Breeders buying back?

[pinkme]

I have never posted in the breeding forum but though this would be a better place to ask than the H/J forum. As a breeder would you buy back a mare? I have a mare that I bought as an investment project (not cheap) that is pretty much not sellable at this point due to soundness. She was never injured; just things have started to “show up” on x-rays (read wont vet). Because of this I am going to sell her to someone who doesn’t want to do much riding wise, and am going to take a BIG loss. I bought her from the breeder and am wondering if I should contact the breeder to see if she would like to buy her back, as a broodmare or what not. Is this a waste of time? As breeders, what would you say if someone called you about a horse you bred in this situation? Thanks in advance.

[rideagoldenpony]

You know, it never hurts to ask. For all you know that could be the ONE mare they wish they'd never sold. On the other hand, the breeder might not be in a financial position to buy the mare back, but again, it doesn't hurt to find out. There's no harm in asking. Good luck!

[siegi b.]

You implied that you spent some serious money on this mare when you bought her, so my question is "did you get radiographs done at that time?" Was she a foal or an adult when you purchased her?

I do buy horses back if the situation warrants it, but it would probably be reflected in the purchase price if the horse had been neglected or run down.

[MagicRoseFarm]

Pink, please be sure to ask... I would however before proceeding, if you have not done so,, get several opinions on these X rays... from a place like New Bolton vs a private practice.
It IS really disheartening when you put out a large initial investment,extensive board, top training fees, and showing expense to lose so much, but hopefully your next investment will work out better.

I am sure the breeder was very happy to have this horse in your more than capable hands all this time, and will appreciate having the opportunity for buy back, as well as knowing of the issues. Also, if this mare was important to the breeder, they may be willing to give some consideration and put forth an effort at helping you replace the mare should your own life allow such.

[pinkme]

Yes, xrays were done when i purchased her as a 4yo. Horse was brought along very slowly, and I desided it was time for her to find a new home when I felt like I wasnt giving her the ride she needed and had kept her at a much lower level than she could be doing (I never showed her over 2ft6 mainly b/c I didnt jump her much). I dont know what caused the changes in her xrays, and have not talked directly to the vet. The trainer (who is trust 1oo%) has been dealing with finding here a new home. With the way the market is, I am thankfull there is someone who is willing to pay any money for her, and provide a great home. I just didnt know if I should try to contact the breeder to see if she would like to buy her back, since she is such a nice mare, she might be a great broodmare. There isnt some sort of virginia horse breeders directory is there? I have a name, but no phone number for them.

[Sonesta]

Speaking as a breeder, I would love for owners of horses I bred to phone me first to give me the opportunity to buy them back before they sell them on. There is no guarantee, of course, that they will be in a position to do so, but you will lose nothing by asking and the breeder will be grateful that you offered.

[MagicRoseFarm]

All I am saying is , what one vet considers red flags in X rays, another will blow off,,, so I would be careful not to "toss" on your investment too quickly.

( speaking from past experience, unfortunately)

[babygreenqueen]

i just recently sold my filly back to the breeder. i owned her 2 years but it was sadly just not a good match for me. if there comes a time when you just have to cut your loss but you are emotionally involved, the assurance of a fair home is tough. i walked away knowing she is in good hands.

[Signature]

I say, sure, ask! We purchased a mare a couple years ago and called the breeder listed on her papers to find out more about her, just for the heck of it... well the breeder started crying and said she had sold the mare during hard times against her wishes, and she had felt guilty about it and wanted her back (didn't go to the best home apparently) - so she bought her back from us immediately - basically right over the phone right then and we delivered her a day later - and we were very happy to reunite them!! :yes: So, you just never know!

[pinkme]

yes, we had a 2nd vet in the practice look at the x-rays, and my own vet look at the xrays and they all said the same thing. The prospective buyers vet was the least concerned with the findings though. Ok, I will deff try to track down her breeder ASAP.

[Waterwitch]

Just curious how old the mare is now?

I just bought back a mare I bred - it's one I always wished I'd never sold so I am thrilled to have her back.

[YankeeLawyer]

I would want an owner of one of mine to contact me. Depending on what the radiographs are showing, though, the issues she has might rule her out as a broodmare candidate for me. In other words, if the condition is heritable, I would not breed her. That doesn't mean I wouldn't take her back if the situation warranted doing so. I would not, however, assume that a young lame mare is a good prospect as a broodmare.

[YankeeLawyer]

All I am saying is , what one vet considers red flags in X rays, another will blow off,,, so I would be careful not to "toss" on your investment too quickly.

( speaking from past experience, unfortunately)

Ditto that. Not every vet is super skilled at reading radiographs, either.

[ThreeDays]

I think it would be worthwhile to contact the breeder if you have their contact info handy.

Two main reasons to contact the breeder. 1. The breeder may infact be interested in the mare for breeding or may have contacts that would be interested in her. 2. Breeders should be interested to know about radiograph changes from a horse they bred. Especially if the horse developed such severe changes that they are now unsellable for riding after little training.

Are the radiographs showing degenerative joint disease? OCD? Navicular? Old healed fracture?

I think it would be good to give a call. Worst thing that can happen is the breeder gets defensive thinking that you're impling that they sold you a lemon. But on the flip side the breeder may thank you for the information and either be interested in the mare or know of someone who is.

Good Luck!

[Altamont Sport Horses]

What is the breed of the horse? You may be able to get contact information on the breeders from the registry. Even if they won't give you the contact information they may contact the breeders for you and ask them to contact you.

I would definitely want to have the opportunity to buy back a mare in a situation like this. Not only because I might like to breed her but also because I like to assure a good home for my offspring when something like this happens.

It might be a long shot but you could always check the "Welcome Home" list of responsible breeders willling to take back offspring from their breeding programs. I think the link is http://www.horsereunions.com/welcome.html I don't think it is very old, although couldn't say for sure, so many breeders may not have had the opportunity to find out about it and list themselves. But there is always the chance you can find them there and get contact info if the registry can't help you.

[3Spots]

On my computer the list shows up as "red type on red background" so it looks blank -- however if you click and drag, as though you were highlighting text, the breeders names show up. i emailed the website person. a great idea. i am lucky that i can afford my horses, but i would be interested in buying from breeders that cared this much about their stock