prices of native ponies [Archive] - New Rider Message Board

SO1

28th Aug 2007, 10:37 AM

I am looking at buying a youngish pony for myself (small adult) and have always loved connemaras but the prices for them seem very high compared to the other large natives for example for nicely put together registered 5 old connie 14h I would be easily be looking at £4000 +

Yet registered section D's at the same age seem to go for about £2500 and New Forests around £3000. I know these are British mainland breeds so transport costs are less but wondered why the connies are so much more expensive - are they just less of them?

As for Dales and Highlands these seem to be rarely advertised but again seem more resonably priced.

bitsnpieces

28th Aug 2007, 11:30 AM

It has a lot to do with the popularity of certain breeds in certain spheres and their scope, a good connie or well bred D standing at around 14.2 can set you back £4000-£6000 easily as they will carry a larger rider round a testing showjumping/x-country course but still maintain a level (ish) head, be easy to feed (generalised statement I know) etc.

Newfie's are a little smaller and a little finer so have more constraints on rider height and type and are a little quiter so are more suited to those who are younger or want a quiter hack but that can still turn it's hoof to most things and is pretty brave and good to do etc.

Does that make sense? Hope it helps!!

SO1

28th Aug 2007, 12:15 PM

Yes I see, it's bascically percieved jumping ability, so NF not so scopey jumpers but calmer.

I am now going to start looking at some NF's as I think they are probably just as suitable for what I want to do and there are some that are 14.1 ish, personally don't think they are as pretty as the connies but then looks aren't everything. ;)

I also notice that in a mixed large breeds classes that the NF doen't seem to do so well as the others perhaps that's also why they are a bit cheaper.

Mehitabel

28th Aug 2007, 12:33 PM

new forests rule!

theyare more easily overlooked in mixed classes - they're often smaller, as you say, and not as eyecatching. however, a good forester can hold its own, btut i think that you often need a 9/10 forester to win a mixed class if the others are 7/10 - i think a 7/10 forester will normally be beaten by a 7/10 connie.

they are incredibly scopey jumpers though, and there are pretty ones around! but i agree there are more plain foresters than plain connies, so you have to look harder for the pretty foresters. theyr'e the well kept secret of the native breeds, but many people who have had one get hooked on them. i wouldn't have anything else now.

Bronya

28th Aug 2007, 02:32 PM

New Forests can be the most amazing jumping ponies. People seem to think only Connies always jump well and have a good temp. so pay for that.

eml

28th Aug 2007, 06:26 PM

Both Welsh and Connies are better liked in showing circles, as Mehitabel said New Forests are often overlooked in mixed classes and breed classes are few and far between outside the South

It depends why you want a native, I often buy unpapered but of known breeding because I want the look and temperament but don't want to show or breed. My own horses are always by a Welsh D sire but the mares have varied from a small hannovarian to an unknown breeding mare of 'welsh type' who had performed well. I have several Connie types in the RS all with the trademark charecter and ability but without papers.

Horselover73

28th Aug 2007, 07:55 PM

Section D's are just as good as connies. The native are all evenly matched. If you are that interested in natives but concerned about prices look at all breeds in your budget then see a variety. Remeber its not the breed its the temperment. They can be the perfect breed (conformation) but if they do not have the temperment to match then you won't enjoy the experience and having fun with your horse is the main things.

DizzyBlonde2007

29th Aug 2007, 08:11 AM

I love Natives and i think most of them are really easy to care for. I used to have a fell pony and he was such a little sweet heart. Whatever you asked him to do he would try his heart out for you. Fells are really good doers and they can do everything billz could jump up to 4ft in a chase me charlie. Natives can be a bit pricey but they are really worth it.

