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Opinions? Should I buy this horse?

16K views 124 replies 35 participants last post by  upnover 
#1 ·
Hello!

I'm hoping to get some help and feedback on a horse than I'm leaning towards purchasing.

I am an intermediate rider schooling currently at 3'. I've been riding since I was a child but took about 10 years off for college and career. I've been back at it for about a year and a half now. I haven't shown as an adult but want to start once I'm ready and find the right partner! I'm doing basic dressage and work over fences in my lessons. I'd like to eventually do both hunter and jumper classes.

I've been contemplating moving to a different trainer (thus I've gone out horse shopping on my own with input from horse friends through pictures and videos.) But this guy I'm checking out is a big purchase and I'd like as much input as I could get.

The horse is 16.1h 6 yr old gray TB. He raced twice and the owners said he wanted to look at butterflies instead of run fast and that's when she bought him. She has had him for two and half years and done all of his training. His sale ad says, "He is a promising young sport horse with exemplary movement and textbook form over fences. He excels in his work and is eager to perform everyday. No vices. No spook, bolt, rear, buck. This horse will finish to be a top contender in the equitation ring, hunter ring, derby ring or jumper ring. Super fancy enough for the professional and easy enough for the adult/childrens ring."





I have ridden him once and he was perfect. He's a really pretty mover, listened really well, engaged, good attitude, etc. I'm a little concerned that he's behind the bit too often, though. We rode in a rubber bit, which I thought was pretty unconventional. We jumped about 3' and he was pretty skittish with the jumps. He jumps about 10 feet high over each jump no matter how high it is. I'm hoping he just needs more miles over fences? The owner had me show him the jumps before we went over. He did go over each time but only got comfortable after we'd been over it a few times. I'm not at all concerned that he needs more education, I'm concerned that he's priced in the $30k's and still needs work over fences. Is this typical for nicer horses? He's within my budget but the other horses I have looked at in that price range were more comfortable over fences.

The owners are the nicest people and I would be doing a lease to purchase at their barn. There is one large thing that concerns me though - the horse had a fractured splint bone and had surgery to remove it about a year ago. The owner has offered that I talk to her vet. The vet said it was textbook and that the horse should have no problems going forward.

I REALLY appreciate any advice you guys can give! Thank you!
 
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#34 ·
Oh and by the way, I have went through the same thing practically. My first horse Lottie who was about to turn 3 was for sale for $14,500. My parents could barely afford half of that. Lottie was bred to be a champion western halter horse. The owners and the trainer said she would be worth $30,000 but for some reason she couldn't jog. Well anyways I went home heartbroken, because we couldn't afford her. My parents told them that we could only afford $7000. Less then 3 weeks later the lady called us and said she will take 7000. I couldn't believe it. but it happened! Everyone was so concerned that she was bred to be an amazing western and halter horse and couldn't jog, so nobody bought her because she couldn't jog. When I got her home, I got a chiropractor to look at her, and after 2 times of seeing him, he fixed her all up. She was able to jog after a month of having her. She was broke really hard way too young. She was practically fully trained by the time I had her, but like I said she couldn't jog. And she turned 3 shortly after I got her. The chiropractor saved her. I did English and western and everything imaginable on her. So maybe they will accept a lower offer. Maybe not immediately but maybe in a few weeks.
 
#35 ·
I don't know if its how he's standing or if its the photo but he looks sort of droopy on his backend and either uneven along is sacroiliac region - or lacking muscle there. I've attached a pic to show where I mean, it often seen in horses that have had racing or jumping injuries from falls
If you really like the horse then you can always take the risk and walk away saying (politely) that its a more money that you feel inclined to spend and see what happens. I don't think anyone's going to pay as much as they want for it and if they need cash in the bank they'll likely come back to you
I totally forgot about Jazzy after we saw her the first time because I didn't think I needed a horse that big or for the money they wanted but she turned up again when we wanted something for my husband and her price had gone down by a massive amount so here she is.
I'm not sure if you've looked at this site - but you can do an advanced search just for your area, I think there are better horses on there for the $30K
Warmblood Sales Home Page
 

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#36 ·
I don't know if its how he's standing or if its the photo but he looks sort of droopy on his backend and either uneven along is sacroiliac region - or lacking muscle there. I've attached a pic to show where I mean, it often seen in horses that have had racing or jumping injuries from falls
If you really like the horse then you can always take the risk and walk away saying (politely) that its a more money that you feel inclined to spend and see what happens. I don't think anyone's going to pay as much as they want for it and if they need cash in the bank they'll likely come back to you
I totally forgot about Jazzy after we saw her the first time because I didn't think I needed a horse that big or for the money they wanted but she turned up again when we wanted something for my husband and her price had gone down by a massive amount so here she is.
I'm not sure if you've looked at this site - but you can do an advanced search just for your area, I think there are better horses on there for the $30K
Warmblood Sales Home Page
Thanks for pointing that out - in some pictures I see what you mean and others I'm not sure. I'm going to ride him again and will take a close look in person. Thanks for sharing that site - I will definitely take a look!
 
