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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Original poster

unbiased opinons needed: buying a horse

32 replies

jdandcoke · 01/03/2012 16:03

I need some unbiased opinions on buying a horse.
Firstly I shall admit, I wasn't planning on buying a horse for another year or so.
BUT.
The school I ride at is having to sell some of their horses, and I would really love to buy him. I've known and ridden him for over 2 years, as has dd(7). He is a beautiful 15hh chestnut with the softest temperament, fantastic to ride, shoe etc.
The problem is that because of working shifts I'd have to keep him on full livery, at £100 a week, which we can afford, but DP wants to save every penny we have to make our house deposit higher. (We currently live in a family members house which is currently undergoing building work so we shall buy it in a few years when that is complete.)

DP says I am letting my love for this horse cloud my judgement. Obviously I'm going to sit down and have a think and make a budget plan to incorporate vets fees, insurance etc.

So I'm wandering what other horse lovers think.

Any opinions appreciated

OP posts:
seeker · 02/03/2012 14:05

I'm glad you said that, Callisto. I was worried that I was being cheapskateish- what with dd's pony costing three and elevenpence ha'penny!

Callisto · 02/03/2012 14:16

Well, we sold an amazing 6yo TB who was a dream in every way, beautiful to look at and had hunted and done a bit of dressage and show jumping, for £1000 recently. And we wern't exactly overwhelmed with offers either. So to me £3000+ is silly money. I paid £800 for DD's new pony (who is a brilliant first ridden) and I thought that was a bit steep too.

I'd also be worried that an ex-riding school horse would be a bit of a nightmare hacking out alone.

Original poster
jdandcoke · 02/03/2012 15:05

Having thought about it loads, rang a few local yards and discussed it with DP, we have decided we're not gonna buy him, and would rather buy a horse for me and a pony for dd in a few months.
so i'm gonna have to say my goodbyes Sad
thanks everyone for giving me loads of different perspectives, you've all given me so many things to consider and hopefully I've made the right decision Smile

OP posts:
Callisto · 02/03/2012 17:40

Well done, I think you've made a good decision. If you have a budget of around £3000 you should be able to find a really nice pony for your DD and a really nice horse for yourself. Good luck in your search and keep us updated.

hickerybobp · 02/03/2012 18:02

I think you should go for it! It may be tempting to wait a year and get a horse that seems right in the future, but if a good horse that you have known and ridden for 2 years is for sale now, then do it. You wont get a chance like that again for a long time. There are a lot of pitfalls when buying horses (i know from experience) and to be offered not only a horse that you know to be right for you AND your daughter that you both know you enjoy riding, but a horse that is young and wont come with the health problems of older horses, i think it would be a real shame for you to miss this chance.
Also with your and your DD riding him, and his height, you wont be tempted to get something smaller and then have to part with the beloved smaller horse so you can get something else in the future that would be accomodating to your daughters adult height.
As for his accomodation, why not look at renting a field sharing with somebody else who would be willing to do a bit with him when you couldnt get down, (would be far cheaper than full livery) or, you could consider putting him on part loan (to stay at your yard), this would either make you a few extra pounds a week, or they could do some work such as mucking out etc (if he wasnt in full livery) in exchange for riding, being a riding school horse he would probably be ideal for this. Also that would remove the worry of having a youngster that wasnt ridden regularly enough. This is a good time of year to get a horse, as winter it can seem like never ending expense and hard work with little riding!
Make them an offer, see how it goes, but remember to have him vetted. I think they would lower the price to you as they know you. Good luck with whatever you decide!

hickerybobp · 02/03/2012 18:03

Oops, didnt read that you had already decided to say no to him. I hope you find the right horse for you both soon though X

MyLittleMiracle · 07/03/2012 22:03

Maybe you should look at some of the horses on the rspca website when you are ready to buy? A lot are broken and just need love and care.

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