I found that when i was looking for billz i went to see a lot of connies and they were all horrible. (just my opinion)

Dizzy x

bitsnpieces

29th Aug 2007, 11:13 AM

you're kinda down the right lines - i wouldn't say it's on shear jumping ability but a strange cross between firey/level headedness if you see what I mean as the same scope applies for all the disciplines and while the smaller natives can hold their own really well Ds and Connies tend to have a fire button that is a little more readily available than the other breeds. Again I know this is a generalised statement so doesn't apply for all

SO1

29th Aug 2007, 12:18 PM

I think Section D's are too fiery for me - saw them thundering along at the Windor Horse show and currently riding one for a friend :)

Am now thinking NF might be the native pony for me - would be nice to do some Mountain and Moorland classes - these seem to be the only classes that do not discriminate against adult pony riders!

Going to see a NF on Sunday so fingers crossed!

Mehitabel

29th Aug 2007, 12:43 PM

i ride for a new forest stud, so am obviously biased - but i wouldn't have another breed now.

Gill

29th Aug 2007, 12:44 PM

A good pony in any Native breed is worth having. I love Highlands but they are not all easy or quiet. Now I have a Welsh D too who is the sweetest kindest mare, not fiery at all.
Some Foresters look beautiful if they are really typey but I see a lot of nonedescript ones. I expect the NE is not a good place to find them.

I watched a mixed M&M class last week which contained some good Fells, Highlands and a nice Welsh. It was won by a weedy connie? But then the judge was about 90 and said herself that she doesn't see as well as she used to!
I hope you find a good one whatever the breed.

Siogfinsceal

29th Aug 2007, 12:45 PM

Hi,
It can depend a lot too on whether or not you are looking for papers for a purebred. I live in Ireland and there are a lot of ponies that look and move like connemaras because they are either pure or part bred they just dont have an official connemara pony passport and breeding papers.

The ones with all the paper work will cost more. really depends on what you want to do with them. If you want to do showing then you will need pony with papers.

In the RS, Nora is a full connemara with papers, siog is connemara X TB and yet a few of the others are probably connemara too we just dont know their breeding to tell.

shandy84

29th Aug 2007, 12:54 PM

Mehitabel

29th Aug 2007, 01:00 PM

however any grey horse that really shines up around here is placed because everyone knows how hard it is to clean them up.

right, i'm packing my bags and moving in! :D

shandy84

29th Aug 2007, 01:29 PM

You are more than welcome, at least to kick some connie butt!!

I'm glad my friends one is now in the veteran classes or we wouldn't have a hope! :rolleyes:

SO1

29th Aug 2007, 02:26 PM

The majority of the connies advertised at moment seem to be superstars whizzing round prenovice event courses BSJA etc and £7,000 etc.

There don't seem to be many that arent mega sucessful and I don't need something so high powered! There don't seem to be less sucessful ones for sale in the same way as there are for other natives.

shandy84

29th Aug 2007, 02:32 PM

The ones I know are very hot and need the work to keep them sane don't know if that is true of the breed but definatly could explain why you don't hear of the unsuccessful ones ;)

laceyfreckle

30th Aug 2007, 07:22 AM

Bramble came third to two connies in her one and only show, I was told she was a very striking new forest but at three just didn't have the body to compare (very kind judge) however any grey horse that really shines up around here is placed because everyone knows how hard it is to clean them up.

Personally I adore Bramble for her workability, there is just nothing she won't try for you. Welshies and me, they are another matter, I have not found a purebred one I can get on with yet ;)

with a grey connie x and a grey welsh sec B i should be ok then?!! lol. saying that my NF x always looks dirtier and he's bay! out of my three i would say the connie is the quietest, then the new forest, then the sec B and the sec B filly is a typical flighty chestnut mare :) I never liked connies much and i do think my connie x although looks like a pure connie is actually quite plain looking. btw he is on loan as i wouldn't have been able to afford one like him, safe, sane, sensible, very very capable jumper.

