Has "beginner safe", "bombproof", "husband horse" changed???

[Rebmik]

I'm just curious if I'm the only one encountering this...I have looked at a number of horses within the last year that supposedly were husband safe, good guest horse, beginner safe.... (I know NO horse is BOMBPROOF!)
But I am realllllly adamant that my husband IS NOT a rider and needs a trail safe ride for the occasional ride.
Every horse I've gone to see and ride, I wouldn't put someone I hated on it on a trail ride, much less my husband...I kinda like him! Has the definition of beginner safe horse changed since the last time I bought a beginner horse
10+ years ago????
Or WHAT???? I am so frustrated. I couldn't be ANY more clear and end up driving to try a horse only to ride it for 2 minutes (if I even get on) to say this is NOT going to work! I really don't understand. He wants a drafty gelding, but at this point, SAFE!!!!
What's the deal????

[Seven-up]

The deal is people are trying to sell their horses. If someone is dumb enough to believe what they say instead of trying the horse out... well, that's what you get. The definition has not changed. FWIW, I haven't come across that many advertised bombproof horses that actually were bombproof, either.:no:

[Ambrey]

Well, the way I see it is that a lot of women don't like their husbands very much!

;)

[Amchara]

If he is just going to ride occasionally, maybe you can help widen the field by looking at horses with small soundness issues which won't be effected by an occasional trail ride?

I'm thinking of old lesson horses, which would otherwise be thrown out the door, specifically.

[CatOnLap]

I think it is just a marketing tool.

To me, a ":beginner safe" horse is going to be:
a)trained
b) has been used in a lesson program, trail string or the like so it has had multiple riders that it carried safely
c) at least 10 years old- there are so many 2 to 4 year olds advertised as "beginner safe", when really, the baby horse is just waiting to mature before it learns to buck the sucka off its back.
d) absolutely sound- no unsound horse can be expected to be safe if it has pain somewhere.

and therefore will not usually be cheap.

HOwever, the lower priced horse market is like bargain basement time at walmart right now. You might find that $5 silk suit, but you'll wade through a mountain of cheap, illfitting polyester first...

[trubandloki]

If someone is dumb enough to believe what they say instead of trying the horse out... well, that's what you get. The definition has not changed.

The OP is going to check them out and wasting her time. I am missing where this comment comes from.

I have not tried to buy anything but I would be frustrated if that was happening to me too. I can see some people exaggerating but it seems that almost no one wants to be honest about what they are selling now days.

[shawneeAcres]

well, my take on it is NO horse is "bombproof" and the ones that come close to it are in HIGH demand and do cost a reasonable amount of money. But what I suggest to someone with the occasional riding husband is GET HIM SOME LESSONS and help him to become a more capable rider. People can and do fall off and get hurt even killed when a horse spooks at a walk. Beginners who rarely ever ride are at a high risk of something like this happening. Couple that with buying the so called "bombproof" hrose and then only riding it 2 - 3 times per year and that is a recipe for disaster! If you REALLY love your husband get him some good isntruction so that he becomes a better rider and then find a suitable horse.

[Rebmik]

AS I said I KNOW there is no such thing as a BOMBPROOF horse. Every horse can and will spook.
Husband has NO interest in taking riding lessons anymore than I want to take boating lessons (he is a boat captain), but our horses live with us and on the weekends I don't want to take off on a trail ride here at the farm and leave him at home.
I have taught him enough to be safe and occasionally he will ride my 6yo Shire, but we want to go out together around here.
The horses I've tried after explaining EXACTLY what I want, were horrible.
I guess it is the market too, people w/o hay to get through the winter want to "unload" horses and will say anything...wish there was a way to make them accountable!!!
:confused:

[craz4crtrs]

To be honest, all my bombproof horses have come from someone's backyard, not a big barn.

So, look at tiny little classified ads within your driving distance. Size, type and age of horse you are interested in. Get pics and videos if any distance is involved (for me over an hour away). You will still see plenty of duds, but honestly...there are some really nice horses out there.

Ask farriers, a lot of people have lovely horses in their backyards that aren't being advertised. Maybe a lease option on a horse that really isn't "for sale" but isn't being used. Once the horse is off the property and works for you, buy it. ;)

I have 3 "bombproof" husband/kid safe horses, but I looked long and hard. In fact we've had two of these guys over 10yrs now, and they aren't going anywhere. :lol:

My last horse was really green, but I could just see the potential in his eyes. Now he is more dependable that my oldies.

Keep looking.

[Seven-up]

The OP is going to check them out and wasting her time. I am missing where this comment comes from.

I have not tried to buy anything but I would be frustrated if that was happening to me too. I can see some people exaggerating but it seems that almost no one wants to be honest about what they are selling now days.

Sorry, I should have said that's what they get, not you, as in the OP. I meant someone that isn't trying a horse out and just going on the seller's word, unlike what the OP is doing. Sorry for the confusion.:D

[SquishTheBunny]

" d) absolutely sound- no unsound horse can be expected to be safe if it has pain somewhere."


I think this definition needs to be changed to servicibly sound. A horse that can not tolerate jumping or higher level dressage work may be suitable for YEARS AND YEARS as a trail horse.

My ancient horse had arthritis in his hocks, to the point where he could no longer be a high level hunter. But, with proper management he was a stunning horse for flatwork and VET recommended as it was better to keep him going. He was not "in pain" at all, as soon as he became uncomfortable he was fully retired at the ripe old age of 28 (not bad for a TB!)


I would try looking for a retired show horse. Many people give them away as they have been used up so much in the ring, they just want a kind home for them. A lot of them are sound for light work.

