Where are all the "all rounder" horses? [Archive]

SquishTheBunny

Dec. 30, 2008, 12:12 AM

Ambrey

Dec. 30, 2008, 12:25 AM

I was looking for the same thing, and found it- but it was hard! And he can be a handful, but he can do ANYTHING. Jumping, dressage, trails, you name it. Thank you for reminding me what a gem he is :)

I don't think 7k is too little, either. Just hold out for the right horse :) And ours didn't look like all that when we picked him up. Look for the diamond in the rough :)

eta: I never found much on equine.com- both of my horses were purchased through dreamhorse.com.

kellyb

Dec. 30, 2008, 01:09 AM

TikiSoo

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:03 AM

My BO breeds appys and he has several fantastic all around horses for sale. His gf is the best trainer bringing up the babies, I wish she had brought up mine. All have great bloodlines and upcoming talent for showing. All under 6 yrs old, many with color, 14h-15.2h, all under 7k.

The reason why you can't FIND THEM is they only post ads in our local horse mag. I keep offering to help them post on equine.com, horsetopia and even Craigslist, but they never take me up on it.

A young boarder who lost interest in her horse when she discovered boys tried to sell her adorable bald faced paint for almost 2 years. I suggested equine.com and he was sold within the month! Someone from another state took him. I thought that success story would learn 'em, but nope, our pastures are overfull.

PS we're only a few hours from you too

Daydream Believer

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:42 AM

You might consider a Col. Spanish horse aka Spanish Mustang. They are generally priced well under $7000 (sadly) and well broke ones can occasionally be found for $3000 or less. I have mainly prospects just started or greenies right now myself but I know there are some better trained ones out there. They are the quintessential family horse..nice enough to show (sometimes outstanding movement depending on breeding), good jumpers, sane trail horses, good driving horses and their endurance is excellent. Many compete at high levels of endurance. A sounder and tougher breed is hard to find also. Most do run in the 14 to 15 hand range and many are unusual colors like duns, paints or creams, appies and regular colors.

If you want referrals to some folks I know who may have some trained horses for sale, let me know privately. I will send you to reputable people.

horsetales

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:46 AM

I think its more the time of year. The market is slow and if they dont have to sell, I think people are waiting until after the holiday season and maybe closer to a hint of spring being around the corner. Just like you said, you're window shopping looking to spring. I know I'm not paying for a new ad until Feb as I noticed my inquiries fell off once December came around. I want the ad up when people are serious about buying

up-at-5

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:55 AM

I have a perfect all 'round horse at home. Because he's such a good boy, easy keeper, take him anywhere, do anything type of horse, I will never sell him! Maybe people are hanging on to these horses, just like me?

I've been offered good money to sell him, but I'd never be able to replace him without starting from scratch again.

Good luck with your search:D

Sakura

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:01 AM

shawneeAcres

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:12 AM

I have these types for sale nearly all the time, but alas I am in North Carolina, quite a hike from you!! We did sell one to Canada though last year, he was a young horse that had done trail riding, some showing in hunter classes, but was bred to be a reining horse and was sold as a reining prospect. Mostly we offer QH's, appendix QH's, appaloosas, Warmbloods and TB's. Often in that price range, but with shipping to Canada that would tack on at least $1000 I suspect.

JSwan

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:14 AM

I have one and I'd never sell him. Though with this economy I'd think plenty of people would be, and doing so at a really good price. Don't give up!:)

VWBug

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:15 AM

I have one of these guys and yup, I found him on dreamhorse. He didn't come with his current skill set but what he has learned with me is only thanks to his fantastic brain and a very big heart.

PalominoMorgan

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:18 AM

Mine's out in the paddock. :) Not for sale though.

