04/09/2026
This is a really interesting question. I have found that in NZ, people don’t like to travel to buy a horse.
I understand the cost of transport being an issue.
But people repeatedly put caps on such ‘within 2 hours of x’.
Statistically, the chances of the best horse for your money who is also the most suited to you being located within 2 hours’ drive from your house aren’t high.
My own horses’ ancestor came to NZ tied to the mast of a ship for a 3 month journey. Not great welfare by today’s standards, but it shows how much we have changed our expectations.
I do have my limits - mostly based on which island the horse is on…but my basic expectation is to travel to the place that produces the horses I like. There has been rather a lot of impromptu motel stays, and I have a permanent access pass to the Back-of-my-SUV Hotel….
So I’m curious - how far is ‘too far’ when buying a horse, and what factors decide that?
Would you pay more for the same horse in a convenient location?
