essential BUYinG aDViCe
Buying a youngster Tips and advice to help you make the right choice when buying a young horse, whether it’s a just-weaned foal or a three-year-old ready for backing
B
uying a youngster can be a great opportunity, but it also brings special responsibilities. On the plus side, you have a horse or pony that you can train your way, providing you don’t have to undo any incorrect handling. It may well seem like an attractive financial proposition, too: an unbroken youngster with the conformation, movement and breeding to give him a head start should be much cheaper than one who is backed and going, as fewer people are prepared to take on the responsibility. APRIL 2013 Horse Deals
However, you must have the right facilities for keeping and educating a youngster, and the ability to do it correctly. Keeping him at livery may pose difficulties, though there are ways round it. Livery yards are not usually geared up to youngstock, but you may find that a local stud will be able to help. Hopefully, this will give you the advantages of safe facilities, the right environment and, should you need it, knowledgeable back-up. Young horses, like children, benefit from the freedom to play with others of their own age, though studs often use an old gelding or mare
to act as a calming influence and remind them of their manners when necessary. Turning out a youngster into a mixed group of mature horses can be a recipe for disaster, though matching him with a sedate senior citizen in a field of their own can work.
First steps
It’s often said that only experienced people should buy and educate youngsters, but that can be a Catch-22 situation, as how do you get the experience in the first place? The answer is to buy the right type, with the right Tel: 01733 468000
essential BUYinG aDViCe
R
TOP TIPS
R
l Buying a youngster can be a great investment, but choose the right type for your experience and circumstances.
BUYERS’ GUIDE
l If you’re buying your first youngster to gain experience, be a responsible owner rather than thinking of him in terms of a project. l Get expert help, if necessary, in assessing a young horse’s conformation and movement. l Remember that if you intend to back and bring on a youngster yourself, you aren’t under pressure to do it within a certain time. l Have a youngster vetted – your vet will advise you on this.
For more advice, go to www. horsedeals.co.uk or scan the QR code.
to keep it affordable for the owner and many do a fantastic job. But if you’re not having to pay someone, you can take your time.
You must have the right facilities for keeping and educating a youngster – and the ability to do it correctly
temperament, and to make sure you have the right back-up. Don’t go off and buy a dressagebred foal who is going to make 17hh with paces to match unless you can cope with everything this entails! If you’re looking to buy your first youngster to back, look for one with an amenable temperament who isn’t too reactive. Every horse retains his natural instincts, but you’ll often find that a cob or native type will be more forgiving. You may decide to buy something of this type to gain experience in educating young www.HorseDeals.co.uk
horses, then sell him when he is ready to go on. If so, remember your responsibilities as an owner when it comes to re-homing him: a horse or pony should never be just a project. If you’re competent at handling and riding horses of different types – and, equally important, have common sense and patience – you’ll find owning a youngster is amazingly rewarding. You need basic safe facilities, such as an enclosed area with good footing, in which to work him, but you can work with him without pressure. For instance, professionals often back a horse in six weeks
Words: Carolyn Henderson
Assessing youngsters
It’s far harder to assess a young, growing horse than one who is mature. He may look perfect one month and like a gangly giraffe with his back end in the air the next! However, some things never change. Once a foal is around three weeks old he should have the limb conformation he will grow up with – though obviously correct trimming is vital to maintain foot and limb balance. If he has long or offset cannon bones as a foal, those faults will remain throughout his life. The angle of a young horse’s shoulder, the way his head and neck are set on and the proportional length from hip to hock will also stay more or less the same. Take into account breed or type, too. Animals with Irish Draught, cob or native breeding will be slow to mature and won’t finish growing and developing until they are seven or even older. Many top class show cobs and heavyweight hunters were ugly ducklings who grew into swans. If you’re not sure of your own judgement, take an experienced breeder with a good eye for a horse with you. Invest in a pre-purchase vetting – and keep your fingers crossed, because we all need luck as well as judgement! HD APRIL 2013 Horse Deals
essential BUYinG aDViCe
Buying a competition pony R
Expert advice to help you find the perfect partner for your child
BUYERS’ GUIDE
A pony who’s a safe, talented confidence giver will be much sought-after
www.horsedeals.co.uk
APRIL 2013 horse deals
PIc: LesLIe BLIss; woRds: cARoLyn hendeRson
L
ooking for a competition pony can seem like mission impossible. All too often, what sounds like the perfect buy can prove to be a disappointment when you go to see him, whether the price is £2,500 or £25,000. But, by working out exactly what you need in a perfect partner for your child, you can find your own winning formula. And that’s the first lesson – you need to find the pony with whom your child can form a happy and confident relationship so that rosettes are a welcome bonus.