Try looking at morgans too. Jack of all trades. Literally up for anything you want to try. My tack collection is ridiculous for my girl because we trail ride, show hunter pleasure and western pleasure, drive, lesson over fences, and preparing to do some endurance. We also bop around bareback and do some ground work. She loves the variety and is good at everything too.

saultgirl

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:31 AM

1. Broaden your search area. When I was horse-shopping this summer, I was looking at everything within a 12 hour drive.

2. Broaden your price range. Look at horses listed up to $15,000.00. Prices may be negotiable, and you may be willing to up your budget if you find the perfect horse.

If you are not getting a lot of hits on the sale sites using specific search criteria, just start looking through EVERYTHING posted within your area.

Good luck on your search!

NJRider

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:37 AM

I have one who is technically a pony, a 14.1 Haflinger x under $5K who is just a perfect all arounder. I have her listed for sale in the Pony category- I wonder if maybe I should amend the ads to I do not miss the small horse searchers? She is a little tank!

WorthTheWait95

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:52 AM

I have two that will never, ever be sold. One is a paint and one is a quarter horse. I paid much more then 7K for the QH as he was winning as a hunter on the AA circuit at the time but picked my 6 year old paint horse up for about 5K (he was 3 at the time) so they are out there.

Have you tried telling your vet what you are on the lookout for? That's how I found my paint horse for such a deal. They see everything in your area and know what's for sale.

pattnic

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:04 AM

I have two...

Try looking at morgans too. Jack of all trades. Literally up for anything you want to try. My tack collection is ridiculous for my girl because we trail ride, show hunter pleasure and western pleasure, drive, lesson over fences, and preparing to do some endurance. We also bop around bareback and do some ground work. She loves the variety and is good at everything too.

...both Morgans. Ditto everything PalominoMorgan said. I do hunters, jumpers, dressage, hunter pleasure, trail riding, bareback riding, and driving with my mare (12), along with some minimal western pleasure (only because I have to borrow everything to do it!), endurance/long distance drives/rides, and cross-country (both driving and riding).

The gelding (4) has not yet been seriously started over fences, and has only been to two shows, but he also goes both english and western, loves trail rides, has no problem with me hopping on him bareback, and also has some driving training.

Morgans are seriously undervalued horses - you should be able to find what you are looking for in your price range (though likely not from a big show barn). Try to find one that has minimal Saddlebred outcrossings (nothing against Saddlebreds - Morgans with a higher percentage of ASB blood tend to be the ones you see doing the saddle seat stuff).

ETA - because of my horses, just about everyone at my barn has fallen in love with Morgans!

mjrtango93

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:07 AM

I just sold that exact horse 3 months ago to a woman in our barn. He was 9 years old, 15.2, paint. He started his life western pleasure, then went to hunter/jumper, then eventing. You can do anything with him and he is as broke as the day is long. Super easy, but quite flashy and will win wherever you take him. I sold him for $12,000 and she had to pay trainer commissions. That being said you should be able to find something similar at around $7,000 the one I had was just over the top nice with the best personality that will seriously win whatever you enter.

Teatime

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:19 AM

SmartAlex

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:36 AM

That's right! Don't go for a Saddlebred knock-off, go for the real thing! Have you considered adopting? Saddlebred Rescue has just the type of horses you are describing, all the time. http://www.saddlebredrescue.com/
They have horses that are going on to be lesson horses (at all levels), trail horses, show horses and several sport type horses. This rescue is great (USEF Heros for Horses award winner). They put all horses through an evaluation program, have a trainer on staff to work with the horses to prepare them for new homes, and will put them through their paces (including jumps and trail riding.) For MUCH less than $7000. They will certainly adopt to Toronto.

EqTrainer

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:46 AM

The really big question is - HOW WELL do you want the horse to do these things. If you want the horse to ribbon as a hunter, and get in the 60's at dressage, and trail ride on the buckle, be sound, be reasonably good looking, easy to keep, good feet and not have any vices... have some size (over 16h)...

I am not sure you will find that horse for under $7k, no matter what the economy is. See, the thing is, everyone wants that horse. And lots of everyone's have $20k+ to spend when they are looking for the perfect horse.

