Horse buying traumas.... Any trusted dealer recommendations?

[Eve]

DS1 has seriously grown out of wonder pony & needs a 16 h. I've started to look, but seriously dreading all the going to view, can seller be trusted. Etc etc

Why are all the nice ones in my budget in the North. ( I am South East)....

Anyone able to recommend dealers they have had good experiences with?

I'm in the South East too and find exactly the same! You see a lovely one that you can afford and then realise it's in Yorkshire, so annoying.

Can't suggest any dealers from personal experience I'm afraid as the one I bought dhorse from is no longer there (and she was 'mistaken' about his age anyway). However my vet seems to think highly of Southgate farm as he recommended them when I was briefly considering selling dhorse a few years back. As I've never been there or had dealings with them myself that might not be much help but I've known my vet a long time and trust his opinion so could be worth considering.

I can give you a long list of people to avoid in the SE! What kind of horse are you looking for? Sporty? Cobby?

Does he really need a 16h? That's a big jump from a pony. I am in Yorkshire so can't help with dealers your way on.

Think about the type you want. Is it showing/dressage/jumping etc then hang around at events he is interested in to get a good feel for the scene. Check out social media for clubs and societies and put wanted adverts everywhere.

Also don't be too narrow in your requirements especially size wise. Some cobs and native ponies take a lot of leg up. Some 14h highlands for instance can carry a 6ft bloke and not look small.

And don't just look in your area. Transport can be cheaper than you think aa can internal flights to go and view. Or the horse you are interested in can sometimes be viewed at different venues closer to you.

Afraid he does need the 16h, current one is 14.3/ 15h and DS legs are nearly able to wrap round underneath, DS is 16 and still shooting up.

Looking for a sane sporty horse for all Pc\ RC activities, able to jump and event around 100 and novice dressage. Current is cob x tb which is a nice mix.

Not a youngster, at least 8 and I'm not adverse to an older horse, ( current one is 19 going on 8!)

Unfortunately, it's the time involved in looking and travelling, with work, school and other horses to look after that puts me off travelling long distances.

Clip clip traders have got a reasonable rep.

How about a rescue horse?

Rescue horses don't tend to have the competition experience needed. If I had the land and the money... I would re home some.. But unfortunately I don't.

Do you mean Clip Clop traders Truckingalong? We've brought one from them before, wouldn't rush to recommend tbh.

Use your local rcs then. 1 day events and hunter trials could be a good place to put the word out. Contact all your riding schools and equestrian centres, and also any event yards you can find contact details for. Have a look for local shows with whp courses and have a look at those. Also maybe contact some racehorse rehabilitation centres. Not all of them are wired to the moon. Show producers in your area are also a good idea.

You can get a pretty good idea of a horse from its record and also a few videos of it in various disciplines. Then make a decision as to whether you want to view or not.

Different for me because I wanted a youngster but I have just bought one unseen from Scotland and got professional transporters to bring her down for me.

Oh and try your local hunt master too. They might know of something available but not advertised.

Have u tried all the local pony club web sites? Lots of kids off to college and uni. Atleast with PC u can speak to dc or chief instructor for a reference. Same of riding club. Other than that Kate Ludden often has nice horses for sale or Avril Roberts . Not used either but heard positives from people who have

would you consider an ex racehorse? get far far far more for your money, and ex-NH horses are usually vvvv sane! Quietest 2 i've ever had were ex racers, one of which was an out and out plod but had been round cheltenham so had some gears, but they'd only change up if you asked nicely, and was the most genuine of snaffle mouthed horses! If only you were looking a while ago when i sold him and he'd have been perfect - now out hunter trailing/SJ with a vv light lady rider.
Presentings/Oscars/Milans will usually have a nice bit of bone.
Plenty out there happily popping round big tracks

Just had a quick scroll through horse quest for ex racers 16hh and up and there are a few there that would jump/dressage to the level you want for good money.

They are an acquired taste but once you have a good one you'll never want anything else.

Georgina Powell sells some nice horses. You will be able to find her on Facebook. Don't touch any dealers in Wickford..

lastqueen... I'm not adverse to an ex-racehorse, however, I have seen kids at PC turn up on one they have acquired, and its never gone well.

DS is 16 and whilst a competent rider ( and I'm now reduced to a happy hacker) not sure he and I have the experience to take on something that needs re-schooling.

I will have a look though at some ex-nh ones and see if there is anything that might match. Maybe something that's already had some re-schooling.

Try Irish competition horses. Brought 8 over the years. All unseen, all brilliant

I'd also say an ex racer. the thoroughbred rehabilitation centre have some ready now but you'd have to travel up north to see them. I think rspca or world horse welfare have an ex racer re homing project going on too. They will have been extensively retrained before being put up for re homing.

God no to young teen and ex racer, unless it only raced a few times and has been a number of years competing successfully in other disciplines. Racehorses and pony club rallies = kids being carted off as otherwise sweet and lovely racehorse thinks he is at the staring gate. Recipe for disaster. ISH all the way. What level rc/pc are you looking for? I know of a couple of horses in my area that are about £5k, but would only be suitable for be100. There are also less pricey hunters that have more scope for novice if your son can work on the flat work. Manners to burn, usually. I know what you mean - ive been looking for a novice/intermediate horse for me and all the sensibly priced ones are in Yorkshire! (I'm South Central). We ended up going to Leicestershire. And spending a lot more than £5k.

looking for something capable at be100 and possibly arena event at 1.05 . (we are doing Belnheim challenges on Friday at 1.05).

I prefer a capable jumper as I know we can sort flat, am at a mainly dressage yard and they have very good training. Budget is around the £5k mark

Have pm'd you.

My friend is selling a horse which sounds like it would suit you .. Let me know if you want details .

I'm in the South east too ..forgot to add that .

I didn't mean a straight from track ex racer! As a general rule you get a lot more for your money for a an ex racehorse /full tb. There are plenty on horse quest ATM who got what you are lookin for for not much ££.
I didn't mean to reschool!
I agree "acquired" ones aren't for everyone but those already reschooled and out and about are often much cheaper than the warm blood etc equivalent often for no better reason than full tbs aren't fashionable with show jumping crowds etc

Did you find something? I also agree that an older ex racer would offer excellent value for money and lots have done PC/RC to a good level. KS Equestrian on Dorset/Hants border gets some nice ones in if you are not into TBs; mostly decent level younger show jumpers but also the odd older been there done it type on sales livery. Her horses are quality and as she used to look after mine my opinion is that she is decent.