Price of a horse?

[Wonkey Donkey]

Yes :rolleyes:, I'm still doing my sums but it just leads me to more questions - sorry. :o
Anyway, I was told that between 3k and 4k is probably a good middle ground to pay for a horse but I couldn't afford that much really. Do you think that £2000 would be enough to get a decent cob type? I'd be looking for a bombproof gelding between 9 and 12 years at 15hh plus (that's the wish list anyway! :rolleyes:) I would obviously take someone experienced with me but there must be good horses out there for that price, surely?

What do you guys think?

[Julie.H]

I think you'll get one for that, im based in oldham and there seems to be few going for around that price. Their not gonna be really fancy, but would be good for hacking out. Keep looking, im sure you'll find one.:)

[penina]

depends what you want to do with the horse to be honest. if you want to hack, then i'd say definitely, if you want to do low level dressage/jumping etc. then quite possibly. if you wanted a super talented cob then it would probably cost more.

[acw295]

I doubt you would get bombproof for £2k - that is what every novice wants so the price will be higher. Just save for longer! I think for £2.5-£3k you'll be fine

[Gruntfuttock]

You might get bombproof - but almost certainly at significantly older than your preferred age. If you're not willing to compromise on any of those things (age, sex, calmness, etc) then you might have to up your budget a bit, or accept that you might have to look for a VERY long time to find the perfect horse. Its always useful to have a bit more money in your pocket anyway- it gives you a bit more flexibility in your spending.

[Wonkey Donkey]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your replies. All I would want to do is be a happy hacker really. Maybe if I got good enough I'd want to try a very small jump now and then but I certainly wouldn't be bothered if I didn't. Its more just for plodding out and about, trotting and the odd canter now and then. The only reason I've said 9 to 12 is that those were the parameters that were given to me as the best age - old enough to not be a baby anymore but not to have started going into what was classed to me as starting to step into the next age bracket if you know what I mean? Still plenty of life and good health (although I know that doesn't always follow). As for choosing a gelding - I had sort of picked up - don't know where from - that geldings are calmer, which all fits in to the bombproof thing. You hear comments like "not at all mare-ish" on some adverts?

But this is why I ask these questions on here - to learn :)

So in other words I'd based my wish list on the above and therefore its not set in stone.

What do you think of the above points?

[loopy1]

i personally like my geldings betterthan my mares, some people prefer mares...

personally i dont think you should be worrying about age so much

12 is no age, but i would keep an open mind to an older horse, they still have lots to offer! years of useful work (a 9 year old can come a cropper and have to be retired/pts dont forget, youth is no guarentee of soundness), usually been there, done it all, got the rug...
price may be lower also

one of my riding friends got a nice cob given to her for her daughter this year. was in poor condition but has turned out to be an amazing looking super sensible willing horse

[Kc..]

I also prefer a gelding to a mare, however i wouldn't rule out a mare.

As far as age i've had Nim 9years this month and i got him as a 16yo and this was a month ago...

http://newrider.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=44&pictureid=27676

And on a funride beginning of this year...
http://newrider.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=44&pictureid=29770

He's got plenty of life left in him and he's verging on 25 so please don't rule out an older horse. Older the calmer is usually the way anyway as far as bombproofness goes. Although Nimby doesn't realise he's 25 when it comes togoing for a gallop over a field!

[Wonkey Donkey]

Yes, I have to admit. Scouring the adverts, dribbling, I've seen some gorgeous looking horses around 14 or 15 years old. Just didn't want to do the newbie - I know best thing. Not really sure - when is a horse considered to old to be a sensible purchase (taking it that it looks and seems sound when examined). How old would you buy a horse at if it was healthy?

I really would like a boy :o Its always a boy when I think about owning a horse but realistically the most important thing would be for the horse to be safe and sensible so that, as my first horse, it would be a confidence giver. :)

[Wonkey Donkey]

Kc...

Nim is GORGEOUS!