essential BUYinG aDViCe
Counting the cost
The adage that a horse is worth as much as someone is prepared to pay for him is especially appropriate to competition ponies. International show jumping and event ponies, and top class show ponies may change hands for five figures or even more. Colton Maelstrom, the most successful show jumping pony of this generation, was a member of 12 consecutive European championship teams and helped five different riders to win 11 gold medals. At one stage of her career, the 148cm mare was reputedly sold for £250,000. Show ponies frequently sell for big money, too. Top class lead rein and first ridden ponies are particularly sought after and again, there are reports of them changing hands for £25,000 or more. At the other end of the scale, you can buy a small pony who will help your child be a Pony Club star for £1,500 or less, or a 148cm pony showing the ability to compete at entry-level affiliated competitions for £2,500-£3,500. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t give up. For instance, if you have the experience within your family to bring on a young pony, you may spot a future star. Or perhaps you can recognise a talent that a previous owner has not been aware of. For instance, that second-rate show pony might excel in dressage. As ponies generally have longer careers than horses, with many competing at top level well into their late teens and even beyond, age tends not to have such a marked effect on price. A true schoolmaster won’t come cheap and will be both sought after and hard to find. Be careful, though, that you don’t buy a pony who has been overfaced or become fed up with competing. Some ponies who have reached their limit will move down a grade and help teach a lower level rider who can benefit from their experience and ability, but others may lower a rider’s confidence rather than boost it. The most expensive competition pony is the one who comes up with the goods but is also straightforward to ride. A pony who is talented but quirky needs a jockey who can gel with him and may be cheaper – though if he has a proven record at top level, don’t count on it.
APRIL 2013 horse deals
Showing expert Jo Bates has tips for helping your pony shine (see below)
Some quirks are one thing and a competent rider with knowledgeable support may learn a lot from a pony who needs tactful riding. Others are another matter and no parent should contemplate buying a pony that kicks, bites, rears or bolts, no matter how talented the animal is. Sadly, such problems are inevitably caused by bad handling or riding. But if you can’t trust a pony, you are risking your child’s safety. So is there anything you might be prepared to compromise on? No horse or pony is perfect and you might feel that a potential purchase’s ability outweighs drawbacks such as him being difficult to clip or catch. If you’re looking at national or even international level, you might not worry that a pony isn’t safe in traffic and can’t be hacked out. If this is the case, do make sure that he is safe in the environment of a busy showground or centre and think about whether you have the facilities available to give him a varied workload and lifestyle. Looking for a pony with a good CV at affiliated level? Check it with the relevant organisation. At local level, ask those on the competition circuit if they’ve seen him out and about. If height is a factor, make sure that the pony has the appropriate height certificate or, if he is a young pony, that he will measure in.
Ruling ambition
While it’s natural for parents to want their children to do well, your ambition shouldn’t overrule your child’s enjoyment. Some youngsters love going to shows and have the competitive edge. Others get fed up of being pressurised or facing parental disappointment when they don’t make the top line and eventually lose interest. It doesn’t always follow that a pony who has been successful with one rider will do equally well with another. An older pony who has been ridden by several children will often adapt to a new and less experienced rider, especially if your child can have a few lessons with a trainer who knows the pony
Looking good!