[Rebmik]

A recent "bombproof" (I hate to even use that word) horse was loaned to me by a "trainer" to help my husband get confidence. I tried horse at "trainers", dead... they drop horse off and it becomes a RAGING LUNatic!!! I mean Scary just in the pasture or attempting to lead...maybe he switched horses??...I promptly asked he pick this idiot up! He got an attitude and asked what the problem was...it took him over 20 minutes to catch his horse then the horse tried to flip in the trailer...I quietly said "that is NOT bombproof buddy"!
Maybe too, I'm older and maybe bombproof has changed for me! I used to get on the stupid ones for a challenge, now..... no WAY. Hmmmm maybe a light bulb moment???

[cholmberg]

I had someone offer up a six month old pony stud colt when I mentioned I was looking for a mount for my (then) four year old daughter. It's a good thing looks can't kill. But I did manage to politely squeeze out that I didn't think that would be suitable. . . she's like "aw sure, they can grow up together!"

Been offered green broke two year olds, unbroke older horses, etc. For a beginner -child-.
I understand wanting to sell their horses, but geez. They get a gullible person and
the kid gets seriously hurt or killed. . . .

[ReSomething]

I agree that it is very frustrating to expect one thing and get something completely different. My trainer needed to expand the beginner end of the business as the current horses were aging, being overused, and just plain not enough of them to run a lesson with up to 8 up-downers. She was having a heck of a time even with her contacts.

Just keep looking. Personality is key, with training you will have that safe and sane horse you want. And don't sell the DH short, if he has a CG license he had to take all kinds of classes, he may be willing to take a short course of lessons.

[Bank of Dad]

I am in full agreement with the OP. The rescue "bombproof" I got last winter may still be too much horse for hubby. True, he doesn't spook at anything, or even look much, esp. compared to the arab :), but he likes to move out at a fast trot. Hubby has been riding 35 years, with lessons on and off, but will always be an advanced beginner. I see all these expensive (4000-5000) on the net. Are they what they're advertised? Or is it more likely that they really are a good seasoned horse for the intermediate to advanced rider? And if I got one of these, and they were still too hot for hubby, could I recoup my money? Buying for 5000 is easy, selling one for 5000 is a lot harder.

[Cielo Azure]

These are all in VA (I saw lots of interesting ones and I could have expanded the search to include OH and MD and pulled up probably 100 more!). :

http://www.draftsforsale.com/ShowAd/index.php?id=48d6f0e39f16d

http://www.draftsforsale.com/ShowAd/index.php?id=48beabe307b66

http://www.draftsforsale.com/ShowAd/index.php?id=486538a4bed6b

http://www.draftsforsale.com/ShowAd/index.php?id=487b5e73cd7aa

http://www.draftsforsale.com/ShowAd/index.php?id=4884ec23e853a

[meaty ogre]

Rebmik, I can't tell you how many I've seen advertised as bomproof/beginner/husband horses. Honestly I think it's more rare to see one listed for sale without those attributes, though we all know that those attributes are relatively rare. It is frustrating.

I started looking for such a horse several years ago. I had a low budget so I started looking mostly at backyard horses. The owners were so uneducated they didn't know what they had. At first I was angry about wasting my time, but honestly, if a person doesn't know that their bit is in backwards, they probably don't know their horse isn't trained. ;)

So I upped my budget and started looking at horses in "professional" barns. Sadly it wasn't much better.

The truth of the matter is that horses like this get passed on to friends, family members, or other people in the same barns/circles. They are hard to find, and when somebody comes across one, they keep him/her. My bombproof/husband horse was actually given to me when he couldn't stand up to the rigors of lesson work any more. He had a few kinks to iron out but I'm so lucky to have gotten him.

Here are my tips:

-Don't look for a "kids" horse. Kids are brave and/or stupid. Brave kids will ride anything. So will stupid ones. Just because a horse has been ridden by kids does not mean it is suitable for one! Also, many horse sellers live by the saying that God watches over fools and children. Just look at some sales ads to see what I mean!

-To most people, husband horse means one or more of the following:
a) It's big...can probably carry a man
b) It's too strong for a lady...probably pull her arms out of socket!
c) Based on the same premise that most men won't stop and ask for directions, let's dump the horse on some man whose macho-ness won't allow him to admit that he can't manage to ride the horse.

- Look for a "granny" horse. Tell them you are bringing your beloved 80 year old grandmother with arthritis and 2 hip replacements. Tell them the horse is for her, she means more to you than anything in the world and the horse has to be perfectly suited for her. I am dead serious. Just say this to the seller and be amazed at all the "disclosures" that wouldn't have happened if you were looking for a "kids" or "husbands" horse!

Good luck!

[FoxChaser]

I fully agree with the suggestion to talk to your farrier. Also put the word out with your vet, the local tack store, the feed folks, etc. You are far more likely to find a great horse by word of mouth and not so likely to find someone wanting to take advantage of you. My husband's horse was a 16 year old OTTB who belonged to a friend (and veterinary chiropractor). He was retired to pasture board somewhere and she suggested that we give him a try as a free, permanent lease (keep him as long as we wanted). We had looked and looked with much the same result ("bombproof" "beginner-safe" horses that tried to buck me off within the first couple of minutes). This horse couldn't have been better if he tried. He was the type who when worked consistently (by my hubby- he didn't like my ride but would do anything my super-green hubby asked) could go around a BN x-c course with ease but was also good to get out of the pasture for as little as 4 rides a year. We ended up keeping him through until the end of his days and miss him very dearly. He did give my husband the confidence to decide to not get another "bombproof" horse, but instead to give my made eventer a try for his next ride :) Keep looking and get as many ears to the ground as possible. There are plenty of great horses out there and many can be had for free to the right home (for that matter, check the freebies list on here!). Good luck!