[TEmily]

I think you should definitely get something for that price. On the points you raised above:

Any horse, as long as it has been properly backed, is capable of popping a small fence, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I think you might even be ok with something younger - cob types can be very level headed and even a 5/6yo might be sane enough for you. It wouldn't be very advanced in its schooling but that wouldn't matter anyway. This is an example - only 4 but sounds very sensible and straightforward (obviously you would need to view and try this)

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/4_yrs_15_2_hh_piebald_mountain_moorland_cheshire/58305

But I would agree don't go for much over 12, just because health probs are getting a bit more likely at that stage. Maybe up to 14?

Geldings do tend to be a bit more chilled its true but its a very blanket rule so don't rule mares out on this basis!

How about this? I reckon it might be sold by now but a good example of a nice horse around your price range
http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/9_yrs_15_2_hh_strawberry_roan_irish_x_cheshire/59394

[loopy1]

health probs are getting a bit more likely at that stage. Maybe up to 14?



in my experience this is nonsense!
any horse can be ill or injure itsself, especially youngsters,lol, and my 22 year old has got to that age without having ever having been ill

you might get more arthritic conditions, but you read about pretty young horses on here haiving arthritis too
or cushings disease, two freinds horses have this condition, one is 9 and one is 39, so go figure :)

[Wonkey Donkey]

Hi TEmily

The last chap looks lovely! When I was originally looking I was somewhat limited to the Kent area as the lady who was going to come with me owns a yard and is the only RI there so she was somewhat limited with time and obviously its good to see the horse more than once if possible. But I now have a share horse (no fixed contract, monthly rolling) and I'm sure my owner would be happy to travel to surrounding areas, so I guess that helps too! (starts getting hopes up :rolleyes:)

I would probably be able to find someone to help with transport but if this were to come about and I couldn't arrange in myself, are transport companies expensive? :confused:

[Soot]

This is an example - only 4 but sounds very sensible and straightforward (obviously you would need to view and try this)

Most 4 yo cobs are sensible and sane ... with an experienced rider.
With a year of developing hormones and novice riding they can become a right pain in the arse -- they do tend to mature late and I wouldn't see a cob as finished until it' about 7 or 8 years old.

For £2k you can find a horse, but it might not look anything like you imagine. Best thing is to start looking in your price range and visit a few horses. You might find what you want or you might realise that all the horses you want are in a different price bracket. Good luck!!

[Kc..]

How gorgeous is this guy, a little smaller than you said but i reckon he's pretty wide!

Patrick! (http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/10_yrs_14_1_hh_skewbald_dyfed/59269)

[Wonkey Donkey]

Yes! I was looking at him the other day although he is very handsome. I would def like something 15hh upwards. I'm short but fairly wide myself!

I def could not be classed as an experienced rider so would want to do all I could to find something calm and safe. However, I'm aware that horses are living things so you can never ber 1000% sure.

Just as an extra question - I know there was a thread on this somewhere but I cant find it - how do you secure the livery before you've got a horse?! Presumably it must come this way as you couldn't buy a horse and not know where you were going to put it. Do you find a stable and then pay the livery charge without a horse, until you find the horse to put in it? :confused: It could take months to find the right horse :eek:

[huskyfinn]

i got myself a good horse that was initially busted/bruised and broken for £850. ok it meant i couldn't guarantee riding him ever but i didn't care, turns out to have been the best money i've ever spent. even my OH agrees! :D

a friend of mine has just bought a nice sports horse for £1500, 12yrs old he's a bit scatty at times but he's settling into his new home and hadn't been ridden for 6 months.

another friend bought a 14yr old cob x irish draft for £1400, it's a mare but is safe although does have a few problems in the sense that it doesn't like to be caught and is a bit snappy in the stable when something walks past but it's a great mare to handle and ride.
so yes there are good horses out there to be had for £2000 but you will have to look hard and not rule out something that may be different to what you wish for!

[mikh]

I would think you'd struggle, bombproof is often what costs the most! but agree with suits advice look at about 10 within your budget then you will have a good idea of what you can get for your money!

[beating_hooves]

I think if you look hard enough you will be able to find the right horse.

