people colour is also very important.
Know your budget limitations.
There are some very reputable dealers out there, so don't be put off dealers just be careful. Likewise for private sellers. Remember to ask questions re laminitis, sweet itch, etc., etc.,
I have always found HorseQuest to be a good place to start and you can put wanted ads up as well. We have looked on HG as well just not found the right one advertised for us. If you find something you really like the look of, be prepared to travel. If you have lost out on a couple because you hesitate, ask the seller if they will hold the horse for a week so you can try it out properly. Sometimes one ride on a horse doesn't always seem enough.
Take someone, your instructor, with you so they can help guide you and they can ride the horse as well to see it is suitable for your level of competence (no offence meant here).
Finally, be patient, the right horse sometimes comes along when you least expect it!
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Post by conniegirl on Oct 10, 2016 10:53:40 GMT
I have to say that viewing and trying a horse 5 times is excessive twice I can understand but if you want to see it 5 times you either need to put a deposit on it or you will lose it as someone will get in there first.
Yes buying a horse is a big purchase and should be approached with caution but take an instructor with you, try the horse once or twice (in a short period of time) and then make your mind up!
You also need to be prepared to travel for the right horse!
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Post by daisycutter on Oct 10, 2016 15:42:58 GMT
I can understand you being cautious it is a minefield out there, I am afraid people are are not always completely honest with you when buying horses, if the person selling a horse\pony will let you have it on trial provided you insure it for the time you want the trial, it will tell you the horse is genuine if they won't without a viable reason leave it where it is.
Hope this helps.
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 10, 2016 16:08:49 GMT
I can understand you being cautious it is a minefield out there, I am afraid people are are not always completely honest with you when buying horses, if the person selling a horse\pony will let you have it on trial provided you insure it for the time you want the trial, it will tell you the horse is genuine if they won't without a viable reason leave it where it is. Hope this helps. Having or letting one of your horses go on trial can be a nightmare. Many people have previously posted on this subject. In the wrong hands the horse could be ruined in a short space of time! I have donee this once, we let a pony go to a great family on trial, they paid for him within 2 weeks. We are still friends with the family even though the pony was eventually outgrown and sold-on to another lovely family. It's a hit or miss scenario. Owners need to be very careful about letting there very much loved pony go on a trial basis. |
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Post by conniegirl on Oct 10, 2016 16:11:58 GMT
I can understand you being cautious it is a minefield out there, I am afraid people are are not always completely honest with you when buying horses, if the person selling a horse\pony will let you have it on trial provided you insure it for the time you want the trial, it will tell you the horse is genuine if they won't without a viable reason leave it where it is. Hope this helps. Sorry but some of the most genuine sellers I know would NEVER let a horse go on trial, I certainly wouldnt. I wont even loan mine out off the yard. to many things can go wrong and too many people have had ruined horses sent back from trials. I would NEVER ever expect a trial period for any horse. |
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Post by missusmisty on Oct 10, 2016 17:11:08 GMT
I have to say that viewing and trying a horse 5 times is excessive twice I can understand but if you want to see it 5 times you either need to put a deposit on it or you will lose it as someone will get in there first. Yes buying a horse is a big purchase and should be approached with caution but take an instructor with you, try the horse once or twice (in a short period of time) and then make your mind up! You also need to be prepared to travel for the right horse! Sorry. Perhaps should have made myself clearer. I only had 5 lessons because it was at a riding centre and not advertised as for sale, just they said more or less any horse could be bought and I liked that one. That is why I had 5 lessons, not because I was messing around but but because I was able to do so without worrying the horse sold elsewhere if you see what I mean. My point was more that I was very happy with that horse because I had been able to take my time. And, I know that realistically, in most scenarios, that's not a reasonable amount of time to take, but I feel like it's the making the decision quickly thing that is letting me down. Partly, because my instructor/friends are also telling me not to rush to make a decision. |
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Post by missusmisty on Oct 10, 2016 17:12:06 GMT
Thanks for the replies everyone. Perhaps I should begin looking a little further afield. That opens up a lot more options! :-) x
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Post by gillwales on Oct 10, 2016 18:34:27 GMT
Firstly I would avoid purchasing from a Riding School, the horses work hard, at least 4 to 5 hours work each day of the weekend, plus 3 to 4 hours per day during the week, so I am not surprized that the one you looked at failed the Vet, plus they tend to get dead mouths and sides, they learn all the naughty little tricks of evassion.
