Advice on prospective team

[Tyler Sage]

I am currently looking for a team of horses. I am fortunately not under time constraints and hope to have a team before the end of the summer with the intention of training them through the summer and fall for use logging next winter.
I looked at a team this weekend and would love some advice.
They were a pair of half brother Percherons, 17h, both around the ages of 15 and 17. The asking price is $4000, the seller is also willing to hold them, after payment, until may, which allows me the time I need to set up the necessary infrastructure.
Both horses haltered and led very well, politely lowered their heads and everything. They were easily harnessed while standing in a driveway without being tied up. They stood well while in harness and responded well to all commands while driving. I only ground drove them and had no complaints about their responsiveness and pace. After removing the harness, I separated them to see how a single would lead when his partner was in the paddock. He was slightly anxious and kept turning his head but was totally in control. There was no vocalization from either horse. This makes me feel good about their potential to be used single.
The horses belong to a carriage and sleigh company that does rides for hire and parades. According to the owner they have done a small amount of farm work including cutting hay and plowing at home and in competitions. The company seems to have too many horses for the work that needs to be done so is downsizing. The owners son is a farrier that specializes in drafts, they hold up their feet well and the feet appear to be well cared for.

The Team seems great over all. My biggest hang-up is on their age and price. Is it crazy to spend $4000 on a team of that age? The work of pulling wagons and sleighs seems less strenuous than farm work, does that mean they might have some more useful time left? Does anyone have an experience transitioning predominantly wagon and sleigh ride horses into daily farm work? I have enough experience to feel confident buying a younger team but wonder what the price difference might be.

Im looking for a team to use to help start a small diversified farm. 2 acres(eventually more) row crops, logging(4 days a week for 6 months of the year),transporting large amounts of grain and water for a six sow pastured pork operation and cutting hay. Work is minimal for the upcoming season but hopping to have them working more days then not starting next winter and continuing through the following seasons.

Any advice you have would be great!

-Tyler

[Brad Johnson]

Tyler-
Having bought only a few horses, I am no expert but I will give you my two cents worth. First, it is very important to remember that no matter what horse you are considering you will get a different horse when you get it home to your barn. Horses operate with us based on relationship and leadership, and they will have to form a new relationship with you when you get them home. I have had several instances where I saw very different behavior once I had the horse, stuff I never saw when I shopped the horse at the owner’s barn. That said, it is important to try to see as much as you can before you buy. It sounds like you have done that already. Second, I have transitioned a horse from lighter duty work to logging and farm work, with great results. I think it really depends on the horse, but my experience has been that most drafts benefit from more work on a regular basis. They are healthier and seem to enjoy the steady work and routine. Third, I do think that the price is high given their age. But, if you have the means to buy them and they are right team then do it. I would not hesitate to buy the right team for that price, but I would be sure to look at a number of horses to make sure a better and cheaper option was not out there available. Finally, I would have someone look with you who knows feet and general health. A farrier or vet is not a bad idea in a private sale. It is well worth the cost to know there are no hidden issues. Do they stand for shoeing without stocks?
-Brad

[Mark Cowdrey]

Great observations Brad.
Not entirely on the flip side but.. I try to remember that the expense is in the keeping them, not the buying them. 4K seems high now but that is due partly to the fact that 2 years ago they might have been half that. But it is not two years ago now.
The price is less important than whether they will do what you need them to do.
Also, a “small amount” of farm work could be next to nothing. It might be if I thought I had a hot prospect…
Good Luck,
Mark

[Stone Horse Farm]

Great advice from the previous posts. Having another person with horse-sense along to observe is a huge help.

My advice would be to revisit the team a few times. Be a detective, and look for clues. I like to watch the owner handle and drive his or her horses for clues as to their relationship. If the owner is quiet and calm chances are the horses are too. Maybe you could arrange to watch them work at one of the owner’s jobs. Watch him load the horses into a trailer. Is his hitch gear and harness in good condition? Dental and vaccination records?

As to their their current ages, a seasoned team that stands quietly while you make a plow adjustment, or choke another log is priceless. Getting horses physically fit for harder work is a lot easier than conditioning minds for work. An older team that has good consistent work habits is worth a lot. In my experience most work horses do well in the soil or the woods, and it is the exceptional ones that also work quietly in the craziness of the carriage trade.

And if/when you find the team you really want, pay for a vet check.

Good Luck!

Stu

• This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Stone Horse Farm.

[Rick Alger]

I’m with Mark regarding price. Over time we spend way more on feed and care than we do on the purchase.

Another thought. If you have doubts, offer to lease for a month with option to buy or return. If the owner balks, maybe they just want to see the horse gone, or maybe there is something they haven’t told you about. Either way you won’t get stuck with something that doesn’t work for you.

[dominiquer60]

The price range this year for “broke” draft teams is anywhere from next to nothing for a rescue/retrain, to $26,000 for 5yo grade Percheron “farm” geldings (non-show stock at Waverly). Older horses can be great workers as long as you keep them healthy, fit, and learn their limits. Sam’s older team is 16 and 18, they worked all last summer in the field and were conditioned for a little farm pull in the fall. If you really like this team I would certainly spend more time with this pair and have them vetted. A little money up front can halt a purchase that takes the cost of maintaining them through the roof. At their age I would pay particular attention to teeth and joints, I would expect some arthritis at their age, but if too much is found, $4k may be too pricey for their condition. If they pass a vet check with flying colors, they could be worth every penny if you are going to get them into condition gradually. There is a drug commercial on TV that states,”A body in motion tends to stay in motion.” I agree with this for both ourselves and our animals.

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