Looking for good horsey links

In My Humble Opinion
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The hubby and I are doing some preliminary searches for buying our first horse. We have the boarding facility–I’ve been taking lessons there–but I’m trying to find websites that have some kind of classifieds of horses for sale–particularly horses in Southern California. Also, used tack will be needed; I’ll buy halters and grooming equipment new. (The bridle might be new, too; really, looking for used saddles to save $$.)

I’ve found several commercial websites for various farms, but a show-quality animal is not what I’m looking for. We need, as my instructor puts it, a babysitter…an older, gentle, imperfect creature that will tolerate our learning off of him/her. I will be principal, if not sole, rider and have my share of experience (5 years riding as a teen, 6 months “refresher” riding to date)…but I am, for most accounts, a beginner. BTW, my instructor said she doesn’t have the time to be a horse finder herself, but she said for a nominal fee she’d come look at the horse and test it out for me before I buy it…I just need to find the horse myself (she said she’ll arm me with all the right questions).

Where shall I look? And what are good general informational horsemanship/horse equipment/horsey sites?

(And can I say how downright giddy I am? We made an offer on a lesson horse my instructor was selling, but there’s already an offer on him–we’re next in line!)

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Congrats, Ruffian! Having your own horse is great. As far as links, all I have is http://www.usahorseclassifieds.com/quicksearch.cfm , but I think that is midwest-centric.

I have found my horses through instructors and trainers, but if you have to go it alone, my advice is to take your time and look at a lot of horses before you make your decision. And get a vet check (with your vet - do you have one picked out?), radiographs and everything. It will cost, but the seller should be willing to pick up some of the cost if they are serious about making a sale.

Vets and farriers might be another source of info about potential horses for sale - they have a good network

Any specific breed? I have an Anglo Arab, but have also owned a Quarter Horse and an Appaloosa.

I use a Wintec synthetic saddle - it is really comfortable and cleans up with a hose. Get your horse first, so you can then buy a saddle that fits your horse.

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Ruffian, if you haven’t already, let your friends at the barn know you are looking for a horse. Casts the net a bit wider, y’know. :slight_smile:

I know some people who have had good luck with eBay for tack, both used and new. Many shops will have used equipment available. As far as saddles go, I have ridden in Wintecs and liked them a lot, and they are relatively inexpensive compared to a quality new saddle. Used saddles need to be very carefully checked over for rotting stitching, tree problems, etc.

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Boscibo, I’m looking primarily at Quarter horses and QH crosses–partially because of the breed’s reputation, but also because they are so prolific in these parts. But, that said, I’m none too picky. In my dream world, I’d like a QH and Morgan. And, when I’m rich and better equipped horsesense-wise, an Andalusian and a Fresian. :slight_smile:

I would want to steer clear of the hotter-headed horses such as Thoroughbreds and other warmbloods, but then again, some of the earliest, most baby-friendly mounts I had in my childhood days were “hotter” breeds–thoroughbred, Arab, saddlebred, etc. Really what I’m looking for, in order, is 1) Soundness 2) Temperment and manners 3) Quality of ride (one of my lesson mounts is sweet as the day is long but her jarring gait throws my back out!). I’m looking at spending $800-$1200.

I’ll look up Wintec and see what I find. Oh, and regarding the vet check…My riding teacher said that rather than pay for that, she will go. She’s one who’s eat, slept, dreamt, trained, bred, lived horses all her life and will know what to look for. She said she’d do the check, ask the harder questions, and let me know “No, don’t go with this” and “Yes, this is fine.” I trust her completely–she is, by far the most knowledgeable horse person I have ever been around. (Sidebar–her horses follow her around like puppies! It’s astonishing!)

tygre, there’s a small tack shop at the riding facility with a bulletin board–I’ll put up a wanted poster there. :slight_smile:

I figure it will take time…which is kinda why I’m hoping the horse my instructor was selling will somehow end up in my hands. It’s sooooo much easier that way!

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Only caveat on the Wintec saddles is that they won’t last the years and years that a good quality leather saddle will, and if you’re at all inclined to show your horse, you’ll want a leather saddle. I think they do come with a five year warranty though, so you’ll at least have a reliable saddle for that length of time. Not sure if you ride English or western, but good, used saddles of either type should be available for between $300 to $500. You shouldn’t have too many worries about their condition if you get them from a reputable tack shop that takes them on trade for new saddles.