If you were a private seller then would you allow your horse to go on trial? If the answer is no then do not exppect others to give you a trail.
Turn up early, you will see the horse "pre-prepared".
Ask to see it being caught in it's field, watch it being groom and got ready to being ridden; make certain you see ALL of it's feet picked up. Watch it being ridden on the road, go out in your car and go past it. Try and see it ridden in company both in front and behind. Ask to see it react to clippers. does it tie up? Ask to see it having bandages put on and being loaded. Watch when it gets given it's feed. Check the teeth. Don't forget to be honest with the Vet telling him/ her what you intend to use the horse for. Google the horse and it's seller.
Good luck x
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Post by missusmisty on Oct 10, 2016 19:08:30 GMT
Thank you. I think what I'm finding so hard at the moment, as I suppose you do when you get into these things, is that I see lots of friends with lovely horses that suit them and that are safe and lovely and then I read so many horror stories. I just worry that I will end up being one of them if I get this wrong but I know that by dillydallying about I'm going to lose out. Wish this was all a bit easier! Haha xx
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Post by gillwales on Oct 10, 2016 19:14:21 GMT
you will know when you find the right one, if you cover all the points you need when you go to visit the horse.
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 11, 2016 8:43:00 GMT
Firstly I would avoid purchasing from a Riding School, the horses work hard, at least 4 to 5 hours work each day of the weekend, plus 3 to 4 hours per day during the week, so I am not surprized that the one you looked at failed the Vet, plus they tend to get dead mouths and sides, they learn all the naughty little tricks of evassion. If you were a private seller then would you allow your horse to go on trial? If the answer is no then do not exppect others to give you a trail. Turn up early, you will see the horse "pre-prepared". Ask to see it being caught in it's field, watch it being groom and got ready to being ridden; make certain you see ALL of it's feet picked up. Watch it being ridden on the road, go out in your car and go past it. Try and see it ridden in company both in front and behind. Ask to see it react to clippers. does it tie up? Ask to see it having bandages put on and being loaded. Watch when it gets given it's feed. Check the teeth. Don't forget to be honest with the Vet telling him/ her what you intend to use the horse for. Google the horse and it's seller. Good luck x All of the above points very valuable information. When we have sold a child's pony, we let the potential buyers, catch, groom, tack up, lead, etc., etc., It's one of the ways that can help buyers know if the pony/horse is a contender for purchase. If there are open fields, ride it in the open as well so you don't get any rude awakenings once purchased. Everyone has an idea of their dream horse, that's why it's sometimes hard to make a decision. Not every horse will tick every box, you just have to be reasonably confident that you can work with the horse once you get it home. Good luck in your search  |
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Post by hazeysunshine on Oct 11, 2016 9:16:16 GMT
Thanks for the replies everyone. Perhaps I should begin looking a little further afield. That opens up a lot more options! :-) x Try Appleton Grange, she normally has lots in and she's super honest. It might be a bit of a trek but she might have a few that are suitable. I was lucky mine was the first I saw and tried him once. The right horse is out there for you. |
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Post by lucynlizzysmum on Oct 11, 2016 9:59:22 GMT
I can understand you being cautious it is a minefield out there, I am afraid people are are not always completely honest with you when buying horses, if the person selling a horse\pony will let you have it on trial provided you insure it for the time you want the trial, it will tell you the horse is genuine if they won't without a viable reason leave it where it is. Hope this helps. It's a difficult one - if I knew the person I was selling too I would allow a reasonable trial but I would not allow something on trial if I had never met the person before, but would happily allow someone to come and try it at home as often as they wanted. |
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Post by missusmisty on Oct 11, 2016 20:45:42 GMT
Thank you again for the replies. Some really valuable advice given here and I'll definitely take it on board in my hunt. hazeysunshine, Appleton Grange is not too far from me, I've messaged and asked if they'll let me know if anything comes in that's suitable. She says there's nothing at the moment but I'm sure she will keep me up to date and bear me in mind. They had a trotter recently that looked sweet but was maybe a bit young. For my first, I was assuming 7 or even 8+ would be a good age?