Once you’ve found your ideal pony, check out our turnout tips to help him sparkle in the show ring from leading show horse producer Jo Bates. “I like to bath my horses the day before a show with a good quality horse shampoo. Absorbine’s ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner is proving to be a favourite in our yard,” says Jo. “To avoid stains in grey ponies’ tails I find Absorbine’s Stain Remover and Whitener is effective. “Plaiting can be made much easier by careful preparation. Make sure that you
Tel: 01733 468000
essential BUYinG aDViCe
R
TOP TIPS
l Don’t assume that a pony who has been successful with one rider will do equally well with another – pony and rider must gel. l A talented pony who is straightforward to ride will sell quickly and sell well. l Never compromise your child’s safety and don’t try and live out your ambitions through your child! l A pony who misses the mark in one discipline may excel in another. l If you have the experience, think about buying and bringing on a younger pony who shows signs of talent. l Look for conformation weaknesses and always have a pony vetted.
Correct conformation and movement are important in the show ring
A competition pony doesn’t have to be an eye-catcher – unless you are aiming at top class showing, when conformation and movement are obvious priorities – but reasonable conformation gives him the best
chance of staying sound. Take into account the severity of any problem and how it fits into the overall picture. A pre-purchase vetting will also highlight any areas of concern, but faults to be aware of include: l Poor quality feet. Your vet and farrier will advise you on the difference between poor conformation and poor foot care, but good feet and a correct hoof/pastern axis are a great starting point for soundness. l Back at the knee. This is when the outline of the cannon bone between the knee and the fetlock is concave when viewed from the side. It puts extra strain on the tendons. l Poor hind leg conformation. A straight
have everything you need – a blunt needle (threaded), spare thread, scissors, mane comb and hair clips. A dab of Absorbine ShowSheen Detangler Gel added to the mane after plaiting will add extra sparkle for a finishing touch. “A well-pulled tail looks amazing and can really improve the look of a horse or pony’s hindquarters. You need to be very aware of safety when pulling tails, and never take risks. Wear a hat and protective clothing. “With regard to feet and condition, we use Absorbine Natural Hooflex conditioner on our horses every day. This maintains the correct
moisture balance whether horses are turned out or stabled, and maintains a healthy looking hoof. “Finally, I always black the horses’ feet with Absorbine SuperShine hoof polish, as the shiny finish looks great, and I also use quarter marks and add some ShowSheen Moisturising Gel around the eyes and muzzle.” For more information on Jo’s training facilities, visit www.jo-bates.co.uk – or for more on Absorbine, visit www. absorbine.co.uk
and can help the new partnership get off on the right foot. One who has been in the same home for many years, perhaps ridden by siblings who have outgrown him in turn, may take longer to settle into a new home. Be prepared to take your time and make sure pony and rider are happy and confident together at home before venturing into competition.
Make and shape
www.horsedeals.co.uk
For more advice, go to www. horsedeals.co.uk or scan the QR code.
hindleg, sickle hocks or pronounced cow hocks are all signs of weakness in an area that acts as the horse’s engine. l Too short from hip to hock. Another sign of weakness behind, this is easily distinguishable from a horse whose hindquarters simply lack muscle. l Croup-high. A pony who is croup-high when fully mature is built downhill and won’t find it as easy to work correctly. Native ponies and cob types often mature late, and a young pony who is high behind may level out. l Badly set on head and neck. Not a fault you’d want to see in a potential dressage pony, as it makes it more difficult for an animal to achieve self-carriage. l Lumps and bumps. Acquired blemishes such as splints usually cause no problems in a pony intended for jumping or dressage, unless they interfere with joint movement. Other blemishes, particularly curbs, are often linked to poor conformation and you need to ask your vet’s advice. l A show pony should, ideally, be blemishfree, though many judges will forgive a tiny splint on a well-made limb. Whatever job the pony is intended for, look at the overall picture, taking into account the severity of a fault and whether it is compounded by others. No pony is perfect, but clever matchmaking, coupled with a pre-purchase vetting will hopefully help you find the one who is perfect for you. HD APRIL 2013 horse deals
WIN HORSE DEALS COMPETITION
VIP tickets to Royal Windsor Horse Show We’ve got members enclosure tickets for a family of five to give away
R
oyal Windsor Horse Show celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, and more than 3,000 horses and ponies are set to descend on the private grounds of Windsor Castle to compete in jumping, showing and international carriage driving competitions. Visitors can also enjoy military equestrian
Her Majesty The Queen’s Highland ponies will be among the stars of the show ring
APRIL 2013 Horse Deals
displays, such as The Musical Drive of The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, Pony Club competitions and the Shetland Pony Grand National – plus there’s a funfair, a 4x4 course and over 200 shops around the showground. We have tickets for a family of five for the members enclosure to give away (valid for either Saturday 11 May or Sunday 12 May).