My horsey links went down with the last computer switch-over, but I think in your price range, the classifieds are going to be your best bet.

There should be a regional newsprint “Horses For Sale” type periodical in your area. Check at feedstores and tack shops. Also, just look in your local classifieds, as well as letting horse-inclined aquaintances know what you’re looking for. Feed stores and tack shops also often have bulletin boards with horses advertised for sale.

It sounds like you’ve got your criteria laid out well. You might also draft a list of questions to ask on the phone to avoid driving all over the countryside for disappointment after disappointment.
Congratulations, and enjoy. Horse hunting can prove to be VERY umm… interesting!

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Ruffian - My first horse was a warmblood (a Trakehner) that I got for a $500 back board bill. She was everything you describe, although she wasn’t a happy jumper, she’d do it if I insisted. I lost her to cancer. My current horse is a thoroughbred gelding I bought as a yearling after I lost Phelan. I trained him myself, and he’s a sweet boy. To be honest, I don’t think most quarter horses have comfortable gaits. Not at the trot, certainly. If you’re at all interested in TBs, here is a SoCal adoption site: http://www.unitedpegasus.com/

Try not to have pre-conceived notions about what your horse is going to be like. When I was looking for my first horse, I wanted a small (I’m only 5’1") gelding, preferably bay or black. I ended up with a 16.2 hh white mare, and she was the best horse I could have. I’d still recommend a vet check, even after your trainer looks the horse over. Most vets will do bloodwork and flexing knees and even x-rays if they think it’s necessary. Your trainer may know temperment and conformation, but she can’t do everything. It’s money well-spent. Remember - this horse will become part of the family, so to speak. You’ll have a long time to regret a mistake.

I have three saddles, and my Wintec dressage saddle is my most comfortable, and it’s held up pretty well, too. State Line Tack http://www.statelinetack.com/ is a pretty reasonably-priced web and catalogue store. They are now owned by PetSmart, and some PetSmart stores have a State Line section in the store.

Good luck with your new horse! May you ride him for years to come.

StG

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Hiya Ruffian,

Have you ,looked at Dreamhorse.com and agdirect.com? Both have huuuge databases, you can search by price, region, etc. I bought my current horse from an ad I saw on Dreamhorse.

At your budget I would suggest that you will be happiest with something older, “been there done that.” (your other choices in that price range will likely be younger, and untrained – run away, far away!). Consider a horse 17+ who might need a little maintenance. Whatever you spend, invest in a vet check so you can understand any issues and assess the current health of the animal – it should cost about $100 before x-rays. DON’T go against your instinct if you feel a horse “just ain’t right” for you.

Look for the magic words “owner going to college” or, better yet, “former pony club mount.” Usually parents are willing to bargain when that college tuition bill comes!

Also, Ruffian, allow me to invite you to join the “SDMB of the Horse world” www.chronicleforums.com. You’ll find me there under the same user name. Its an awfully nice and very knowledgable community of horsepeople. You’ll find a wealth of great advice there.

Good luck with your horse search and try not to fall in love with the first one you see.

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BTW, wanna see a picture of my horse? Course ya do.

http://groups.msn.com/thesidelobby/recentphotosofyou.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=62

Holly is a 16 year old Appaloosa cross (we think TB but don’t know). She has the “Snowflake” pattern although its not visible in this picture. We do beginner-Novice level eventing (she had an extensive local hunter show record when I bought her) and she’s also a stellar trail horse.

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Good luck and have fun. Happy trails!

Hmmm all of my ponys are arab corsses and then when I my parents gave me my frist real horse, who is 14’2 and still really a pony but just my size. :)Stormy was pure blood arab. I teach kids how to ride on her. She and all of the other arabs that my parents have are great with kids and beginners. The only other horses I have been around are TBs I’m way to small to ride them and look like I fit one. And an Appaloosa named Fancy that Snuggle Bear does more with then anyone else b\c she likes him. She had a ruff start in life and doesn’t trust anyone that she just dosn’t feel right about she hates my little sister b\c she is loud when she goes out to feed and for some reason she really doesn’t like Fancy.

