Hi, I’ve been shopping for a 3’6” hunter prospect these past few months, found a few that I love, but due to unfortunate circumstances, it will be very difficult to see either. Anyway, I’m exploring doing a lease to purchase just off of video and would love to hear feedback on which one I should proceed with or if I should proceed at all without trying them.
Candidate #1: grey, 15.3, 2015 Holsteiner gelding. I really like the height of him and the fact that he’s grey coupled with a very pony-like appearance. He seems like a true and honest push-ride with good brakes, steady rhythm, and a decent jump, however he doesn’t seem to be super talented and his capacity for 3’6” seems questionable to me. Also, I have yet to contact the seller about a lease to own situation so I don’t even know if that’s a possibility.
Candidate #2 bay, 16h, 2015, recently imported Warmblood. Again, I like his stature and very typey appearance. This guy jumps like an absolute freak. It is just that amazing. He also is sane, however def not a push-ride if anything a lunge pre-ride type, and this slightly worries me because of recently lowered confidence in my riding. That said, he seems super ammy friendly and very forgiving with striding. Plus, he could easily go into other rings. His seller and I have also entered discussion about a lease to own situation, however they want 20 up front (his purchase price is 50).
Finally, what I want, and my riding. I want a safe, easy, uncomplicated, and talented 3’6 prospect. Something that is versatile enough to do more than just hunters and is forgiving. I want something that I can enjoy for the rest of it’s life.
For context, I’ve been riding for about 6 years now and am showing 2’6”. I’ve been riding a very quirky 14.3 half-linger cross but I have a very low tolerance for bucks, rearing, and bolting with few exceptions. To my knowledge, neither of the aforementioned horses have these issues. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.