Top names, including show jumper Tina Fletcher (seen here) will be in action
Tel: 01733 468000
HORSE DEALS COMPETITION
Visitors can enjoy the Musical Drive of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery
Royal Windsor will play host to more than 100 showing classes
TO ENTER Simply go to www.horsedeals.co.uk/win and answer the following question before the closing date of 30 April, 2013 – what year did the first Royal Windsor Horse Show take place?
Not a winner? The Royal Windsor Horse Show
runs from 8 to 12 May. Tickets are available from www.rwhs.co.uk or call 0844 581 4960
www.HorseDeals.co.uk
APRIL 2013 Horse Deals
Building your dream yard
If you’re planning to build an arena, stables and possibly a house on your land, it pays to understand the planning application process and be prepared for the inevitable hiccups along the way
Planning for the future Expert advice to guide you through the maze if you’re seeking planning permission to build a house, stables and other facilities on your own land
S
ubmitting a planning consent application will send some people running for the hills, and it can be a challenging and frustrating process – but planning permission transforms the value of land and creates development opportunities. It may be a long and risky business fraught with hassle and uncertainty, but the potential gain can far outweigh the pain. Generally, planning is easier to achieve if you’re utilising existing outbuildings. Councils are usually concerned with the visual impact on surrounding areas, and it appears easier to obtain planning APRIL 2013 Horse Deals
permission for timber built stables over brick or block construction. However, unlike building regulations, planning rules are not set hard and fast and can be ambiguous and open to interpretation. It involves local politics, and the decision making process requires the interpretation of national and local planning policies by individual planning officers and committees of elected councillors. The scope for inconsistencies between planners even in one authority can be high, and between different authorities it can be a lot more. So a flexible and pragmatic approach to achieving your aims is required.
Plans to expand
Richard and Janet Mizon, alongside son Andrew, established Northcote Stud Equestrian Centre in Langho, Blackburn, five years ago, initially as a base for show jumper Andrew to produce and breed his own string of competition horses, and as a livery yard business. They bought the 30-acre plot already with some initial planning permission on the land. However, having studied the proposals, they found it wasn’t suitable to their needs. “The proposed buildings were split into three separate locations, one in close proximity to the hotel next door and another would have required us to dig into the Tel: 01733 468000
Building your dream yard
R BUYING ADVICE
The Mizon family have worked hard to build Northcote Stud (seen here)
hillside,” says Janet, “so we started over”. The new plans kept the building compact and together. “We visited different yards, took advice and ideas, and looked in depth at international yards and how they made it work efficiently,” explains Janet. “We took all the best bits and put them together to produce our plans, with the main build and arenas all in one place.” www.HorseDeals.co.uk
Why good relationships are key from the start
Establishing a good relationship with your local planning officer at an early stage is sound advice. “Throughout the planning process, our planning office was extremely helpful,” says Janet on her local Ribble Valley council. “We took their advice on the floodlights for the outdoor arena because of possible objections to light pollution, and amended it to low-level security lighting before submitting the application.” The application was submitted for 40 stables, a 60m x 40m indoor school, 65m x 55m outdoor arena with Andrews Bowen surfaces, car parking and a five-bed house. “Our problems arose with the parish council and councillors,” explains Janet. “They had no formal training in the planning process, didn’t appear to have read the brief of what we were trying to do and seemed to object on spurious grounds.” Other objections came from a nearby hotel situated 200m from Northcote Stud’s boundary, who sited nuisance objections, and also from other equestrian centres who stated it would affect their business and possibly force them to reduce staff. Again, the Mizon family found the planning office fair as they recommended the build go ahead. However, Janet found councillors’ objections frustrating. “They were not on the planning committee but could sit in on the meeting and object,” she says. The agenda of the meeting was also vexing. “In court proceedings the defence goes last and answers any questions. In this instance, the proposer goes first explaining why planning is required, but they cannot give an answer to the objections. It really is frustrating.” Certain changes were made to appease and the proposal was accepted, and working with neighbours to reach a solution is much better than going head-to-head, as Janet has found. However, rateable valuation was another bugbear. “We objected to the original rateable value of £42,000 and we eventually got it reduced to £28,000,” says Janet. “It is still an awful lot of money to find, as the payments are based on 48.5 pence in the pound.” A later application for two stable-staff flats above the stables was successful, and recent plans to forgo the five-bed house for another large apartment above a second set of stables has also been passed.
