Horse prices.... wow wheee: Re: A good all around horse

» pcelley - Re: A good all around horse

In response to message posted by whirlybird:

I believe you can still get a good "all-round" horse for around $1000 - $2500. Sometimes if you are very patient and lucky you can do better. Always beware of the "sounds too good to be true" deals. They always are The key is to be patient. We often want to go out and buy a horse as quickly and easily as we go to shop at the grocery store or clothing store. Give yourself several months to a year to find the perfect horse at a reasonable price.

Don't skimp on the training level if you do not have time and/or expertise to deal with a young/untrained horse. If you do have such expertise, you may want to consider adopting a PMU baby (see the Horse Sense archives for the article on the PMU industry).

Unfortunately, it is often the price of horsemeat that drives the prices. However, you can often find good deals on horses that have owners more concerned about getting their horse a good home than getting top dollar for it. You are not likely to find these horses listed in sales papers, at auction or posted on flyers at your tack store. Network with your local 4-H and Pony Clubs. Get to know the people on your local horse council. Find out what trail riding clubs exist in your area. Call your local agricultural agency if you need a place to start. The most common situation for this type of sale is children leaving for college or adults with health concerns.

Another situation that may produce a very inexpensive horse is a horse that has sustained an injury and is only "serviceably sound." Be very careful of these situations. You will have to work very closely with your veterinarian before you make a decision. Make sure your veterinarian understands the type of riding you want to do and what your riding goals are. Do you really just want to ride around the farm, or would you want a horse that you could also take on a full day trail ride? Are you sure you would not want to compete in the future and if so what type of discipline would you want to compete in? Many times a horse that is not serviceably sound for competition can make a perfectly good trail horse. If the condition is caused by an old injury your chances of a long-term, satisfying and feasible purchase are pretty good. If you are dealing with a degenerative condition such as ring-bone, navicular, degenerative joint disease, Cushings disease, etc. etc. you will have to weigh very heavily the ongoing medical costs and useful lifespan of the horse. Remember it is not just the money involved; it is your time and emotional involvement as well.

Don't forget to look into you local horse rescue organizations. These animals need you and can often be rehabilitated to good health and give many years of service. Work closely with your veterinarian to discuss any long term effects of the nutritional neglect the horse may have suffered. It is ironic that while the price of "show" horses is going through the roof, rescue organizations are being flooded with neglected animals.

There is also an agency that helps adopt out retired Standardbred race horses. These horses are often "retired" at the age of four if they are not winning. They are usually much more even tempered and quite than the Thoroughbred race horses.

You can also find an organization for "retired" Thoroughbreds, though these will be more likely to have leg injuries and will take more skill to re-train.

You may also want to consider leasing a horse instead of buying one. There are many free lease situations available. Many students going off to college can't bear the thought of selling their horse, but don't have the time/money to care for them while they are away. Summer horse camps may also give their horses up for free lease in between camp seasons.

With patience, you may also find other "distressed" sale opportunities such as divorce situations, financial situations or health situations that require quick sale by owners who need to get rid of their horses and would like to see them go to good homes.

Good Luck in your search!
Patricia Celley

-- posted by pcelley