[Rivendell Horses]

lol if you are ever up in jersey..we have a draft x mare that is at the rescue a client has. She isn't broke BUT will beginner safe. She's free to a good home, as her last owner dumped her and she does have arthritis in her ankles, so will only be able to be a w/t horse. She's only 5, so we're not quite sure what she will or wont be able to do, other than that. (THat was what the vet thought).

She does w/t/c on the lunge line and has had people (me and another rider) on her while being led around. Not spooky at all. 16.2 paint x draft.

Just thought you might want to take a mini vacation. lol.

There are SOME non lying sellers out there, though lately it seems they are few and far between (i had one client get screwed over royally by a 4-H leader. You'd think that should be a "you're safe" kinda thought b/c of what they do with their time. I'm of course, the one that ended up getting hurt b/c the drugs wore off and up his ass came. down i went. sigh.)

Good luck :)

*Maybe check out some of the "real" rescues?

jen
www.rivendellhorsefarm.com

[BuddyRoo]

I don't think the definition has changed per se...it's just that not everyone gets it.

Maybe some open ended questions are in order to help you screen a little better?

IE: When you call, instead of saying, "So, he's never bucked?" or "So, you trail ride?"

1) How often is this horse currently worked? By whom? How would you rate said rider? (novice, intermediate, etc.) Reason I'd want to know this is that some horses ARE great for a confident rider...but they fall apart with a novice.
2) Can you describe the type of trails that you guys ride on?
3) What else does the horse know how to do?
4) Can you describe the tack you normally use? I would see red flags if there's a tie down, ginormous crazy bit, etc.


To be really honest, the seriously "husband/guest/kid safe" horses are worth their weight in gold and I don't think you see many of them up for sale. They tend to get passed from friend to friend, family to family because they truly do seem to become the "go to" horse, ya know?

[One is Enough]

- Look for a "granny" horse. Tell them you are bringing your beloved 80 year old grandmother with arthritis and 2 hip replacements. Tell them the horse is for her, she means more to you than anything in the world and the horse has to be perfectly suited for her. I am dead serious. Just say this to the seller and be amazed at all the "disclosures" that wouldn't have happened if you were looking for a "kids" or "husbands" horse!

Good luck!

That's perfect advice!

[Just My Style]

I have the opposite problem. I have a wonderful horse that is all those things, but the people that call are nuts. They are either put off because he isn't fancy. If he doesn't kill your spouse, does it matter? And they also want him to have fox hunted, evented, shown, jumped, gone to the Olympics, etc. for $$$$. Once again, if he doesn't kill your spouse, does it matter? I am so over it that I just took him off the market.

[Rebmik]

Rebmik, I can't tell you how many I've seen advertised as bomproof/beginner/husband horses. Honestly I think it's more rare to see one listed for sale without those attributes, though we all know that those attributes are relatively rare. It is frustrating.

I started looking for such a horse several years ago. I had a low budget so I started looking mostly at backyard horses. The owners were so uneducated they didn't know what they had. At first I was angry about wasting my time, but honestly, if a person doesn't know that their bit is in backwards, they probably don't know their horse isn't trained. ;)

So I upped my budget and started looking at horses in "professional" barns. Sadly it wasn't much better.

The truth of the matter is that horses like this get passed on to friends, family members, or other people in the same barns/circles. They are hard to find, and when somebody comes across one, they keep him/her. My bombproof/husband horse was actually given to me when he couldn't stand up to the rigors of lesson work any more. He had a few kinks to iron out but I'm so lucky to have gotten him.

Here are my tips:

-Don't look for a "kids" horse. Kids are brave and/or stupid. Brave kids will ride anything. So will stupid ones. Just because a horse has been ridden by kids does not mean it is suitable for one! Also, many horse sellers live by the saying that God watches over fools and children. Just look at some sales ads to see what I mean!

-To most people, husband horse means one or more of the following:
a) It's big...can probably carry a man
b) It's too strong for a lady...probably pull her arms out of socket!
c) Based on the same premise that most men won't stop and ask for directions, let's dump the horse on some man whose macho-ness won't allow him to admit that he can't manage to ride the horse.

- Look for a "granny" horse. Tell them you are bringing your beloved 80 year old grandmother with arthritis and 2 hip replacements. Tell them the horse is for her, she means more to you than anything in the world and the horse has to be perfectly suited for her. I am dead serious. Just say this to the seller and be amazed at all the "disclosures" that wouldn't have happened if you were looking for a "kids" or "husbands" horse!


Good luck! That is exactly what I was thinkingk, but my "Granny" was also going to be "blind"!!!!

[coloredhorse]

Ask farriers, a lot of people have lovely horses in their backyards that aren't being advertised. Maybe a lease option on a horse that really isn't "for sale" but isn't being used. Once the horse is off the property and works for you, buy it. ;)

Ditto that! My farrier always knows of various types of horses for sale or long-term lease, many retired performance horses, been-there-done-that steady types, who would love a life of ease, earning their keep with just the occasional meander down a pleasant trail. Your vet, too, may know of some saints available to the right situation. Maybe there is an old soldier nearby who can't serve his owner's needs anymore, but is serviceably sound with a little TLC and would fit the bill for hubby perfectly.

Some of these may not be advertised except by this sort of word of mouth. If I were interested in placing one of mine with a nice family, that is what I would do ... just spread the word via the pros that I trust who could give personal recommendations.

[coloredhorse]

" I think this definition needs to be changed to servicibly sound. A horse that can not tolerate jumping or higher level dressage work may be suitable for YEARS AND YEARS as a trail horse.

My ancient horse had arthritis in his hocks, to the point where he could no longer be a high level hunter. But, with proper management he was a stunning horse for flatwork and VET recommended as it was better to keep him going. He was not "in pain" at all, as soon as he became uncomfortable he was fully retired at the ripe old age of 28 (not bad for a TB!)