Becoming a competition venue
The Mizons waited until late last year to apply for planning permission to hold shows.
R
GOLDEN RULES l Whatever you’re planning to build, establish a good relationship with your planning office at an early stage. l Listen to the planning officer’s advice and be prepared to compromise. l Have a plan B and work with the planning officer to get what you really require. l Keep calm – a seemingly solid brick wall can be got around. l Try to resolve any issues with neighbours amicably – you’ve got to live with each other, after all.
For more advice, go to www. horsedeals.co.uk or scan the QR code.
“It helped enormously that the Government brought in a new directive on planning last year, which helped businesses,” says Janet, who still had to parry objections. Initial objections were a) affecting established businesses from other equestrian centres and b) the road was too narrow to take extra traffic. “We are 300 yards from the main A59 trunk road and Andrew can turn into our drive with a six-horse lorry with a caravan on the back – combined length 58ft – easily, but we had to employ a planning consultant and pay for a traffic control survey,” says Janet.“It all cost approx £20,000 but we were successful and, as ever, the planners were sensible and professional.” The unaffiliated show jumping and dressage shows appear popular and is another facet to this business. Northcote Stud also has green credentials. They have just moved to a biomass heating system and solar panels are fitted to the indoor school roof. The stud’s facilities now cater for liveries at a high level, with an indoor school and large outdoor arena, new show jumps and dressage markers, 14ft x 14ft stables with an automatic water system, secure individual tackrooms and numerous paddocks. HD
It helped enormously that the Government brouGht In a new dIrectIve on plannInG last year, whIch helped busInesses... Janet Mizon APRIL 2013 Horse Deals
essential BUYinG aDViCe
Buying a horsebox
Expert advice to help you buy a lorry with confidence, whatever your size needs or budget
W
hen buying a horsebox it’s important to be clear in your mind from the outset what you need with regards to size and on board gadgets. You might be blown away by a state of the art lorry, complete with living accommodation and en suite shower, but if you’re only going to be travelling up the road to local competitions all this luxury will be an unnecessary expense. Instead, be realistic and ask yourself the following questions: l How many horses will I be transporting at any one time? l How much can I really afford? l What am I legally allowed to drive? l Am I prepared for the substantial running costs – including an annual plating (the lorry’s equivalent of an MOT) and servicing, etc? l Have I got somewhere safe to keep it? Once you’ve sussed your budget and needs, you can start flicking through Horse Deals or head online (see www.horsedeals.co.uk) to browse the lorries for sale ads. Whether you buy privately or from a dealer is another point to consider. APRIL 2013 Horse Deals
Buying privately may bag you a good deal, but buying from a dealer offers you some protection, as well as a warranty. “When buying a lorry from a dealer you have implied and express rights,” say the legal experts at solictors SGH Martineau. “Express rights refer to those that you expressly agree with the dealer, for example the price, whether it will be sold with a full tank of fuel and how long any warranty will last, etc. If any of these express rights are broken then you’ll have legal rights against the dealer. In addition, the law implies other rights into your contract of sale/purchase.” In summary, the horsebox must be ‘as described’ by the dealer in his advertisement. So, for example, a nearly new lorry can’t be 10 years old, or a right-hand drive can’t be a left-hand drive horsebox. The lorry must also be of satisfactory quality and ‘fit for purpose’. In this regard, make sure you keep written evidence of any specific purpose you make known to the dealer. Finally, the lorry must match the description in any brochure, including the dealer’s website – for example a red lorry can’t actually be blue!