You will have to compromise somewhere.. my guess would be on jumping style and/or movement.

I have a horse who is all the things you are looking for.. AND he is good looking <LOL> IF he were not a carded small junior he would be in the $20s but since he *is*.. you get the picture. When he was 4 he was still worth more than $7k with 90 days undersaddle.

Anselcat

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:51 AM

You may also want to look at Connemaras and Conn/TB crosses, since they are often smaller horses used for low level eventing. Try the American Connemara website at acps.org. Not a big classified section, but some real gems come up occasionally.

Good luck!

yellow-horse

Dec. 30, 2008, 11:10 AM

I've had 2 like that so far, one was 500 bucks and the other 600 bucks, neither one is a registered anything, unless you count the blm as a registered breed
my dear departed yellowhorse did trails, eventing, dressage, hunters, eq, endurance, western pleasure etc
the 500 buck one took alot of work, this one i got a few months ago came that way, small tough little thing, can't do anything well but does it all, she was a kids pony so had some bad habits that are mostly ground manners issues
sometimes they aren't promoted as all round horses and sometimes they ahven't done it all yet but if they have the right attitude its not hard to go from a good western horse to a good english horse, i think both were so cheap because they are too little for adults and too big for kids, not registered and had no show record, they were in backyards
one of the ncest horses i've met was a little gelding from a backyard who turned out to do nicely with his ammie owner in the hunter ring, he was being sold as a western pleasure horse but could jump and go around a course, who knew?

Ambrey

Dec. 30, 2008, 12:17 PM

Saw a post on another forum a day or so a go... gal has been trying to sell her 7 year old 14.3 hh Half Arab mare for about a year now, horse has been shown in hand, broke to ride (has been out on the trails), yet still green, should be a good all rounder... has her listed on several sites... no bites whatsoever :( She has dropped the price several times (well below the range you mentioned...)... So, they are out there, but you may have to look to "off" breed types...

These horses are hard to sell. The PROVEN all-rounder is quite a bit different than the PROSPECT all-rounder, because of the amount of training put in.

A horse who has shown hunters, jumpers, and dressage and is equally happy doing any one of the three is a gem. A horse that COULD do all of those is a big sinkhole for time and $$.

Foxtrot's

Dec. 30, 2008, 01:11 PM

Have you put a wanted ad out?

Demi

Dec. 30, 2008, 02:20 PM

Welcome to the club. I live in the GTA and have been looking for a decent, affordable all-rounder since August and haven't found anything that fits my needs yet. The numbers of sales postings has really declined in the last few months, so maybe folks like us will have to wait until the spring when more people start selling again.

If you have enough time to go on a roadtrip, keep an eye on classifieds for close states like Michigan. I've seen several really good deals down there even when factoring in shipping costs. Unfortunately, I work 7 mornings a week so can't take a shopping trip down there right now. If you have the time, though, you should check it out.

You could also try posting a wanted ad on EMG; I got tons of responses, though none of them were quite what I was looking for.

FlashGordon

Dec. 30, 2008, 02:26 PM

So I was searching on equine.com for a horse.... (no need to PM me, we were just trying to get ideas on horses for the spring).

I was looking for a horse under 15 years old.
Broke...suitable low level everything (schooling show hunter, dressage, trail riding). Pretty much a glorified schoolie, but doesnt need to be THAT broke.
14hh - 16.2hh.
Any breed...yep, any.
Under 7,000

My search came up with ZERO in our province. Are people really not selling horses anymore, or are these "good all-rounders" just mythical creatures? Is 7k too little for one of these creatures?

I know this type very well because I've spent much of my life pursuing horses like these!

I think what you are looking for CAN be had for under 7k, but you'll have to compromise a little, somehow. You're not going to find bang-up movement, impeccable training, totally sane, sound, etc. for under 10k.