#38 ·
I watched the video several times. I know what a good jumper looks like, but not one that is unfinished. Do horses look down that much while jumping? Dressage wise, he has a nice trot and is a pretty horse. But his near straight shoulder may limit his reach and level you hope to succeed to.

He is drop dead gorgeous. On looks it would be nagging at me to buy him. But, for that amount of money, it seems like you are looking for a horse you can go far with. I would really question myself as to the goals I want to reach with this horse, and whether he can reach them.
 
#39 ·
I can't imagine paying that much for an OTTB that isn't finished. These horses rarely cost much more than $1k when they come off the track. He's pretty, but I see pretty OTTBs available for adoption all the time for $1k-$3k with light restarting. If you're going to get something green, why not get one from someplace like New Vocations and have him professionally trained? IMO, I wouldn't pay much more than $5k for this guy unless he has a show record we don't know about.
 
#41 ·
OP-I also think this guy is WAY overpriced. IMO, the owner is banking on someone falling in love (like you have) with his looks. But, if you want to try and negotiate-go for it. Personally, I would be totally honest with her, matter of fact, and I personally don't think she needs to know WHAT your budget is…since her first question could well be-"If your budget is $20K, why are you looking at a $30K horse?" I would simply tell her that I love the horse, his look, his demeanor, etc, but am concerned about…….overjumping, being "looky", green, hesitant, etc…as well as the splint if you want. I would just make her ware that you have done your research, now how long he has been for sale, know how much OTTB's go for off the track, etc. Personally-I would walk. For $30K, he should be finished, possibly already shown and have something to show for it. It also irks me somewhat that she calls him a "sport horse" in an effort to use a catch phrase to attract higher dollar buyers. He is still an OTTB. That is like me calling my mutt a "designer dog", which some do, and saying he is worth thousands….also which some do. :)
 
#42 ·
I think you're judging his price way too much on your discipline and area, prices can vary greatly. You have to think that the horse market is different in different areas. This horse would easily go for 20k in my area. OTTBs straight off the track with horrible conformation around me go for 5k, so I don't think you can just say the horse is way overpriced. Sure he is overpriced but I'd say by only about 10k. I think the OP is in a similar horse market as mine.
 
#43 ·
You can find and buy overpriced horses wherever you go - it doesn't mean that they're worth that much. If you look on the Warmbloods site $9200 will get you an Arabian x Trakhener in AL that's already competing & jumping and doing dressage tests really nicely
'Flashfire' at Warmblood-Sales.com

$8,800 will get you an Oldenburg mare in AL that's also competing and going well - 11 years old but still a lot of mileage at that age
'Dulaney' at Warmblood-Sales.com
And if you want to splash out for money on a younger horse $35K will get you this confident looking jumper in Georgia that's already proven himself in the ring
'EWSZ Cobalt' at Warmblood-Sales.com
Or $15K for a TB that looks just as capable
'Watch Me Know' at Warmblood-Sales.com

Prices are all over the place right now depending on how desperate people are to sell - but for $30k you should be looking at a horse that's already showing talent and I don't think the grey - pretty as he might be - really is
 
#53 ·
You can find and buy overpriced horses wherever you go - it doesn't mean that they're worth that much. If you look on the Warmbloods site $9200 will get you an Arabian x Trakhener in AL that's already competing & jumping and doing dressage tests really nicely
'Flashfire' at Warmblood-Sales.com

$8,800 will get you an Oldenburg mare in AL that's also competing and going well - 11 years old but still a lot of mileage at that age
'Dulaney' at Warmblood-Sales.com
And if you want to splash out for money on a younger horse $35K will get you this confident looking jumper in Georgia that's already proven himself in the ring
'EWSZ Cobalt' at Warmblood-Sales.com
Or $15K for a TB that looks just as capable
'Watch Me Know' at Warmblood-Sales.com

Prices are all over the place right now depending on how desperate people are to sell - but for $30k you should be looking at a horse that's already showing talent and I don't think the grey - pretty as he might be - really is
Thanks! I'll take a look a these guys. The one in Georgia is a great comparison.
 