I agree 100%, Squish! My senior citizen mare is not truly "sound" in the way that a dressage horse must be sound ... arthritis has stiffened her joints and an old injury have given her a hitch in her getalong that is a permanent mechanical lameness. It is very slight, it is not painful (determined via extensive blocking by two vets!), and it does not hinder her being a lovely pleasure horse and occasional beginner lesson horse. In fact, she frets, eats poorly and doesn't do well at all when "retired." She is perky, shiny, engaged and happy with her part-time, post-retirement "career." And several vets -- including one nationally renowned lameness expert -- agree that the consistent work has improved her arthritis and overall comfort level.

If I couldn't keep her for some reason, I would be looking for a home like the OP's, where she could be a beloved family pet with an easily doable job.

[Luckydonkey]

:DI have the exact opposite problem- I have the bombproof kid and hubby safe horse that is reasonably priced, sound, sane and available. and I can not get her sold,lol.... I had a family here this weekend with 3 kids betwen 7 and 11, and they roe her in their tack, my tack, bareback, double, single, all gaits up and down our hills, all over the place- rode her along the fenceline by my stallion- and she ignored him even though she is in heat, my hubby was running chainsaws an cutting wood, my son and one of the kids were racing aroun all over the place, and the mare was a total gem the whole time- did everything asked of her an they were here for over 2 hours....but now they needto talk to the trainer, and they want to come again next weekend to ride her again,lol..... not to mention i have multiple videos and photos i have sent out on her- I just think alot of people are nuts.

[Just My Style]

:DI have the exact opposite problem- I have the bombproof kid and hubby safe horse that is reasonably priced, sound, sane and available. and I can not get her sold,lol.... I had a family here this weekend with 3 kids betwen 7 and 11, and they roe her in their tack, my tack, bareback, double, single, all gaits up and down our hills, all over the place- rode her along the fenceline by my stallion- and she ignored him even though she is in heat, my hubby was running chainsaws an cutting wood, my son and one of the kids were racing aroun all over the place, and the mare was a total gem the whole time- did everything asked of her an they were here for over 2 hours....but now they needto talk to the trainer, and they want to come again next weekend to ride her again,lol..... not to mention i have multiple videos and photos i have sent out on her- I just think alot of people are nuts.

AGREED!!!!:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:

I had the woman who was so excited to some and see mine that she came to my house in 4 inch heels. She forgot her barn boots. :lol: She went on and on about how she knew he was the one and told me her huge sob story about her Dutch horse that was too much handle. She sold him and was devastated. She had to finally admit to herself that she is a timid beginner. Well, that's fine. My horse thrives with timid beginners.

She wanted to give me cash on the spot. She was driving a brand new mercedes convertable sports car, so I figured she was serious. But I wanted to make sure that she was actually the right person, despite her quirks. She came and rode him and brought an experienced friend. He was a SAINT. And she burst in to tears after she rode him telling me that he was the most wonderful and kind horse she ever sat on. The friend supposedly loved him.

And then she disappeared. Yep. Her friend wanted her to try a few more horses, just to be sure. She had called me whispering from the barn that "none of them are as nice as your horse". Even so- disappeared. Never returned an email. Never returned a call.

That is why I am keeping him. I am so over stupid people.

[Bravestrom]

We lucked out - went to an auction to look for a hubby horse.

I had a mare in mind that I saw in the catalog - while my husband had his eye on a 3 yr old draft cross - I had my eye on a 9 yr old draft cross mare.

The 3 yr old came out - wide eyed, unbroken and very up. My husband agreed that was not the horse for him and wanted to leave - I said lets wait and see this mare I had my eye on when we were browsing.


She came out with two girls riding her double bareback, then they threw on a saddle - I saw this sad look in her eye but a sweetheart underneath.

I outbid the meat man for her and we brought her home for 1400. Best money I ever spent.

While she has a capped hock - no lameness, no health issues, no vices and she is an absolute sweetheart. She never causes any problems, is a great weaning partner. My husband absolutely loves her - she has taught him to be patient - she was a little abused - but she looks after him so well - whenever he looses his balance she stops, she stands for mounting, dismounting. She has also taught him to be very light handed.

she can be ridden once a month, once a week or whatever - doesn't worry about cars or anything and will go when asked.

I wouldn't sell her for the world.

here is a link to some pics of them playing hide and seek.

www.hotelfun4kids.com/horses2.htm

[King's Ransom]

Wow! Lacey is BIG and GORGEOUS!

I play hide-and-seek with King, too. Elijah doesn't seem to "get it," though. He gets his feelings hurt if you hide from him! :lol: King understands that if you "find the kid," there are cookies involved. He loves the game. But poor ole Eli is just too tender hearted. What? Why would you HIDE from me?

[SLW]

My best horses have come via word of mouth but ditto the advice to put the word out w/ farriers and vets. Also, take your search into the western world. A nice "been there, done that" former roping horse can be one heck of a good horse.

[silver2]

There have been a few threads here about ranches that train trail horses and family horses. Videos of them dragging tarps around bareback in the snow and that kind of thing. That is where I'd look.

[Kementari]

So I was writing an ad today for a horse who truly is a beginner's horse/bombproof (at least, as much as any horse ever is)/etc - and I was thinking of this thread going, "But how do I write it so that people know that I'M telling the TRUTH?" :winkgrin:

The stupid liars out there just make it so much harder for the rest of us! :lol:

[goeslikestink]

AGREED!!!!:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:

I had the woman who was so excited to some and see mine that she came to my house in 4 inch heels. She forgot her barn boots. :lol: She went on and on about how she knew he was the one and told me her huge sob story about her Dutch horse that was too much handle. She sold him and was devastated. She had to finally admit to herself that she is a timid beginner. Well, that's fine. My horse thrives with timid beginners.