One place you can find all-around types like these is at summer camps that run decent equestrian programs. They won't be extravagant movers, and they won't be fancy. Most will max out at 2'6, and they may have a few quirks from doing lots of lessons... but they are usually really sane, hack out, trail ride, do a little dressage, a little jumping. Over the years I've found plenty of kind, usable mounts at a local riding camp that are suitable for a little bit of everything, and do respectably on the local circuit.

PS-- as far as compromising, I'm with those that say to compromise on the "blingy" stuff like movement, size, chrome, etc. Take the homely horse with the good brain over the pretty one with an empty head....

RHdobes563

Dec. 30, 2008, 03:17 PM

I echo the other Morgan posts. I have two in my barn and have been a Morgan rider and fan since the early 70s. The traditionally bred Morgan can do anything - with a great attitude. They can pull a sleigh, jump a hunter course, show in the dressage ring and trail ride with the best of them. There still are plenty of farms out there who have not been sucked into the Saddlebred knock-off.

Morgans were bred TO BE the all-around horse. :D

I went from a Morgan mare, to a Thoroughbred when she was retired, and now, back to a Morgan gelding. "Blue" has been trained western, supposedly drives, and I ride him English and also bareback on the trails. I have jumped him, would like to do some low level dressage (as part of eventing), and if I get a trailer, maybe some team penning north of here, too.

Blue is an old-fashioned Morgan. Although he is exactly opposite of what I wanted in bloodlines---he is Government/Western Working, and I was looking for Brunk/Lippitt, he is what I was looking for---an all-around, FUN horse. He is barely more than 15.0 hands, but he rides BIGGER. In the pasture, he can look like a dumpy guy. There are times, however, when I lead him, he strides out and lifts his head, watching something, he absolutely takes my breath away.

Although (show) Morgans can be pricey (and I wouldn't recommend them as "all around horses"), there are some great, old-fashioned/foundation Morgans that can be bought for a very reasonable amount. Mine was free. :)

Sakura

Dec. 30, 2008, 03:55 PM

These horses are hard to sell. The PROVEN all-rounder is quite a bit different than the PROSPECT all-rounder, because of the amount of training put in.

A horse who has shown hunters, jumpers, and dressage and is equally happy doing any one of the three is a gem. A horse that COULD do all of those is a big sinkhole for time and $$.

And yet there has been at least two posts in this tread where people have stated that they have bought prospects and made them into thew allrounders that they wanted... If the mind is there it is worth the effort. Besides the OP said but doesnt need to be THAT broke..

PalominoMorgan

Dec. 30, 2008, 03:59 PM

There are plenty of show morgans out there in your price range. They're just not the OKC morgans. They are maybe less competitive and show on the local circuit or maybe a few "A"s a year. A friend just had a all arounder like you speak of for sale before taking him off the market because nobody wanted to pay 6500 for him. He HAS qualified for OKC as an equitation horse, moves spectacularly. He was line driven, but not hitched. I don't know he'd hold up to jumping, but anything on the flat would be fine. My friend refused to take him to dressage shows even though I begger her to go with me. Her daughter would play around with him and he'd do 1 tempi's in beautiful form in a western pleasure bit and romel reins. *sigh* He's off the market now as far as I know and relocated south in a week. Funny how the horse sales/buying works. LOL.

Ambrey

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:00 PM

And yet there has been at least two posts in this tread where people have stated that they have bought prospects and made them into thew allrounders that they wanted... If the mind is there it is worth the effort.

Oh, absolutely- most of us horse buyers just don't have the skill, and would have to hire one of those other posters to do the work ;)

BuddyRoo

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:01 PM

I have a Morgan/Arab/QH cross who is my allarounder. Topping out at 2 6-2 9, can make the lines if you push (14 3),she's my XC prospect...basic dressage, roped off of her, team penned, trail goddess, great babysitter horse for kids/hubby but can passage when you hit the right buttons...forward forward forward....conformational mr. potatohead and still has good form over fences...but seriously...worth her weight in gold. If I EVER needed to sell her, I wouldn't have to list her. I can think of at least 5 off the top of my head.