laceyfreckle

30th Aug 2007, 07:34 AM

The ones I know are very hot and need the work to keep them sane don't know if that is true of the breed but definatly could explain why you don't hear of the unsuccessful ones ;)

my connie x isn't hot at all. i know he's a cross but looks/acts like a connie (think his cross is arab so hardly the mildest cross) he's happy on being ridden sometimes as little as twice a week to five times a week. and happy to hack walk and trot round the roads in the village mainly. he is a talented jumper and loves it but i don't jump him that much although his real owner was jumping him over 3ft courses with ease. He's only 11 but acts older and is on permanent loan. and is now going bsja with her new horse.

by the way i know his headcollar is down a little low and it was adjusted after the rather impromtu pics;):D

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t40/laceyfreckle/EBAY725.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t40/laceyfreckle/EBAY724.jpg

SO1

30th Aug 2007, 08:36 AM

laceyfreckle that pony looks and sounds gorgeous, you're so lucky

laceyfreckle

30th Aug 2007, 12:14 PM

also there's a nice connie that's been used in a riding school...think it said he was 11 advertised in horsedeals at the moment. i think it said he was about £1200 not sure where he was though

laceyfreckle

30th Aug 2007, 12:17 PM

http://www.horsedeals.co.uk/horsedetails.aspx?horseid=30184

there you go

SO1

30th Aug 2007, 12:22 PM

http://www.horsedeals.co.uk/horsedetails.aspx?horseid=30184

there you go

Just googled the number and its lincolnshire so bit far and slightly suspicious when they say overstocked....why would a riding school want to sell a good pony like that for such a reasonable price esp if it is registered.

laceyfreckle

30th Aug 2007, 12:28 PM

Just googled the number and its lincolnshire so bit far and slightly suspicious when they say overstocked....why would a riding school want to sell a good pony like that for such a reasonable price esp if it is registered.

yes, i didn't know where you were, it's miles from me too. i wouldn't neccesarily overlook cheaper horses though, sometimes it can be just because people can't be bothered anymore. my welsh sec B 19yr old mare only cost me £400 with tack last year and although she's not perfect she is totally safe and to me - beautiful (and she's registered with very good lines) also i never in a million years thought anyone would permanent loan out a pony as super safe and talented as the connie x i have on loan. A fit competing competition pony will never be cheap but there are lots of nice horses about both cheap and expensive. (also i know i'm tight lol)

laceyfreckle

30th Aug 2007, 12:30 PM

although one thing i would say from re-reading the ad is that he probably doesn't hack alone easily as they have put he 'hacks out in company'. never mind. on with the search, and good luck:D

SO1

30th Aug 2007, 12:55 PM

Thanks

Am off to see a registered new forest on Sunday so very excited. He's on the NF section of horsequest 4th one down - lovelyhill home touch.

Mehitabel

30th Aug 2007, 12:57 PM

i think i know his owner on another forum - if it's the same one i am thinking of he is a super pony.

Mehitabel

30th Aug 2007, 01:01 PM

just checked - it is the same pony. lovely chap, and sired the 2yo who belongs to another friend of mine, before he was snipped.

laceyfreckle

30th Aug 2007, 01:05 PM

Thanks

Am off to see a registered new forest on Sunday so very excited. He's on the NF section of horsequest 4th one down - lovelyhill home touch.

he looks lovely....good luck :D

SO1

30th Aug 2007, 01:09 PM

just checked - it is the same pony. lovely chap, and sired the 2yo who belongs to another friend of mine, before he was snipped.

Now I am even more excited :D esp if there is a NR recommendation, have been looking for a while and had a disappointment recently with a negative vetting for another young NF and whilst a lovely friend is letting me ride her section D as much as I want it not quite the same as having your own. I actually miss the stable management side :D

Mehitabel

30th Aug 2007, 01:11 PM

i don't know him well myself, but i know his breeders, and his owner online, and i've heard his name a lot over the last few years - all with good associations! best of luck, i hope he is the one for you.

SO1

30th Aug 2007, 01:16 PM

I hope so too, as have seen so many ponies and with the failed vetting was beginning to get dispondent, even though my friends kept telling me there was a pony out there in a field waiting for me to come along.