#45 ·
I don't think that she said that he was green and not trained. she said he is a good mover, listened well, good attitude, and engaged. she actually said her ride went perfect, except that he is skittish with the jumps and then over jumps the jumps but then calms down after few times of jumping. So I agree with Sully, that he would be worth more then what you guys are saying. He worth way more then an OTTB that is right off the track. I don't see how you can say they are worth the same amount.
 
#47 ·
The horse might have ridden well but when you're wanting to pay $30k for a potential show jumper then it has to at least look like its going to enjoy the job and a horse that's skittish and over jumps like that one would give me concern because those things say to me that's its not got the natural confidence it takes to be a successful jumper
I might take a risk on it for $10K but no more
This is what you'd typically expect to pay for an OTTB that's been reschooled, showing potential and ready for an experienced rider to take on to the next level
http://www.equine.com/horses-for-sale/horse-ad-3164007.html
Thoroughbred Gelding for Sale | Buy this Horse at Equine.com
Talented Young Jumper Prospect | Buy this Horse at Equine.com
 
#48 ·
Around here he'd probably go somewhere between 7-10k. We have a pretty good amount of OTTBs here too, but we also have a high English population... My friend just bought an imported Warmblood that was already showing and was only 5 for 12k. But I guess around here there are so many unwanted horses that the prices are extremley low.
 
#50 ·
I love the chestnut TB that you posted last. His photos make him look like a more proficient dressage horse and a better jumper for $10k less. Wish I had $20k and a spare spot in the barn and I'd take him home in a heartbeat.
 
#51 ·
I get a kick out of ads that speak of potential like it was a given. I suppose many more "potential to reach the top" would get there if someone had a bottomless wallet and access to the best trainers. You need to concern yourself with where the horse is at now and decide how much your are willing to spend. In my area, with that training he'd fetch maybe $2000 tops.
 
#52 ·
I want to say, firstly, that I think he is just gorgeous. I like his big jump and, at 6, it's really not surprising that he's still a little nervous over fences.

That said, I think he is quite overpriced. In CO horses (that I have seen) are pretty pricy.
Warmbloods are definitely more popular here than TBs, and the price reflects it. Here, I'd expect him to go for around 5-6k. It looks like he still needs quite a bit of work for that price tag.
 
#55 ·
You should always look at everything you can - obviously don't waste people's time if the horse looks to be a total No No - but if it sounds and looks hopeful then go and see it. When you get there if its not what you were hoping for then thank them for their time and walk away. I won't bother riding a horse myself if it doesn't look like its going to do the job I want it for.
The unbroken or untrained jumping horses that make the big money in Europe are almost always shown loose jumping so you can see how bold and scopey they are. They show them off at the Auction sales like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyJxwHL33n8
 
#56 ·
If you are a jumper, you probably know who Emile Hedrix is. Very fantastic (former) rider and (current) trainer of amazing Grand Prix horses.

This is what he says about buying a horse:

"Don't ever talk yourself into a horse. And don't buy problems. You'll get enough problems after you own the horse."

I would think for $30K he would be completely finished and already showing with a good record. He obviously has a few issues with greenness (and maybe soundness). You will love many horses when you look! Buy the one that has the best match to your goals. If he is skittish and not confident, there is one out there that is with a good record for the same price or less. I would keep searching.

This is just my opinion.

He is pretty, but ... well, there are other pretty horses.
 
#61 ·
I agree with this completely. $30K is a high for this horse since he does not have a show record. And yes, I just contradicted myself from a previous post when I said there are young horses sell for $30K. But those horses are bred for sport and have impeccable pedigrees.
 
#65 ·
Updownrider, totally agree. While this horse isn't worth $30k (yet), some of the suggestions here have been a bit .. yeah, I'll say it - ridiculous. Some TBs are $500 horses. Some. Others are worth more; this is not a $500 horse. TBs used to dominate the h/j world. It is not unreasonable to expect to spend $30k++++ on a (young) prospect when your goal is to show the big times. To get something winning the higher levels, or at least being competitive, you're looking at at least high 5 figures.
For $30k, I could expect to get something mid-level, ish. Of course you will have your statistical outliers on either side (such as the $85 Olympic horse) but generally speaking, I mean.
 
#66 ·
I haven't made any decisions yet!! I'm going to ride him again this weekend and take some video of me riding him - I'll post so you guys can see.

I also said to her I wasn't prepared to pay what she's asking considering he's still green and she said it's negotiable to the "right home"...I've ridden a handful of other horses in my area with similar training and priced in the $15-20k range and I keep going back to him for some reason; he's easier and more fluid to ride and we seem to communicate better than what I'm experiencing others. The others, while still green were also kind of all over the place and some I didn't even feel safe on. He was much different. I'm interested to see how I look on him. I'll keep you all posted!!
 
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