Hi,
I am from CA and considering the purchase of an Icelandic gelding but am unsure of how much to offer. Could you give me a range of reasonable prices for the following description?
gelding, 7 y/o Icelandic chestnut paint. Is used for kids in riding lessons. Apparently does not do the tolt or pace all that well ("gave it up after 2 weeks at present owner). I have never seen him do it. They have a mare that does do both well, so we've seen it. This gelding is very calm-good for beginners and is being used for beginner lessons. I don't know if he jumps or if Icelandics do or don't. I know they paid $1000 for him last fall (2004) and he was a little inexperienced but otherwise pretty much the same condition and training as he is now. I'm told he is not a "special" color. I am looking for a very calm mount for my daughter who is 6. We know this geldings' temperament pretty well having worked with him for about 7 months. My experience is with (giant) 18 hh warmbloods. We think he would be a great addition to our family but don't know what a reasonable price is for him-we don't want to offend with a too low price or overpay. Can you help or give a good resource? Also, I have seen him canter but not alot-we just want the three gaits-for dressage, trail etc. Is this an appropriate expectation of this breed?
Thanks so much!
Lynne Owen
If he does not gait, he may be worth less. But he may have a solid temperament that makes him worth what you want to pay.
Take you time; look at a lot of horses; the prices, in general, are coming down. Domestics are probably more suitable; imports may have some problems such as summer eczema (sweet itch), spavin, unexplained lameness, unsuitable training, been subjected to saddles that don't fit, may be afraid of whips, etc.