She wanted to give me cash on the spot. She was driving a brand new mercedes convertable sports car, so I figured she was serious. But I wanted to make sure that she was actually the right person, despite her quirks. She came and rode him and brought an experienced friend. He was a SAINT. And she burst in to tears after she rode him telling me that he was the most wonderful and kind horse she ever sat on. The friend supposedly loved him.

And then she disappeared. Yep. Her friend wanted her to try a few more horses, just to be sure. She had called me whispering from the barn that "none of them are as nice as your horse". Even so- disappeared. Never returned an email. Never returned a call.

That is why I am keeping him. I am so over stupid people.

they come for free rides as ut cheaper mecedes or not its an easy trip out and easy to have a ride rather than pay for a lesson

[goeslikestink]

op-- dont look for boomproof look fo a horse that novice ride
and llearn to read between the lines of the seller, or ask open questions

ie - wha type of bit is trhe horse ridden in-- is a clue
for exsample if the answer a snaffle mouth then thats a clue that the horse has a soft mouth
same to with what type of bridle does the horse ride in
flashes ,crackles , figures of eight - could be a strong horse , threfore not a novice ride
same to with martigales
if ahorse is a snaffle mouth a proper snaffle mouth then yu shouldnt need xtra attachments

also ask whats it like to be cuaght is another clue
ie good to catch, ( if seeing a horse then you want to be able to catch it yourself you do not want to see it already caught up and tacked up wny becuase if you catch the horse then its ens right there no point bring a novice rider if they cnat catch the horse as they are novice at handling they want something they can catch, that will stand and be tacked by them and mounted with ease

make sure your looking at ahorse for the correct weight of the rider

ask about the feed-- thats also agood indicator of -- how the horse goes
type would make her quicker faster and hard to hold

ask your farriers vets and llocal tack shops as they are more than likely to know of a decent horse around the corner
some horses are in peoples livery yards that dont have proffesional help and some are not


the few exsamples a re questions that have reponses of what the horse will be like and you cut them out beofre you look and waste your time

an advert for a novice should be good temprement, easy to do and handle, doesnt buck rear or bolt good to load shoe clip, and is a novice ride good in traffic, that can vary from good to 100% with trafic vets and farriers,

if you looking for a weight carring horse such as an irish co type or gypsy vanner its well known here that they can be stubborn, and slow but they are also strong willied
and the common cob is like buying a cup of tea in a cafe we have that many of them here

we have the really cheap ones to the more expensive type the cheaper ones as with anything the less you pay the less you get
ie edcuation or issues be it health or attitude
always get a ppe done might cost a bit but will save you heaps in the long run
and always do it regardless of price of horse
also when buying if the horse is at another yard and to be trnasported to you always insure the horse from day one

[Rhyadawn]

I have the opposite problem. I have a wonderful horse that is all those things, but the people that call are nuts. They are either put off because he isn't fancy. If he doesn't kill your spouse, does it matter? And they also want him to have fox hunted, evented, shown, jumped, gone to the Olympics, etc. for $$$$. Once again, if he doesn't kill your spouse, does it matter? I am so over it that I just took him off the market.

I had this argument with someone the other day. I was horseshopping with a friend, this is to be her first horse. She has been riding for 2 years and feels ready to take the plunge. I'm looking around for her, trying to find something in her budget that is safe, sane and sound. The only thing she cares about is that it is tobino and big!! HAVE I TAUGHT HER NOTHING!!!

first and foremost you need to be able to live with them. If you can't stand them whats the point?! Extensive training is great, bonus, but if this is going to be a trail horse does it really need to know advanced dressage? W/T/C w/ leads, voice commands are handy, and exceptional manners are a must.

They need to be sane, not freaking at everything. They need to be steady, constant but responsive. And they need to be forgiving of the mistakes that thier riders make.

I think it comes down to training. People forget that the average rider is just that, average. They want an animal that they can put anyone on and KNOW that they are safe.

[goeslikestink]

you might want to get in touch with sunkissacres, mayS or fat palomino
on here they are rescue centres tha post often they have plenty of horses needing homes
and one just might be suitable for your husband
they are reputabe cother's thats waht i would do, they would only be to pleased to ave a cother have one of there horses and besides you letting up a space to let them save another one
and if transport a problem normally cothers stick together and do a trip thing to get horse from a- to b

[Liberty]

:DI have the exact opposite problem.... I had a family here this weekend with 3 kids betwen 7 and 11, and they roe her in their tack, my tack, bareback, double, single, all gaits up and down our hills, all over the place- my son and one of the kids were racing aroun all over the place, and the mare was a total gem the whole time- did everything asked of her an they were here for over 2 hours....but now they needto talk to the trainer, and they want to come again next weekend to ride her again,lol..... I just think alot of people are nuts.

I think that family thinks they've found a great place to take the kids to have some FREE fun on someone else's horse.

If they do show up again, I'd limit their test riding to 30 minutes, tops. Then that's it, decision time for them - no more free rides.

[Liberty]

Rebmik,

Here's a nice-sounding mare at Gentle Giants Draft Horse rescue in Maryland:
http://www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com/Lady%20Vivienne.html

:)

[Vesper Sparrow]

I loved Lacey. I think she is absolutely adorable.

[Just My Style]

they come for free rides as ut cheaper mecedes or not its an easy trip out and easy to have a ride rather than pay for a lesson

Exactly. That is why when she wanted to take the horse to her place to try, I said "no". I told her that there was too much risk involved with her trailering him and taking him to a strange place unless she was more certain that he was the one. I offered for her to come back to my place and spend as much time as she wanted with him. If she was positive after that, then I would take a deposit, allow him to visit her barn and be vetted there. Never heard from her again. Sorry, but I don't think I was unreasonable. Excuse me for being protective of the horse and not allowing him to just hop on a trailer and go off with someone.

