If permitted by the seller, can RRP horses be tried at the show? Is it likely one could make an appointment for a PPE during that period of time? Any RRP horse shopping hints would be appreciated!
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Horses definitely get vetted and sold at the Makeover. Good luck!
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Yes, there is a ring theoretically reserved for trying horses (though of course many people use it for general riding) and there is a vet practice on-call for PPEs, usually (always?) Hagyard. You just need to sign a waiver at the admin desk before test rides.
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When I have attended the makeover, the ring reserved for trying horses has been strictly enforced. Many sellers will allow a trial ride, but will ask for you to wait to try the horse until after the preliminary competition has concluded.
But otherwise, agree with Ziggy! Hagyard is on site for PPEs. The RRP does a great job of making it easy to buy at the makeover 
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Strict enforcement was not my experience but I’m sure it depends on busyness and who the ring stewards are that day! Agreed RRP does a really nice job making it easy.
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Don’t forget to see if there are any Secretariat Center horses you like since you’ll be right there. The new main trainer is an eventer.
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I find myself in the market for a new horse around this time frame. Anyone have input on recent year prices they have seen for horses competing in the eventing division? Not expecting to buy a winner, I just haven’t horse shopped in over 8 years so I’m trying to understand the current market.
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I’m not sure if it’s helpful but some of the listings are live already, which you can view here!
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Yes they can be used at the show they should make an appointment for a PPE during the time. Be observant as to how the horse moves, looks, or acts and inquire on any of the health concerns the seller might have to let you know. So, for a PPE, focus on the vet that has some understanding of Thoroughbreds and the RRP. Some other tips: consult with the horse’s lineage, look for equines that need some expertise and avoid sellers who refuse to share information or allow the horse to be inspected by a vet.
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When I was there they seemed to be often listed at 15k plus but in reality there was wiggle room. I wondered if RRP encourages higher list prices for PR reasons. In actually talking to sellers I found the typical range was ~7k-15k.
ETA this was mainly horses competing in eventing, a couple in just dressage
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I don’t think RRP encourages prices but I do know that some folks start with higher costs and as they get closer, and realize they do want to sell Ponykins, they’ll lower it. Vice versa, I’ve seen folks jack up prices because they don’t really WANT to sell.
That said, it’s hard to look past the premium listings, whom are typically the most expensive IMO and get served first
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Best thing to do is reach out to the listed trainee prior to the RRP and set up days and approximate times to try the horse. Some will do it prior to showing and others like to wait until they are done.
One of my clients bought a mare after trying her there a couple years ago and she has turned into her forever horse winning at both local and national level shows. Some extremely nice horses go through that show!
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Watching the videos is a good idea. You can see what sort of trainer is restarting them.
Some of them look like good riders/trainers and others don’t ride well enough to be restarting a TB without creating issues.
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I imagine the cost of attending the competition really factors in to price. They haul in from far away states and they stay over, stabling and show expenses. The premium to you is getting to see many horses in one location and have some excellent vetting available locally.
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@Obnd anything catching your eye at RRP? I couldnt be there this year so at least let me live vicariously through you!
Is there a livestream of the finale today? I can’t find it and I want to virtually shop
not this year
Unfortunately, work prevented me from going. I’d like to hear about others’ experiences though!