I've found one, weirdly cheap though

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/8_yrs_15_1_hh_skewbald_essex/59505

[eventerbabe]

I think you might even be ok with something younger - cob types can be very level headed and even a 5/6yo might be sane enough for you. It wouldn't be very advanced in its schooling but that wouldn't matter anyway. This is an example - only 4 but sounds very sensible and straightforward (obviously you would need to view and try this)

http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/4_yrs_15_2_hh_piebald_mountain_moorland_cheshire/58305

But I would agree don't go for much over 12, just because health probs are getting a bit more likely at that stage. Maybe up to 14?

at age 5 and 6 a cob has yet to hit their tantrum years. I think that is the very worst age for a novice owner to consider buying! they change literally overnight and some, like mine, can spend a good few years being difficult teenagers. You will NOT necessarily get increased health problems in those over 12. My 16 year old is strong as an ox.

Everyone is wanting a bombproof cob gelding, you may find some advertised at 2k, but i very much doubt it would be 100% (but you never know i suppose..!).

[Wonkey Donkey]

Hello again everyone and thank you all for your advice. I suppose I've been a bit specific again with the cob thing. It would be much more accurate and true to say that I definately want a heavy horse of some kind - my ultimate dream would be a Shire :eek::rolleyes: I appreciate the beauty of, say, a TB but I want a big chunky bloke of a horse :D I simply thought I would be more likely to find a cob. I've searched for Shires and they are few and far between. How about something like an Irish Draught?

[Wonkey Donkey]

Just as an extra question - I know there was a thread on this somewhere but I cant find it - Do you secure the livery before you've got a horse?! Presumably you couldn't buy a horse and not know where you were going to put it. Do you find a stable and then pay the livery charge while you're finding the horse to put in it? :confused: It could take months to find the right horse :eek:

So is it the horse before the livery or the livery before the horse? :confused:

Any advice?

Thanks :)

[acw295]

Livery first, unless you are in an area where there are 100's of yards with spaces.

Draw up a shortlist of yards, even if they don't have current vacancies - then visit them all. Then get on waiting lists if necessary.

If you find one you are happy with, with a vacancy then it depends what the yard is like - some will take a deposit to hold stable until you need it, others (especially if they are popular) will need you to pay livery to kep the stable.

Nothing about horses is cheap! At least if you start paying livery you will be gettig used to what some of the costs are like ;)

So is it the horse before the livery or the livery before the horse? :confused:

Any advice?

Thanks :)

[TEmily]

'in my experience this is nonsense!
any horse can be ill or injure itsself, especially youngsters,lol, and my 22 year old has got to that age without having ever having been ill'

Most 4 yo cobs are sensible and sane ... with an experienced rider.
With a year of developing hormones and novice riding they can become a right pain in the arse -- they do tend to mature late and I wouldn't see a cob as finished until it' about 7 or 8 years old.

at age 5 and 6 a cob has yet to hit their tantrum years. I think that is the very worst age for a novice owner to consider buying! they change literally overnight and some, like mine, can spend a good few years being difficult teenagers. You will NOT necessarily get increased health problems in those over 12. My 16 year old is strong as an ox.

lol ok sorry guys i stand corrected! I guess you just get coloured by your experiences - I took on my first loan horse when I was 12, he was a 5yo IDX and the most bombproof sensible horse ever, he taught me so much. But he developed an arthiritic-type condition at around 13 (though I appreciate this is still quite young), and my current loan horse is 20yo, still pretty full of beans when something sets her off but I can see how she's started to slow up just a little over last year or so.

[So Green]

Hello again everyone and thank you all for your advice. I suppose I've been a bit specific again with the cob thing. It would be much more accurate and true to say that I definately want a heavy horse of some kind - my ultimate dream would be a Shire :eek::rolleyes: I appreciate the beauty of, say, a TB but I want a big chunky bloke of a horse :D I simply thought I would be more likely to find a cob. I've searched for Shires and they are few and far between. How about something like an Irish Draught?