[paohatch]

Ok.. Now you have me all thinking about the appropriate wording for our horse currently for sale. He is very quiet (2 on a scale of 10) . :)He is a good for a strong beginner rider. :yes: We take him to judged pleasure rides and he does very well, often in the ribbons.. We stick non rider guests (adults) on him when we go trail riding. :yes:

What sort of listing would not put people off?

[rainechyldes]

Oddly, I have sortof the opposite issue right now.

Have a little mare who was campaigned by solid experienced junior all year, flat/fences, I've advertised her as a junior horse, but not bombproof, not a hubby horse, - she's young and can be a little hot (rare- but it can happen with this horse) and needs someone whose been riding at least a year or so - so a degree of confidence, ability is required to handle her when she has a 'moment'. So I don't want her to go to a beginner rider, just in case..well you know. I'm paranoid. :)

fast forward to every call...
- my child is (pick an age) and has never ridden before, can she/he ride her alone?
- my wife thinks she'd like to learn to ride, - this horse would be good for that right?
- I'm looking for a husband horse, "does he ride?" oh no, just want something to poke around the trails with...

"Uh.. no! thats why I said RIGHT IN THE ADD- only suitable for an experienced rider or a novice rider /w trainer. *sighs*

[Rebmik]

Sounds like us horsepeople have clear communication issues :winkgrin:
I know I am a very direct person (so I've been told by former employers!) and never seem to have a problem with people understand what it is that I am saying...except when looking for a horse!:confused:

[meaty ogre]

For those who asked about how to write sale ads, one thing that I think is helpful for buyer AND seller is to AVOID terms like beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate, etc, or DEFINE those terms in your ad. Those definitions vary as much or MORE than bombproof/hubby! :)

If your horse can pack a non-rider on a trail in company, put that in the ad. If the horse requires a "strong beginner" otherwise, state EXACTLY why. I.e, say the horse does best with a rider who can walk/trot/canter independantly in the ring with other horses present, then specify that or define that as what you mean by "strong" beginner in the ad. Even that leaves a lot of room for variation (can they only WTC on a dead-head lesson horse? Are they only capable of controlling their horse in a group of 3 or less? So on and on and on...but you at least have a starting point now, whereas strong beginner can really mean ANYTHING).

Now, you will still get all the crazies, but for the 10% out there who are earnestly looking, it helps a lot.

I haven't sold a lot of horses, but I always put a line at the end that said, "This horse is best suited for a ____." Adult, adult re-rider, family trail horse for those with varied horse riding experience, whatever you think the horse is best suited to do. Yadda Yadda. You may be narrowing your market a little, but I do think it is helpful to say what you think the horse's best attributes are, and you can still do that in a semi-broad way. Or even put what the horse is NOT suited for (not for the faint of heart ;) not for the under-insured! :) just kidding but you get the picture).

[paohatch]

For those who asked about how to write sale ads, one thing that I think is helpful for buyer AND seller is to AVOID terms like beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate, etc, or DEFINE those terms in your ad. Those definitions vary as much or MORE than bombproof/hubby!

If your horse can pack a non-rider on a trail in company, put that in the ad. If the horse requires a "strong beginner" otherwise, state EXACTLY why. I.e, say the horse does best with a rider who can walk/trot/canter independantly in the ring with other horses present, then specify that or define that as what you mean by "strong" beginner in the ad. Even that leaves a lot of room for variation (can they only WTC on a dead-head lesson horse? Are they only capable of controlling their horse in a group of 3 or less? So on and on and on...but you at least have a starting point now, whereas strong beginner can really mean ANYTHING


Some good advice!... Although, I had to laugh about another post made earlier about buyers not reading the ad and calling anyway. I had a lunatic donkey I was helping a friend find a home for. He was untrainable and dangerous around her small grandchildren and all she wanted was a good home for him. She had rescued him from a dog pen existence. Okay.. so I put in bold absolutely not safe with children, needs strong horsemanship skills, would be good as a guard donkey only..blah blah.. the calls which came in were like "can my 5 yr old ride him? Has he ever been shown under saddle.. etc. :eek:

[IronwoodFarm]

I agree that people simply don't read ads very closely. I am all for spelling something out, but I am not interested in paying for a long ad that does that, particularly as I know that people won't read it anyway. I do my screening via e-mail or on the phone. It goes with the territory.

[Rebmik]

Would you EVER consider a horse that has been out in a pasture for last year and 1/2 "Bombproof"?
Still trying to find husband horse.
Went to see 20+yo horse, when I got there...oh horse hasn't been ridden in a year (yes I should have prequalified a better!), we don't even have tack for him, but watch, I'll ride him bareback in the pasture....hmmmm
Was going to go back w/ my tack to try, but started thinking...horse has not been touched in over a year, not even to bring in, no grooming, etc. basically feral, free or not to bring to my farm with my premadonnas (sp?)
Not worth it!
Yes, I should have asked if this "bombproof horse" has been ridden, I just ASSUMED...I know:(
another pretty day to go trail riding by myself! Which is fine, but after every now and then it would be nice to have someone to ride with.

[Kementari]

I actually own a horse who is still [as close to] bomproof [as a horse can be] after being in pasture for a year, so, no, I don't consider that a disqualifier. (Though he wasn't COMPLETELY untouched during that time - he had regular vet/farrier care, deworming, blanketing, etc.)