Those that are truly "proven" have quite a good market and get snatched up fast. I think you can find what you're looking for, but you might have to try more word of mouth options because a truly proven one is a pretty hot commodity even in this market.

Now a PROSPECT? Well shoot. I think almost any horse can do it if their mind is right and someone is willing to put a lot of wet saddle blankets into the mix.

We found one last year who was in bad shape...feet bad, emaciated, had some basic buttons...2k. Turned out to be a good trail horse too...OTTB. 12 YO.

Took us a year to find "the one".

Sakura

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:16 PM

Oh, absolutely- most of us horse buyers just don't have the skill, and would have to hire one of those other posters to do the work ;)

What are you talking about? If you can buy a green horse with a good mind and athletic ability chances are they may just turn into a good allrounder. If you are capable of training said animal your self, great. If it can be done under the guidance of your trainer, great.

archieflies

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:28 PM

Well,my OTTB fits all your criteria (except 16.3h), but YOU CAN'T HAVE HER! A little over a year ago, I bought her for $3000, wit no experience in any particular area. Not sure what she's worth now, but I just really started training in June and since then she's done eventing and dressage shows, and we're about to foxhunt and do some jumper shows. She a scopey jumper, trail rides, totes around hubby and multiple little kids at once, and she's been known to go western. And she attracts fans like a boy band, because she is GORGEOUS and a pretty mover. :) So unless finances force it, she is staying with me for good (and if finances did force it, the line has already begun forming).

Find the right personality in an inexperienced, inexpensive horse, and it can become a steady all-arounder pretty quick. But once you have them going, you don't want to sell! You have to fight off offers!

CurlyLindsay

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:33 PM

If you are really willing to consider any breed, I know lots of Bashkir Curly owners and breeders in Ontario. :) I have met very few horses more versatile. My gelding goes from shows to parades to trails to demos in front of thousands of people without skipping a beat. He's won champion at a dressage show in the same month as winning a high point western pleasure championship. He takes care of this timid rider without funny business and with a change of tack can amp it up and gallop a cross country course with the eventer I have ride him sometimes. I say all this not to brag about him- but about the breed. Most of the well bred, well put together Bashkir Curlies have this kind of mind and athletic ability. Because we aren't a purpose-bred breed, finding the all-rounders is so much easier- and 7k would be able to land you a nice steady mare or gelding with trail and show miles.

Kementari

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:37 PM

I have one. (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4EDfliV5Rg9bKQM2FPpP4g?feat=directlink) He packs kids, too - and isn't for sale (nor will he ever be). I bought him for $1000 off the track, and made him myself. :yes:

Funny thing is, when I advertised him for lease, I got VERY little interest. I actually wondered if advertising all he could do was turning people off, because they assumed I was exaggerating - if not outright lying. I'd try calling about horses that maybe don't LIST that they can do everything, but look like the type who COULD. Don't look for a breed (not that you said you were) - breed has almost nothing to do with versatility; it's horses with good brains and trainers who are themselves versatile that make the difference, and you find those in pretty much every breed. :yes:

Tif_Ann

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:42 PM

I second the Spanish Mustang comments. While my boy isn't known to be a Spanish Mustang for sure, we've had lots of opinions that indicate he must have some Spanish mustang blood in him based on his conformation, etc. He's the epitome of all rounder - he's ribbons in Hunter classes, loves to jump even though he's half blind, has brilliant movements in dressage, loves trail rides and will go for miles, likes to chase cows in team penning, has allowed me to play various renaissance games such as mounted combat and jousting, etc. Oh, and he was free and is only two years under saddle. The only thing he's probably NOT good for is western pleasure as we don't have a lope... YET. He has a jog though, so some day I'm sure I'll be able to get a nice lope out of him.

meaty ogre

Dec. 30, 2008, 04:52 PM

You might have some luck looking for one just shy of being an all-rounder, and add a little training. I had a friend who sold a solidly western broke horse to a lady who subsequently finished her jump training and did some foxhunting. A $4000 western horse turned out to be a lovely field hunter/all-around type for her, with minimal work.