In buying a horse I wouldnt’ want to get one of the net b\c I like to met the horse ride it and spend some time with it before I buy. And I always have a vet check the horse out even if I have a trainer. I want the vets paper saying the horse is in top shape.

What little I know about QH and it isn’t much is that for what you pay you get a much more calm mount then with some of the other breeds. Look out for there feet though. With the breeding lending to small feet they have a lot of things that can go wrong if the feet aren’t taken care of the right way.

What kind of riding do you do? If its mostly hunter\jumper ebay has some really good saddles for that I dont know about westen gaming as I only ride hunter\jumper. I if it were me would go to a used tack shop and see what they have they can fit you and your horse and you’ll both be much happier if you both have a saddle that fits.

My little sister found her dream horse in the sunday paper.

Sorry that this isn’t the most put together post I just got up and haven’t had much sleep lately.

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Since you say you’re a beginner, I’m not sure this is the best solution for you … but I thought I’d mention it anyway.

Rerun is an organization based mainly in Kentucky, Virginia, New York that finds new homes for retired racehorses. The horses vary widely in temperment and background, and they’re not all high-strung. Even if this isn’t the path for you, this worthwhile organization is worth exploring for anyone who loves horses.

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Just wanted to clarify – I wouldn’t recomend buying a horse sight unseen off the net either – just use it as a place to find ads. Go see 'em in person.

Ebay is pretty good for horse equipment, but you do have to sort of know what you are looking for. Another really great place is a website called www.equusnow.com – they have good prices on quality brand names. For more starter stuff a Canadian company called www.greenhawk.net is great. They sell the Thorowgood brand of synthetic saddles at amazing prices. For leather saddles, under the “saddles” section look at the HDR saddle package – its a very good value if you need just about everything! HDR is a good “entry level” quality saddle, similar to the Collegiate brand from Millers. I saw the whole line is now sold in the Millers catalog, and they don’t sell much crap!

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First off-congrats! However, I have to echo the other poster that urged you to avoid preconceived notions:

My TB has a much better head on her shoulders than my other two QH crosses!

May I suggest that you let everyone know that you’re looking- everyone. Also, Mark Rashid has some good tips for horse shopping in his first book. He advises that * 1) you always show up at least 15 minutes early and 2) insist that the owner hop on first. *
However, if your instructor is going with you, you should be in good shape. I’ve never paid all that much for any of my horses, so I’ve never bothered to have them X-rayed. Doesn’t sound like you’re looking for anything fancy-just a good honest citizen.
Finally, you might want to visit the message board at the Chronicle of the Horse and post about your search in the Off Course forum. Lots of good people from CA over there that would be happy to help, I’m sure.
http://www.chronicleforums.com/6/ubb.x

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I am jealous. Yep, jealous. When you first posted about starting riding again, I was SO close to looking into doing the same thing, but I just don’t have the time. And now you’re going to buy a horse. I hate you! Well, not really, but you know what I mean!

I’d look into other stables in your area too - I’m guessing a lot might be Western in your area, but you never know if they have a horse trained on both, or if you come across an English stable. Also ask local vets or farriers - they tend to know whats available in the area. As for tack, I’ve known of placed to have particular tack for particular horses, and it might be possible to buy directly off the person you get the horse from - thats what a friend of mine did once. Of course, she then went to college and sold the horse, for which I will hate her forever because I never had a horse and certainly wouldn’t have sold it it I did!

:sigh: :slight_smile:

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I am jealous. Yep, jealous. When you first posted about starting riding again, I was SO close to looking into doing the same thing, but I just don’t have the time. And now you’re going to buy a horse. I hate you! Well, not really, but you know what I mean!

I’d look into other stables in your area too - I’m guessing a lot might be Western in your area, but you never know if they have a horse trained on both, or if you come across an English stable. Also ask local vets or farriers - they tend to know whats available in the area. As for tack, I’ve known of placed to have particular tack for particular horses, and it might be possible to buy directly off the person you get the horse from - thats what a friend of mine did once. Of course, she then went to college and sold the horse, for which I will hate her forever because I never had a horse and certainly wouldn’t have sold it it I did!

:sigh: :slight_smile: