I was looking for something similar, and on a similar budget, a couple of years ago. In this price range, I recommend that you focus on finding a nice TB hunter. I found a great one through a connection in AL–a 3’6" fancy mover (although I only do 3’ myself) who places well in good company at OSF and VT.
My previous horse was a Holsteiner, and he was wonderful, but I have to say I LOVE the TB heart and work ethic. He works hard so I don’t have to :-).
As far as where to find one, I don’t think there are a ton to choose from in our area. You’re probably going to have better luck from PA to points south. You might want to check the TB groups on FB if you haven’t already. Since hunters are mostly warmbloods, you may have to beat the bushes to find your TB unicorn, but they’re out there.
As for the “off countries” here in Europe, I’d recommend Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. I’ve seen some nice Czech horses recently for quite cheap.
Importing is about $10k so your actual budget would be about $20k which could get you a nice enough young horse.
I think shopping locally is better, but if there is nothing there, then there is nothing there.
happened to nose around on warmbloods-for-sale; this place has several with what appear to be good bloodlines and well within your budget. The two farms share a website.
Crooked Creek & Woodhaven Farms
City: Neepawa
Province: Manitoba
Look at Rainbow Equus in northern Cali. I got a really nice 3yo from them last year for a more than reasonable price, and it looks like Susan has quite a few nice 3-4 yo for sale right now. Its my 2nd I’ve gotten from them, and I have another friend who has bought 5 or 6 through them over the past few years. PM me if you want more info or details.
During my junior years, we purchased a green OTTB, just a hair under 16.0 and did the 3’6" junior hunters and he kicked butt. I’m 100% open to a fancier TB, my last guy was my first WB. Loved him, but quickly discovered that a kick ride is not as much for me lol
This is the problem with having very specific needs (and particularly true when your height requirement goes up and narrows the pool, although 16.1 shouldn’t be too limiting) and a somewhat limited budget, it can be hard to find critical mass and you can end up having to burn money and time traveling to see one-off or small groups of options. $30k is a lot for a green one, as people have mentioned, and you’ll have to pour in back-end training money with no guarantee that the horse will make up into what you want it to be. So, there is risk and additional built in cost there.
At that price point, I would try Canada or if your area has a local show circuit, you can sometimes find a hidden gem there at a more reasonable price point, and you could network with the trainers who regularly show on that circuit. The FB groups like Ontario Show Horses for Sale were a good way to tap into Canadian sellers/agents, and when I shopped there, we connected with a trainer who then put together a whole group for us to see. So, if you find someone who has a couple for sale that are worth seeing, don’t be afraid to ask if they can help put together more for you to see, or suggest people to check with.
I would also consider try putting together a trip somewhere like Virginia, where there are a ton of sellers and you could possibly find enough to make a trip worth it. I’ve seen plenty of people post on the FB groups that they will be in X area on Y weekend, looking for this set of criteria, and get enough responses to make a trip worthwhile.
Horse shopping is tough, and not nearly as much fun as it seems like it should be!
Look into the Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI). The breeder of the 2017 Lieutenant General Cup class at the Royal Winter fair has a bunch of youngsters for sale that would be well within your price range.
As others have pointed out, heading north to Canada is probably your best bet. You get a 30% discount with your nice colour-less cash
You could shop in Western Canada/Prairies. Probably a good option if you are willing to pick something up that is young, and open to covering more miles in a visit. From speaking with friends who have shopped out west, it seems to be thick on the ground for unbacked youngsters or just started, and then sometimes some nice older horses who don’t necessarily have the age appropriate miles. The horses that are going, have show miles, etc don’t seem to be at as much of a discount.
If you would like something with some miles/horse show exposure, and would like to maximize the number of horses you can see if one visit, I would recommend Ontario - Toronto, or Ottawa/Montreal. Ottawa and Montreal (QC) are only two hours apart, so it would be easy to see horses in both places.
Your best bet would be to find a trainer who can help search and find some horses to try out. This is difficult to do on your own even when you are experienced. Having the business connections can help make a big difference in finding the right horse.