I would start with a western horse, but that's just my personal preference. Around here there are several good western trainers who will produce a horse that can stand, tie, has been around cattle/equipment, trail ridden etc. Many of the "english discipline" trainers around here are more show oriented and often don't take as much time with the tying, ground manners, trail work, etc. That may vary in your neck of the woods.

In my experience (which is admittedly less than many on this board), there are plenty of trail horses who can go nicely in the ring, but LOADS of horses who work in the ring and come unglued on a trail. I'd seek out the former at a bit under your price, maybe $5k (which should get you a very, very nice trail horse), and do $2K worth of training to get where you want to be with the rest.

It also never hurts to approach someone at a show if they have a horse that looks like what you're looking for. Many times they are a much-treasured horse who is not for sale for any amount, but sometimes there's a kid going to college or a divorce in the works and you may get lucky, espeically if you're willing to do a lease.

FlashGordon

Dec. 30, 2008, 05:14 PM

I would start with a western horse, but that's just my personal preference. Around here there are several good western trainers who will produce a horse that can stand, tie, has been around cattle/equipment, trail ridden etc. Many of the "english discipline" trainers around here are more show oriented and often don't take as much time with the tying, ground manners, trail work, etc. That may vary in your neck of the woods.

In my experience (which is admittedly less than many on this board), there are plenty of trail horses who can go nicely in the ring, but LOADS of horses who work in the ring and come unglued on a trail. I'd seek out the former at a bit under your price, maybe $5k (which should get you a very, very nice trail horse), and do $2K worth of training to get where you want to be with the rest.

Very much agree! Well broke western horses can be turned into really versatile mounts with a little bit of work.

victoriAH!

Dec. 30, 2008, 05:47 PM

We have one! But he's definately not for sale. He's done everything from reining to eventing to showmanship to packing around beginners. Maybe you can't find any because nobody really wants to give them up. Or your price range is too low for a been there done that kind of horse. Try raising your price and see what you get.

Here's some I thought looked like what you were looking for:
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad350892
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad355746
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/classifieds/ad330549 - personal favourite.

SarahandSam

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:00 PM

Look around WNY. I know of a couple that would fit your description. (: I got my QH as a 4-year-old; his registration papers were lost (I actually believe that, because he looks like he was worth registering at some point), he came through auction and was bought by a dealer. He is sound, sane, smart, pretty darn cute, and does trail riding, trail classes, hunt seat, cows, and medieval horsemanship. Haven't started him jumping yet really, but the one or two little fences I've hopped him over he took in stride and I think he'll be a pretty capable little hunter. So we got 'em cheap around here and we're only 2 hours away from you! (:

SquishTheBunny

Dec. 30, 2008, 08:47 PM

Wow, thanks for all the replies!!! Just to reiterate, she is NOT looking to buy at the moment, just trying to look for horses she likes so she can get an idea on budgeting for the spring.

- She likes SANE arabs and morgans best, not really into appy or paint, but a good horse is a good horse so she wont throw any ot the window based on breed. Preference is a registered arab or morgan though.
- Does NOT need to do everything at a high level. Should know HOW to jump small fences without tearing off or bucking or being an idiot. Lead changes. Should be trail-friendly. Should be broke enough to do some lower level schooling dressage. Again, doesnt have to be a winner at anything, but must be able to actually DO the deed!
- not small, but not huge she likes 15.2 - 15.3...but of course, like I said above, smaller or bigger doesnt matter if the horse is great. She is 5'8 so nothing too short.
- SANITY - meaning, may get a 5 days off in a row, and needs to be sane when she gets back on. Not too spooky (but doesnt need to be dead either)

Maybe we will need to broaden search horizones once the time comes...doesnt seem to be much like this in or area at the moment.