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Pheobe
Junior Member
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Post by Pheobe on Oct 12, 2016 7:19:57 GMT
Thank you again for the replies. Some really valuable advice given here and I'll definitely take it on board in my hunt. hazeysunshine, Appleton Grange is not too far from me, I've messaged and asked if they'll let me know if anything comes in that's suitable. She says there's nothing at the moment but I'm sure she will keep me up to date and bear me in mind. They had a trotter recently that looked sweet but was maybe a bit young. For my first, I was assuming 7 or even 8+ would be a good age? i definatley wouldn't stick to a certain age bracket if you are looking to widen your search i currently have 2 x 6yrs old both are completly different, my 1st is much more maturer than the other been to county shows, can ride in the heavest of trffic and my 3yr old son rides him very safely. my second is taking his time in matuering and we are not rushing him i can hack him anywhere but would not dream of taking hiom to a show eveniorment yet as it would blow his brain. have you put a wonted thread on here someone might have what you are looking for. |
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sarahp
Happy to help
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Post by sarahp on Oct 12, 2016 7:37:51 GMT
It's the natural temperament that's important rather than the age. I've bred some that are dead safe as 4yos, others that are sharper and will always need a more experienced rider. Be totally honest about your own capabilities, I did this when looking for an event horse for my daughter. "Is it safe for a wimpy middle-aged mother with a bad back to ride while daughter's at boarding school?" was my line. Most vendors, then anyway, would say no if it wasn't - they could see it would be a waste of time for both sides for it to progress any further! Good luck and good hunting. I always felt looking for a horse to buy was more like looking for a husband than say a car - it can tick all the boxes but still not be the right one for you, but you'll know when it is.
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Post by gillwales on Oct 12, 2016 8:53:26 GMT
I agree, their nature is something they are born with and has little to do with age, it can however be altered by training ( Usually made worse  ). However if you require your future mount to have some "miles on the clock" then go for an older horse that has been there and has the T shirt. |
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Post by catkin on Oct 12, 2016 10:19:00 GMT
Picking up on another point... you really do need to be prepared to travel. In my experience (and luck) the ones you want are never on your doorstep. Also take someone you trust with you for a second opinion or just to remember to ask what you don't. Good luck.
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 13, 2016 9:55:14 GMT
Picking up on another point... you really do need to be prepared to travel. In my experience (and luck) the ones you want are never on your doorstep. Also take someone you trust with you for a second opinion or just to remember to ask what you don't. Good luck. Also, make a written list of questions to ask, the most important ones nearly always go out of your mind when you see a lovely horse in front of you ! |
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Post by oldschooler on Oct 14, 2016 12:55:04 GMT
Picking up on another point... you really do need to be prepared to travel. In my experience (and luck) the ones you want are never on your doorstep. Also take someone you trust with you for a second opinion or just to remember to ask what you don't. Good luck. Also, make a written list of questions to ask, the most important ones nearly always go out of your mind when you see a lovely horse in front of you ! Have just been through the pony buying minefield, and I am very experienced so not looking for as many guarantees as you. Still had to travel over 100 miles, but well worth it, pony is coming on monday. On the topic of trials, I have sold plenty in the past, used to deal in my youth, and I would NEVER let one go on trial. Too much can go wrong. The only advice I would give you, and it is advice I have passed onto many, many friends and customers. Always give your new purchase a month to settle. I would quite honestly have sent nearly every thing I have ever bought back in the first month if I could, for lots of different reasons, none of them long term feelings though. Equines need time to settle, and you need time to get accustomed to a new ride. Good luck |
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Post by mcnaughty on Oct 18, 2016 12:42:35 GMT
We travelled from West London to near as d**n it Lizard Point to find our current pony! LOL! It was summer though, the kids and I were free and the weather glorious so we took the chance to have a break down there for a couple of days so even if the pony wasnt suitable it wouldnt have been a wasted journey! I personally like Horse Quest, H&H and here but Facebook seems to be good too. As above said - have a shopping list but also a flexible mind. I know lots of people who would never buy a mare but there are plenty of lovely natured girls out there. Size is also something you should be flexible about, so long as it will carry your weight. Why go for a horse if you are small enough to ride a pony? Ponies are hardier and usually more level headed! (I said usually!!) Have a look at some of our native breeds and see what you think. Good luck!
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). However if you require your future mount to have some "miles on the clock" then go for an older horse that has been there and has the T shirt. 