Carole can I pick your brains. I have just sorted out my brand and am planning on going to the sales to buy a couple of yearling fillies to turn out or and older mare. I havent seen many mares for sale at the sales and am currently advertising privately for one. Would it be ok to turn out a couple of yearlings? Will they adjust ok or do I need to be sure they have been on the forest with mum up until now? Sorry if I sound like a plank but although I have horses, I am new to running them on the forest and just want to do the best thing.

Hi Jess,yearlings will be fine as long as they are forest bred.Turn them out in the spring,unless your land opens on to the forest in which case feed them in the field at the same time each day for a month and then turn them out and they should stay close by.You do get older mares at the sale,but you would be better to try and buy one from a commoner that you know.Go to a few drifts and ask around but be carefull.Please ask anything you want to know I will always try to help.

Thanks for that. I am hoping to go to the next sales but am just wondering if it is a good idea to buy a mare from the sales? Makes me wonder why they are being sold or is it usually just a genuine wish to reduce their stock on the forest?

Sorry to hijack a post.

Ness, I bought my foundation mare after loving in love with her. I'd seen her for a while and just wanted her. I approached her owner and asked if him of he would sell her to me.

Nearly eight years later, I've had four lovely foals. It might be worth doing that if you have some reservations about buying from the sales.

In your position I would be carefull about buying a mare.You need to know why she was being sold,also if you buy an older pony would it be halter broken,would you be able to catch her if you need to get her in.There are many reasons why you would have to get her,she may loose weight,she may become ill,she may be injured.Think very carefully about this.Why dont you buy two weaned filly foals at the sale,keep them in your field over winter and turn them out in the spring.Look on line at the catologue,pick out foals that have a good write up and are weaned and halter broken.Keep me posted.

Thanks for the suggestions from both of you. I have bought a few foals from the sales and halter broken them and brought them on so that wouldnt be a problem. Will have a look at the catalogue and have a ponder...and will keep you posted