The main thing is you have not heard anything bad, so fingers crossed we will get on.

bitsnpieces

31st Aug 2007, 06:25 AM

Good luck with viewing him - keep us updated!

I think with regard to connies being fiery and to an extent the Ds as well it's the way people have them, because they have that "ignition" button if someone wants them to get round a jump-off or a hunting field etc etc then that button is always on but with gentle handling the off button is nearly always easy to find. Also depends on how they are bred.

If you want to see fire go to your local county show and watch the D stallion classes.....droooool.......soz, must remind myself to to drool too near the PC! :o

notpoodle

31st Aug 2007, 11:40 AM

@ SO1: as i said, he sounds lovely :) *and* if mehitabel knows his breeders ... she is very trustworthy and has even ridden angel once :D

Julia
x

Afellpony

31st Aug 2007, 03:21 PM

The larger ones are very expenisve as they can carry any member of the family. I've had natives for years now but before that (when I lived in London) had a Hanovarian x Tb mare. However, I would never have anything other than a native now. I had Exmoors before I bought my Fell a few years ago. A couple of my Exmoors were foals when I got them but the rest were adult. I find especially with the older natives if they've not been broken as youngsters, (my Fell was unbroken until he was rising 4) they are very wary and a bit wild. Now he's one of the best ponies I've ever had, or ever likely to have. I've got problems with my legs and in order to get off, I have to lean forward, put my arms round his neck and just slide off down his shoulder He stands so still until I'm off, then he looks round. It's a native every time for me. I wouldn't have anything else now.

SO1

31st Aug 2007, 04:02 PM

The larger ones are very expenisve as they can carry any member of the family.

Certainly are, just saw a handsome connie on horsemart its only 4 and has just done pole work and is already over £5000!

SO1

3rd Sep 2007, 09:19 AM

Ok here's how the viewing went.

The pony was in the stable when I got there he was a little tired as he had only come back from pony club camp the day before where he had been schooled for 4 hours a day.

He was very friendly and when I said hallo he nuzzled me to say hallo back. He had a couple of big stretches and then woke up a bit. He looked smaller than 14.1 which is the same height as the welsh D I am currently ridding but it might just have been that he is less chunky and does not have such as high head carriage as section D's. They said they had measured him though - not that it would be too much of an issue if he measures under as I am only 5.2ft and light so dont look silly on him - it would just be a price issue as under 14h tend to be cheaper ;)

The owner tacked him up and then we went down to the field where he lives and his owner rode him and then I got on. He was very calm but quite green and on the forhand, getting him to canter was slightly tricky as he tended to try and rush into trot so had to rebalance him before asking again but we managed in the end and its always trickier riding in a field than in the school, especially as he lives in the field as well. He was not as forward going as I would normally like as I had to use a bit of leg to keep him in canter but no whip and it might just be cos he is a baby and would improve with time and practice :)

His owner then popped him over a few jumps and then I got on and jumped a cross pole and then a small up right. He was a very calm jumper, didnt rush into the fence at all.

We then hacked out on a busy road and even went past a bouncy castle and he did not batt an eyelid.

We washed him off and then they let him loose on this grassy area outside the field - no fences :eek: while putting the tack away. Despite their being lots of juicy grass he did not mind being caught again and taken back to his normal field.

He was amazingly calm for a 5 year old, almost suspiciously so but then I guess some ponies just are chilled out without the need of sedatives.

He was ridden in a martingale and flash which I would take off immediately as I didnt think he needed them. They also said they jump him in a gag as he has some issues turning and can be strong but I jumped him in snaffle and he was fine so I think it is just subjective and sometimes with children ridding people like to be careful so bit and gadget up more than is always necessary.