Buying 7.5 tonners
If you’re buying a bigger lorry, the most important point to consider is whether or not you can legally drive it. Lorries weighing between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes can only be driven by holders of a C1 category licence – and anyone who passed their driving test for a category B licence after 1 January 1997 will not receive automatic entitlement to drive category C1 vehicles, so will need to take an additional test. For more on driver licensing visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Driving foraliving/Drivinglorriesbusesandcoaches/ DG_4022548 Weight is another big issue. The 7.5 tonne horsebox used to be the staple form of transport for every equine activity from hunting to showing, with the ability to hold ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ for if you had to stay away at an event. But many of these lorries were significantly overweight when loaded with three horses, the family, water and diesel, leading to safety concerns. As a result, VOSA has clamped down on overweight lorries, and it is a common Tel: 01733 468000
essential BUYinG aDViCe
R BUYING ADVICE
A smaller 3.5 tonne lorry may better suit your needs – and budget
occurrence to be directed off the road and weighed. If you are overweight, the lorry can be impounded, which is at best inconvenient, and so a horsebox’s unladen weight has become a key selling point, with manufacturers using ever-lighter materials and innovative designs to stay within the law. When drawing up your horsebox wish list, be aware of unnecessary luxuries that may add weight. Air conditioning units, for
Further information VOSA’s Guide for Horsebox and Trailer
Owners can be downloaded at http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/ Horsebox%20Guide%20low%20res.pdf Visit the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners’ website at www.ohto.co.uk
www.HorseDeals.co.uk
example are very heavy, and how often are you likely to need air conditioning when away at shows in this country? Another heavy item is an awning, which is not really essential for most purchasers.
Buying 3.5 tonners
If a smaller 3.5 tonne lorry will better suit your requirements, a plus point is that anyone with a category B licence (an ordinary private car licence) can drive a lorry with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes, making these vehicles more flexible for the average horse owner. However, one serious concern for purchasers of horseboxes under 7.5 tonnes, which are subject to less regulation than HGVs, is their suitability to actually carry horses. So ask questions before you buy – for instance has the undercarriage and body been strengthened? HD
R
GOLDEN RULES When you go to view a potential lorry, follow our guide to essential checks (or have a mechanic do it for you): l Overall condition – look for signs of rust, wear and damp and check the ramp’s in good condition. l Wheels and tyres – check the wheel nuts and tyre tread depth, which should be at least 1mm or more, and have the tyre pressures checked regularly if you decide to buy it (a tyre centre will be able to do this for you if necessary). Check the spare, and look at the edges of all the tyres for signs of cracking or perishing. l Battery – does this look regularly maintained? To reduce battery problems, many drivers clean and protect the battery terminals with petroleum jelly. Check too that the lighting in the living and horse area runs from a separate battery to the main lorry battery. l suspension – check to see if the vehicle is sitting square or lopsided, and listen for any knocking sounds when the vehicle is in motion. l the parking brake, or handbrake – check it works, and while you’re in the cab check whether everything appears in good working order. l Brake systems – check for air and fluid leaks. l tachograph – if there is a tachograph installed, check whether your planned use of the vehicle makes it exempt. If your vehicle is fitted with a tachograph but you only use the instrument as a speedometer, you must ensure all the seals are intact, and that it has been calibrated and fitted with both the calibration and K factor plaques. l Fuel systems – check the fuel cap has a seal fitted and has no obvious fuel leaks. Check too that no black smoke is coming from the exhaust pipe, as well as the security and condition of the exhaust system. If you buy the lorry, the oil level should be regularly checked and topped up accordingly. l anti-freeze – to prevent cracked engine blocks, burst radiators and split hoses, the anti-freeze level in the cooling system should be topped up regularly. l Windscreen wash – has this been topped up? A mix of cleaning fluid, anti-freeze and water is best – and if you decide to buy the lorry you’ll need to make sure you’ve got plenty for the drive home. l speed limiter – if the vehicle has a speed limiter installed, check it has the appropriate calibration plaque and seals. l speedometer – make sure the speedometer illuminates. l steering mechanism – check for obvious oil leaks and any unusual knocking noises when driving. l Headlights and lamps – check that they work and are the right colour, and look for faded and broken lenses, or missing reflectors at the rear and side of the box. l You’re insured and legally able to drive the weight of vehicle before taking it for a test drive.
For latest horseboxes for sale, go to www. horsedeals.co.uk or scan the QR code. APRIL 2013 Horse Deals