Having gone through the process this year - I started off looking for a shire and was having so much difficulty finding one that I took Gypsy (irish cob) on loan and almost gave up on the idea of a shire, until I found Jack. I'm not sure I would have opted for an ID though, they are not very similar at all. The first pic is Gypsy and Jack, the second Jack and his field buddy Auckland, who is IDxTB

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3888363638_3097b972b8.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3849740186_3f3d1d21ba.jpg

I think you may have to travel quite a long way out of the south east to find a cob to suit your needs and budget, I'm afraid, and I would be surprised if you found a registered shire for that. However, if you do find one or a shire x, be aware that a standard loosebox isn't really going to be big enough - Jack has two looseboxes with partition removed, something some liveries may want to charge for!

[sjmcc]

sorry to be a kill joy but cobs are a bit pricey at the moment i paid a hell of a lot more than that for a green hacked n backed n no schooling done yet 5 year old show cob more n more people are buying cobs theyl do most things to a good leval and a cob can be very pushy n bossy if let be i know some very sharp cobs given a inch theyd take a mile and like eventerbabe said they can be real naughty at 5 n 6 my last girl was a dream till she turned 5 then the party tricks started n every time i got her out of 1 shed have another up her sleeve n that went on till she was around 8 but she was always sharp

[cariadbach10]

I may get shot down in flames here, but I wouldn't nessecarily always reccomend a cob as a good buy for a first time owner. Having been there myself with cob on loan with a view to buy as my first horse (she had to go back, with many tears on my part)I would say that very often they know their own strength and they know their own mind and when they come up against a 'novice' owner they test the boundaires a fair bit.
I found my dream first horse two years ago and he was the most unlikely first horse EVER- an arab ex racehorse! But he is an utter gentleman and has never once been bolshy, dominating or difficult. As a fairly nervous rider and handler myself I know that I couldn't handle a cob,physically or mentally.

[j123]

YES! You can get steady cobs for hacking at £2000. Someone near me got one from here. I was a bit wary of the site as they advertise very young horses as "bombproof" but my friend got a lovely cob from here. He was 5 years old but a star and he even jumps. He was about £2200 I think. If your near manchester - http://www.cobsnplods.co.uk/for_sale/index.php

ETA: This guy is £2750 and 15.1. He's five years old. GET HIM! I think if I could buy right now I'd take a look. :D http://www.cobsnplods.co.uk/for_sale/moreinfo.php?id=88

[womble1]

I think it should be perfectly possible to get what you want in that price range...you may have to look quite hard though. To give you an idea, I bought my first horse from the south-east as a 12 year old 6 years ago. I did pay £3750 for him but that included a saddle worth over £1k, a very expensive bridle and a wardrobe of about 6 rugs. He had perfect manners, fantastic temperament, a proven competition record (over 80 BD points) and really hasn't put a foot wrong in 6 years. He has been the first horse that several of my friends have ever ridden and when my very novice mum rode him he came back to walk as soon as she lost her balance in trot so she could get herself organised again. I don't want to jinx myself but at the moment he is also still going full-steam healthwise, although takes longer to work in now (at rising 19) as he can be a little stiff for a start under saddle (but not enough to stop him working at Medium level dressage with some Advanced Medium lateral work too). If I could, I'd clone him!

I realise I did buy him 6 years ago now, but there are definitely still bargains out there!

[scruffy]

I've just sold my IDx for just under £2000 he was everything you are looking for ridden wise but was extremely bolshy to handle, basically he would decide to charge off when led in hand if you didn't do groundwork with him every single day. The people at my yard were astonished that I had sold him so cheap (in their opinion) as they said people would pay £4k for a big safe horse and I didn't need to tell them his issues, but I was extremely honest as despite his faults I loved him and wanted him to go to the right home who were prepared to deal with his issues.

So I guess what I'm saying is that a horse that matches your description is out there but you may have to be prepared to put in the work on other issues and also a bit of a warning that you make sure you try him out in every single way you can to make sure the sellers are being truely honest.

Good luck :)

[Melting Moments]

Yes you can get one for that price, you can get decent horses for 1200.