I liked him very much but my concern was that he was almost too quiet and easy for me which is a bit daft really. So hopefully me and notpoddle will go back and see him next weekend, he might be more lively after a rest and take it from there. I did like him very much, he has a such a sweet temperment and I think there probably is enough work to do on him to keep me challenged.

shandy84

3rd Sep 2007, 09:45 AM

I have a 5yr old new forest who sounds identical, she has never been silly, but when fit will have a lot of go in her but controlable get up and go. He sounds lovely definatly worth another look ;)

Mehitabel

3rd Sep 2007, 09:58 AM

they are generally quiet and unflappable - especially those who've lived or run out on the forest, which i think he has.

and as you say, after a hard week it's not surproising he didn't have an awful lot of petrol left in the tank!

SO1

3rd Sep 2007, 10:16 AM

I did like him alot so fingers crossed he is a good boy when I go back and it's reassuring that his quietness is probably his breed and not cos he is doped! (Becoming very cynical after hearing so many tales of doping in the horse purchasing world :(

Mehitabel

3rd Sep 2007, 10:17 AM

knowing foresters and his bloodlines, i'd be very doubtful he is doped. you can always have bloods taken at the vetting though.

shandy84

3rd Sep 2007, 10:24 AM

It is always best to check :) but Bramble as a three year old was no different to how she is as a five year old.

For example I moved her away from her long term companions and her home to a strange yard with everything different, she unloaded and went straight to sleep :rolleyes: she has not been fizzy or upset at all with any of it, she has a very solid temperament without being a sluggish lazy ride :) hope it all works out with him.

SO1

3rd Sep 2007, 10:36 AM

I am new to New Forests - don't know much about them - used to welsh D's and Connies - the people seemed really honest but he was super quiet but not a slug and it seemed so unusual compared to other ponies I know and have had and he's only a baby - and being the cynic I am am - couldn't believe he could be so good.:D

There has to be something wrong with him - perhaps he has only three legs or a missing ear, but I didnt notice ;)

Mehitabel

3rd Sep 2007, 10:43 AM

no, that's foresters for you! petal is not a quiet example of the breed - she was bred to perform and she is a bit of a sensitive idiot compared to most of ours - but a couple of years ago she had 4 months in on boxrest for lameness, and to see if she was sound i hopped on bareback in a headcollar (her saddle didn't fit and i didn't want her backing off it - wanted to see if she was sound) and trotted up a road. when she came sound finally i rode her bareback for 2 months until she built up the muscle to fit her saddle again, we were doing hour-long hacks in all paces by that stage, and she saved her excited leaping for the first ride with a saddle!

they're just sensible, pleasant ponies, as a rule. like any native they have a fair bit of cheek, but handled correctly and not allowed to get away with murder they are stalwart and trustworthy, as a rule.

bitsnpieces

4th Sep 2007, 06:24 AM

Newfies are quite typically unflappable so I wouldn't worry about doping, 5 stage vettings have bloods taken that are held and can be analysed upon a query over the sale. He will be a bit wobbly if he's only 5 but patience and schooling will cure that

SO1

4th Sep 2007, 08:35 AM

its all very exciting and good to hear the NF as just naturally chilled:D I am going back on Sat hopefully with notpoddle and fingers crossed he will be as good as he was on Sun.

SO1

8th Sep 2007, 07:26 PM

got back from the 2nd viewing and it went well.

unfortunately notpoddle couldn't make it so I am having to rely on my own judgement.:eek:

Went on a little hack and cantered in a field and he was an angel, came back and popped over a cross pole and small upright without any problems.

The only issue is that it is quite hard to get canter on the flat he managed to jump perfectly in trot but was reluctant to canter. He is fine on a hack.

I think it more that he is a baby and I am used to riding very forward going horses so not asking strongly enough. So it would be more me having to adjust my riding and working more with him on the flat so he is more responsive to the leg. I could also up his feed a bit to get more whizz.

He has the most amazing laid back temperment and is so friendly which was wonderful.

My ideal pony would be more forward going but there is so much I loved about him I think I am willing to forfit that, knowing that my ideal pony would probably cost £8000 and that I don't really need a connie who can jump BE courses when I am unlikely to want to jump more than 2.9! :D

SO1

9th Sep 2007, 08:20 PM

I have made offer on the NF which has been accepted subject to vetting. So fingers crossed nothing serious will come up. I went for temperment over performance as for the level of riding I want to do, its does not matter if he is not the fastest pony in the world and I can work on the canter but its harder to change the temperment, and as I am going to be on assisted diy then other people will need to handle him eg turn him out etc.