The no tack thing is odd (they should at least have told you beforehand: I've gone to see horses who had no tack, but the owners let me know upfront) - and the (if as described) not taking basic care of the horse is just irresponsible. But at 20, if the horse had a long career before being turned out and proved himself reliably safe/bombproof during said long career, I wouldn't be surprised at all to find that he had retained those characteristics. After all, it's not like horses generally forget most parts of their training over the course of a year...

And, quite frankly, such a horse will probably be obtainable for far less money than his regularly schooled counterparts - and, presuming he was in good condition following a year of complete lack of use or routine care, he's probably a pretty easy keeper, too. :yes: But then, I'm one who likes to find the diamonds in the rough... ;)

[Sandy M]

But when I offered my old fellow for lease or half-lease two years ago, only a handful of people were interested, and felt that the cost was too high! $280 a month!! And it was essentially a full lease for a half-lease price, because I would only have ridden him occasionally, mostly to pony my baby. Aaargh. I was going to continue to pay for half his board, half his shoeing, half his extra (senior) feed, ALL his supplements AND a monthly Legend shot....but people thought $280 a month was too much money - in the SF Bay Area where it is NOT cheap to keep a horse. Sigh. I even would have allowed him to be moved somewhere else as long as it was within the County where I could check on him regularly. But no takers.

He was at the time 21, 16.2 App/TB (2nd gen cross); about as close to dead quiet as you can get. Even when something upset him, he gave plenty of warning - head up, frozen in place... and then would do a slo-mo reverse - not even a spin, and walk/jog away for a few strides and stop. A good "whoa-easy" would stop him in his tracks. If you lost your balance, he would stop moving. A go-anywhere, do anything horse - but no one was interested.

[ChipnCharlie]

No the definition hasn't changed, people have. Peoples perceptions and their desperation make them lie or exaggerate about their horses.
Someone said a beginner safe horse had to be over 10 years old. Totally false! I bought a 4 year old (ex ranch gelding, mind you, but still 4 years old) and he was better than most 20+ year old beginners lesson horses. It depends on the horse, not the horses age.
I'd always recommend an old ranch horse for anyone wanting a safe, good, reliable horse. I'm on my third one (first passed away, the 4 year old I ended up selling due to lack of time and him being so young, he was miserable and bored) and I don't think I'll look for anything other than an old ranch gelding if I had to. I've had two non-ranch horses, both were horrible. I'm not saying all ex ranch horses are perfect, but the majority are wonderful. Try looking into that.. I don't know your location but I got two of my ranch geldings (the 4 year old and my current) from www.supergentlehorses.com, located here in Arizona. Lovely horses, worth the trip to AZ (people from Colorado and other places buy from this place).
Some things to expect from a ranch horse, on the negative scale.. Some are shy. Ranchers don't love up and feed treats to their horses. Expect them to be wary when you try to do this, until they are used to it. Water is another thing.. my current is afraid of water. Ranchers don't bathe their horses frequently like we do. Training.. my horse has no idea what leg cues are. Perfect neck reining, no clue about the legs. On a positive scale.. they've been there and done that. Most of them have great legs/feet, a lot can go barefoot just fine if you're into that. A lot of them are stocky, great for a man since this would be your husbands horse.. And they don't get fresh! Well, none I've encountered. So for the occasional rider they are perfect, you don't have to lunge, just hop on and go.

Wow, lots of rambling :P Just tossing out some ideas since you're looking for a horse.

[Rhyadawn]

Would you EVER consider a horse that has been out in a pasture for last year and 1/2 "Bombproof"?
Still trying to find husband horse.
Went to see 20+yo horse, when I got there...oh horse hasn't been ridden in a year (yes I should have prequalified a better!), we don't even have tack for him, but watch, I'll ride him bareback in the pasture....hmmmm
Was going to go back w/ my tack to try, but started thinking...horse has not been touched in over a year, not even to bring in, no grooming, etc. basically feral, free or not to bring to my farm with my premadonnas (sp?)
Not worth it!
Yes, I should have asked if this "bombproof horse" has been ridden, I just ASSUMED...I know:(
another pretty day to go trail riding by myself! Which is fine, but after every now and then it would be nice to have someone to ride with.

A mare that I trained as a 3 year old and rode till she was 4 has been a broodmare ever since. She had an injury that we almost lost her to, and then she just loved being a mom. So she had a year of training, in which she was exposed to quite a bit, did a couple local hunter shows, couple parades around Christmas, that kind of thing.

She is now 12. From the time she was 4 till she was 7 no one was on her. She received regular vet and farrier care, but no excess handling. I hopped on her one day to take a trail, she never batted an eye. Since then I take her on a trail maybe twice a year. She never takes a wrong step. She is quite possibly the best most solid mare I have trained.

So after hardly being handled for 3 years, yes I still called her bombproof. She may need some touchups, her transitions are a little rusty, but I would trust her with anyone. She takes care of her rider.

[2Jakes]

Rebmik..how about the horse paohatch mentions in post at top of page? Are you guys too far apart geographically?

