Looking for my next horse...way earlier than I thought

[bigbaytb]

With the demise of my wonder mare, never lame and her first major injury resulted in a long battle and a devastating day when I had to euthanize her…I am looking for a horse…and I hate horse shopping.

My horse was ready to go training level eventing, she hunted and could lead the field or hill top, granted she preferred to be in the lead. I could do anything with her since I raised her from a foal…yet gone at 11 years. My heart breaks.

I’ve started to look at horses, but my heart is not into a totally green one again. Decided that since I hunted my horse before eventing, that’s what I’m going to look at, horses that have hunted with eventing potential. I know I won’t find her with her unique breeding, but hope to find something. Unfortunately I don’t seem to find anything close to home.

So not happy about having to horse shop. I’ve some good leads on facebook and will travel to see those horses… but if anyone has an idea where I may want to look , I’ll be happy to take a gander.

I thought I wouldn’t be doing this for another 10 years at least…sigh

[IndyEquestrian]

So sorry you’re having to shop. . . It is no fun at all!!! Good luck, I’m sure you’ll find something amazing!

[Socprof]

I feel your pain. My hunt mare developed a non-treatable lameness over the winter. Spent months searching with minimal success. And this wasn’t because we were looking for the perfect horse! Just one that could do the job & I’ll grow to love him or her! Finally settled on two (hedging bets!) mares. Neither have hunted, but both seem sensible, sound and kind.
It’s a hard search. So sorry for your loss. The hurt makes it hard to see the possibilities in other horses, but it will come. Hoping you find a new partner!

[gumtree]

Would be very helpful to know where you are located and what “type” of hunt territory. Until I started reading the Hunt forum I assumed most Hunts were like the ones I grew up with and have hunted with in the mid-Atlantic area, Md, NoVa, SE PA,. Lots of varied terrain, lots of jumps, big tricky jumps at times, creeks, some rivers, banks, hills, woods, long runs, long days and only chased Fox. Maybe the odd coyote.

From what I have read over the years a lot hunts sound really nice, but not quite as “stout” and not requiring the type of horse we look would be looking for. Especially a first flight horse.

So, as they say, horses for courses. Knowing the above would narrow things down so people can make suggestions and or give you a lead on a horse they know of.

[SLW]

Finding a suitable hunting partner is tough!! If money wasnt an issue I’d be looking at proven hunt horses with documented resume’s. If money is an issue then finding a good horse that has come off a ranch is where I would look, those tend to be more affordable IF you don’t tell them you are looking for a hunt horse.

[BigMick]

I’m in the exact same boat. My horse developed neurological issues and I had to retire him immediately. I’m so sorry for this situation you’re in as well.

I found a horse horse that I’m doing a lease to own on. I had to drive much further than I wanted to try him and get him, but I really like him. He’s green, but has a great brain and I think we’re going to make a good team. But, it’s really hard to be enthused when my favorite fellow is out of commission.

What I did to find a horse was join several Facebook groups: Hunt Horses For Sale, Draft Cross Sporthorse Marketing, and Foxhunters on Facebook.

I posted an ISO (in search of) ad with very clear, specific information regarding what I was looking for, price range, etc. I stated my riding experience and offered references from my vets, blacksmith, etc - anyone that would vouch for how thoughtfully and carefully I manage my horses. In other words, I sold myself to the market.

I had all sorts of annoying responses (and some okay), but I had people with stellar horses reach out to me via PM. They market discreetly and carefully.

[Carol_Ames]

make lists!

I am so very sorry for your loss; Have you tried making “must:) have” can’t live without :no:lists?

[bigbaytb]

I’m in Indiana and expect to travel. I have posted on Fox hunters for sale Facebook and have some good prospects. Just trying to get to see them has not worked yet due to conflicting schedules or my work travel. I have been fairly specific but I am looking at prospects if they have a good mentality. One never knows where ya click. But ugh…I hate this part.

[bigbaytb]

[QUOTE=SLW;8248527]
Finding a suitable hunting partner is tough!! If money wasnt an issue I’d be looking at proven hunt horses with documented resume’s. If money is an issue then finding a good horse that has come off a ranch is where I would look, those tend to be more affordable IF you don’t tell them you are looking for a hunt horse.[/QUOTE]

The nice thing is that I can get some proven hunt horses within my budget. So I am happy with that. I don’t have to have the dead quiet ones, so I’m lucky that I can deal with stronger but behaved horses since I can deal with it fine.