Just deciding which vet to use - unfortunately owner is already using the best local vet I know its naughty & should use different vet but I want the best vet to look at him so its a bit of a dilema.

Joyscarer

9th Sep 2007, 08:32 PM

I hope things turn out well for you :)

Jessica23

9th Sep 2007, 09:04 PM

My old boy Charlie is a lovely connemara who was registered as a foal but has no papers as an adult (i think??). He's well bred, by the Guinness Family, and would probably have done very well in the show ring.

I paid £1800 for him, over ten years ago as a 3 year old just imported from Ireland. He couldnt go in a circle (when i mentioned this to the dealer he just said "why on earth do you want to ride in circles?" - fair point!!!) but would jump whatever you pointed him at. When Charlie was jumping and winning well he were offered stupid amounts of money for him. This was probably helped by the fact he was a purebred connemara! But also, i think just because they have such a great natural jumping ability it makes them very desirable. They are very agile, Charlie could run rings round most other horses!! And they're very quick across the ground and in the air which makes them good showjumping horses. They also tend to jump anything they're pointed at and have lovely paces for dressage.. Perfect horse in my very biased opinion!

They do seem to be very much in fashion at the moment though, and some of the horses advertised for sale as "unregistered connemara" look nothing like a connemara to me so i think a lot of it is to try to push the price up of a horse by selling it as a desirable breed when its probably nothing like!!

bitsnpieces

10th Sep 2007, 06:34 AM

Mehitabel

10th Sep 2007, 08:05 AM

congratulations! as you say - you can work on the schooling, and once he is fit he may well get more sparky. i hope he passes the vet and you have many happy years together.

SO1

10th Sep 2007, 08:20 AM

So pleased for you! If he's a baby you ought to have lessons with a good instructor anyway so that will help with the canter, it taks quite alot of balance for them get into canter nicely so that will come with age

Yes plan to have lots of lessons - am lucky as will be based at a riding school with large indoor school and whilst I have been between horses have joined a group lesson on Thursday evenings with a really good freelance instructor so am aiming to continue riding in the group lesson with new pony perhaps once every three weeks.

Trying not to get too excited as things can still go wrong with the vetting :eek:

shandy84

10th Sep 2007, 08:45 AM

SO1 just wanted to say a big GOOD LUCK :)

Also Bramble is exactly the same with her jumping, it is just a greenness thing and something a good instructor should be able to work through with you.

SO1

10th Sep 2007, 02:01 PM

vetting booked for friday morning - so will have to wait all week to find out if he passes.

Owner is going to call me to sort out final details tonight - all a bit scary.

Afellpony

10th Sep 2007, 03:54 PM

Falcon was bred as a performance pony. I'm sure he'd do anything I asked him to do (which at the moment isn't much). He'd probably make a good mount for a disabled rider, seeing the way he is with me when I have to dismount.

Afellpony

10th Sep 2007, 03:56 PM

Wishing you and your pony all the best for the vetting. Hope he passes.

Libbyo

14th Sep 2007, 09:09 AM

vetting booked for friday morning - so will have to wait all week to find out if he passes.

Owner is going to call me to sort out final details tonight - all a bit scary.

Well todays the day.

Good luck.

SO1

14th Sep 2007, 09:16 AM

He's being vetted now - I am not there but at work so should hear back from the vet in a couple of hours. He said he would call me if he found anything worrying during stage 1 & 2 but if not proceed through to 5.

I am not there am at work. Partly as I didnt want to take a day off work as we are quite busy and want to save as much holiday as possible for when he arrives and also trust the vet. If the vetting does bring up some queries felt it would be easier to make an inpartial decision if Homey was not looking me in the eye and being all sweet!