I’m starting to look for a very similar horse myself, but in FL. So far my options seem to be barrel horses and lightly restarted ottbs. I‘d love a little ranch horse, but so would everyone else evidently.
I’m hoping the market will be better after the Christmas pony rush is over.
How about a broker like Strain Family Horse Farm or Feelgood Farms? At least you can trade back if the horse doesn’t work out.
I was about to say that around here I’d probably go to one of the camp horse guys if I was looking for a W/T/C steer and stop sensible grade type. As a bonus you can often free lease it for the off season and then decide if you want to buy (just make sure it’s one they are willing to sell). They seem to be offloading more too since many camps didn’t run this year, and their prices are generally in the low to mid 4 figures.
The Mustang makeover horses (for the adult division, anyway) that get through to the competition are usually going under saddle, to the level they can do a simple “ranch horse” type pattern (WTC, turn, stop) and trail course (gates, trot poles, back, side pass, bridge, etc.). Every now and then one will be taken through in-hand, but most trainers that don’t find themselves with “100 day horses” drop out of the competition. The really experienced trainers that get particularly “easy” horses will do a lot more, although usually Western type things like working calves or roping. Many have a fair bit of trail miles. If your client isn’t familiar with the idea, they can watch “Wild Horse, Wild Ride,” or look up the EMM Facebook Groups and YouTube videos.
Definitely not an option for everybody, and may not be likely to find one straight from a Makeover depending on location, but something to think about. May be more of an option for somebody else reading the thread looking for ideas of where to horse hunt.
Aaah be careful of the brokers. They usually know little to nothing about the horse’s background. The return option obviously depends upon them being close enough, and IME usually the next horses they offer are a bit more expensive. Some require that you do your “PPE” after you buy “since you can return it!”. I only know of a handful of owners who went this route and at least three of them had to return - one went through four horses before she got one that was sound and sane. A fair amount of extra $$ for vets and the increased prices. She did end up with a nice horse…
I’ll chime in with Pond Hill Ranch in VT. My barn as a kid got all their school horses there, they lease out horses to camps, and they usually have some fancier QH types that could certainly transition over to English or already do. I know at least one higher-end HJ trainer in MA still gets local-show level horses from there. Probably a good spot to find a sane grade/QH type for on a budget.
I’ve known some really nice grade/QH types from Pond Hill—do they tend to have a better reputation than some of the other dealers in New England? Anyone know?
I know they get a bad rap on this board, but you could try a saddlebred, as they have a sensible brain and usually Ammy friendly, many trainers are unloading stock before winter and fall auction is coming up.
I agree! I love the breed. 1) Easy gaits 2) Typically don’t pull or get heavy as they are naturally uphill 3) Easy gaits/sit-able 4) Narrower build (easy on older lady hips).
That’s because THERE IS NOTHING. Friends of mine, mother/daughter pair, experienced horse people, are looking for a horse safe for trails and that can do SOME ring work. Would be a bonus if the horse could do a little jumping. Looking 15-16something hands, broken-15 years old. They hear about things, find things, make appointments, horse is sold before they get there. They’ve been to see a bunch, but either the horse isn’t as described or isn’t for them. At one point they found something they thought would work- it was $9500. No joke, they were going to spend almost 10000 on a damn trail horse. BUT THE HORSE SOLD.
Also, I have a friend with a cute palomino for sale but he’s 15 and my other friends are balking at the age. He’s in a school program now at an eventing barn that does a lot of dressage. If you are interested shoot me a PM and I’ll find the ad for you if it’s still up.
I think you’ve expressed a great ‘description’ of what you WILL accept. No breed specific. No age specific. basic discipline shared. location preference shared. I’d USE all of those solid definites…think on others. (seriously! put in : If he/she needs turnout alone can they supply, or turnout will be with others, want gelding or mare or no preference, needs to go barefoot, or can be shod, etc, (as in otherwise, DETAIL your clients must haves due to boarding ? their horse or not, etc…) Give everything you can in your ‘ISO’ inquiries. and GIVE the budget. then post everywhere/share everywhere you can. A description needs your budget in my opinion.
I lucked out with an incredibly chill baby OTTB for next to nothing. He doesn’t know much, but he’s seen almost everything and is one of the most unflappable horses in our barn. There are tons of groups on FB with amazing horses, some already well into their next career and appropriate for an intermediate rider.
Update in first post!
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