Would it be best to go to breeders if she was wanting an arab or morgan??

PalominoMorgan

Dec. 30, 2008, 09:16 PM

Could be good to find the local breeder boards, like the New York State Morgan site, and post what you're looking for there. Breeders will probably have a good idea if something might be available. Good luck.

BuddyRoo

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:41 PM

I think what your friend needs is a 12-15 YO horse who was some pony clubber's horse for a few years...has had the snot ridden out of it...seen everything, done everything....

My mare had that kind of upbringing (I've had her since she was born and I was 12) She just has lots and lots of miles on her. She wasn't "this way" at the beginning....took years of training. Miles.

But again....think about those criteria....she wants a jack of all trades, sane, can be pulled out the pasture after a break and be just the same as if the horse were being ridden daily, etc etc. you're looking for a saint of a horse.

these horses surely DO exist...but they don't get sold much! You kind of have to make your own and when you do, you keep them forever. Else, you pay big money.

Good luck!

Linny

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:47 PM

With the bad economy, some folks with nice horses that might be available are holding on to them hoping the market improves. Unless folks need to sell, they are not trying to move anything in this economy. That means you might be able to look to horses at a higher price! Check up to $9 or 10k, if folks need to sell and know he's going to a grat home, they may deal.
I also think that people have figured out to "niche market" their horses. They think they can get more by advertising him as a specialist rather than a jack of all trades type. Then you look and see "eventer" or "hunter" and not "all round good egg" for trail/show/pleasure.

Come Shine

Dec. 30, 2008, 10:53 PM

I am so lucky. My girl shows 1.15m jumpers, does dressage with my partboarder, carts my husband over crossrails, trail rides and is starting some eventing jumping. I posted a pic under the thread GM for a day in the H/J forum.If I was marketing her though, I would focus on her ring success as a jumper, so perhaps I would miss out on someone interested in more. Good luck with your search.

Equine Adhesive

Dec. 30, 2008, 11:53 PM

Sellers can't market an "all-arounder", because buyers are usually looking for a narrow specification. It's like not choosing a major in college and instead going just to "learn".

The translation for the buyer? You need to do your homework and take the time to look at individual horses, ask lots of questions about what they have had done, and decide yourself if the horse fits what you are looking for.

P.S. Set whatever price range you wish, whether it be $1500-$2500 or $10k or $30k, and you will find a horse that fits your needs in whatever price range you wish to spend.

pattnic

Dec. 31, 2008, 09:18 AM

Just thought I would mention that I am 5'8" and my Morgans are 15.0 and 14.2 or 14.3 (haven't measured him in a while). I do not look too big for them, nor do they feel too small for me.

Also, whoever said that Morgans ride bigger than they actually are is 100% correct. I have been on 16+ hand horses that felt smaller.

Starting with breeders may be a good idea, but don't rule out looking at "homebred" Morgans or smaller breeders. This is where you will more often find the old line/foundation Morgans that are being suggested, and they usually have a lower price tag, too. The guy I rode with back home found all his Morgans through "backyard" (not in the Fugly horse sense) breeders. Of course, his horses were all unbroke when he got them, but I think the average price he spent on them is about $1000 - $1500. My horses were $500 and $2000 when he originally bought them (I got them from him).

Vesper Sparrow

Dec. 31, 2008, 09:39 AM

There might be some low-level eventers for sale that fit the bill. I was looking at a 8 year old Canadien that had been pushed too far too fast and had to go back from Training to Novice, while the owner wanted to advance. There was bad blood between the owner (who had done the pushing) and my trainer and the owner wouldn't sell to me.

Except for age, my 24 year old TB mare definitely meets those criteria. She of course is not for sale.