[MistyBlue]

Location plays a role in finding good beginner/hubby horses. Used to be years ago here in CT you could find them by the boatload...*true* safe, sane, sound horses that just about anyone could ride. Not fancy, not registered, usually between the ages of 8-18 and usually between $600-$1200. Higher end for fancier colors or one that could also hop around a course without looking silly.
Of course with price differences between now and then those prices wouldn't work here in CT. But there's also very few to NO horses like that either anymore. We used to have tons more summer horse camps, huge lesson stables and quite a few trail riding places. Those places were constantly buying and selling bombproof beginner horses. Businesses would buy them in late winter from auctions, stick their exercise riders on them until spring and then they went into the lesson or trail riding strings for the summer until fall. Then those would go to the local fairs and shows for exposure and advertised for sale there while being ridden. Horses bought for pennies sold for hundreds in fall, barns made their money off them all summer and sold for a profit in fall and used part of those proceeds to buy new ones in late winter again. Since nobody worried about giving up the "good ones" they were easy to find and easy to afford. Barns would always get a handful of new ones every year. Nowadays so few are well enough trained or have the brains for being an "anyone" horse that the stables and private owners don't want to sell the ones they have. because it's impossible to find new replacement ones.
Try waiting until late next summer...or possibly still now in some areas...and check online for trail riding places and camp horses coming off their summer/fall of work. They just spent months being ridden by green as grass riders and are usually safe. If you don't live in an area with a lot of camps/trail riding places then you may have to travel to an area that does to find a good camp horse. Or ask around and see if anywhere near you gets trailers of "ranch broke" horses in from midwest type big barns/ranches. FWIW those seem to be mainly very well broke, low spook-factor, calm and good brained horses. Probably will be stocky, short and nothing fancy but usually safe and sane if they've had a summer of work.

[LisaW-B]

ChipNCharlie, I have one who came from SuperGentleHorses, too! He's about 21 years old now, and is absolutely priceless to me. I bought him for my husband, who was a total beginner (and still pretty much is), to be a dead-quiet horse he could hop on and take for a walking trail ride every once in a while, and to keep my other horse company. You can't beat a level-headed, experienced ranch horse. They have the kind of been there/done that experience that most of us could never have the time or ability to give a horse. I vetoed a number of other horses at SGH because they weren't what I was looking for -- totally dead broke, quiet, reliable, sensible, bombproof. I've seen a few other friends buy "husband horses" that I'd never put my husband on, unless I was trying to get rid of him! If I could find a rnach pony that was younger and with good gaits, I just might try to turn one into a dead-broke dressage pony one of these days. Not only does my SuperGentleHorse take my husband trial riding, he's been fun for me to ride. I've taught him his canter leads in the arena, and discovered that he LOVES cavalettis and crossrails. I've taken him on all sorts of trail rides, team sorting AND riding to the hounds with the hunt club! :)

[philosoraptor]

Those words seem to mean vastly different things to different people.

I've met people who have been riding for a year, confidently cantering, call themselves "total beginners". Then I've met some people who haven't ridden in 10 years and are out of shape, and they put themselves in the same category.

Some people are realistic and keep in mind even a beginners horse can spook. And I've met others who are looking for an ATV with hooves, which is IMO totally unrealistic.

And some people take into account the horse's breed, i.e. a "beginner" TB might have a bit more go than a "beginner" Fjord.

Personally I try to avoid these labels since they're not objective. Instead I try to find out the person's riding level and goals. Or when I'm describing a horse I'd rather say he's "calm and sensible" and "not green".

And can someone tell me what a "husband horse" is? Not everyone's husband is an unbalanced sack of potatoes who only rides once a year and yanks and kicks at the same time.... how do I know if the caller's husband is this kind of person? Is it rude to ask how unskilled the husband is? Why isn't the husband calling directly? <frustrating>

[tpup]

I think you have to be really careful to use the words "bombproof", "dead quiet". My horse is super quiet, great beginner horse - he is older. Nothing phases him in the ring - loud sounds, flocks of birds swooping overhead or by, animals - deer, dogs - tarps, white bags - machinery, chainsaws - he just stands there or simply doesn't react. We have passed lots of deer and other animals on the trail - really no reaction - just looks. BUT I got a wake-up call trail riding recently....he was going along quietly as can be and about 10 feet away, a herd of deer were sleeping and hidden in tall grass - they LEAPED out of the grass, startled all of us - as they would anyone - even a human, even a "bombproof" horse. My guy lurched forward and to the left, obviously thinking it might be a lion, attempting to go from zero to 30 in a seconds, and he went out from under me and I landed in the tall grass - not hurt but it reminded me that even "bombproof" horses can get surprised or startled if the "thing" or incident is completely unexpected. He didn't run off. He stopped immediately and turned around and I had a great rider/horse with me that held his reins to be safe. But he immediately returned to his "quiet, bombproof" self within seconds - I got back on and we rode home, again - he was back to his quiet self. I think about that spook and what would have happened if we were in the woods, with trees all around us. I could have hit a tree - him too - it's a scary thought. Interestingly in the woods, the deer are pretty visible. In the field however, in tall grass - not so.

My point is ANYTHING and I mean anything can happen, especially on the trail. It doesn't matter how quiet, tolerant or "beginner appropriate" a horse is. To the buyers who are asking, "Can my child ride him/her alone on the trail?" or other ridiculous questions - they need to be educated, and fast. I am actually glad I fell off! It was a wake-up call I needed. I had become complacent and too comfortable as my gelding has always been so "bombproof" and quiet - he really had....until then. So just a reminder and a thought regarding this post.

[maxxtrot]

i have the other problem, a husband safe horse, and there are no buyers in sight!

[SMMP]

I find the term "husband horse" to be very offensive and demeaning!!

At our house a "husband" horse better be able to jump 4 foot. ;)

[lolalola]

Maybe some of those horses going to the auction in the MI thread would be suitable? Sounds like a lot of beginner hack stable horses.

[titan]

lola is right. We are going to the MI auction in hopes of saving a few for either therapy horses or trail horses. I have a friend in MD that is also finding potential buyers/homes including Circle of Hope. A trailer may be coming up from MD so if you are interested, we could throw one on for you too. The ecomony here stinks and we are worried that with 94 horses going to auction, a lot will be headed straight to Canada. We've rode quite a few of them and aside from being fed up with having their mouths reefed on, they are dead broke and as bombproof as a horse can be. They are all western and go great on a loose rein.