Need help saving a horse

[Secretariat1194]

Hey guys. I really need all the help I can get. I have a horse at my barn that I've been riding for about 3 months and we really are like a match. We have a special bond. I found out the barn is thinking about giving her to a horse trader that has a bad reputation from word of mouth. I need someway to keep her. I can't afford to buy her because board is a good chunk of money. They don' t think she's good enough but they don't know because they left her in a stall for about 8 months and never rode her.... just lounged her wrong and turned her out. I need help to save this cute mare. She's about 7-8 yr old..... 15.1 hands and really super sweet. Calm and gentle. [What should I do?] PLEASE HELP!!!!!

[Laurierace]

Sorry but if they are giving her to a horse dealer they can't be asking very much for her. If you can't afford to buy her then you can not afford her period. Even if they gave her to you for free, what would you do if she needed the vet out?

[Secretariat1194]

Sorry but if they are giving her to a horse dealer they can't be asking very much for her. If you can't afford to buy her then you can not afford her period. Even if they gave her to you for free, what would you do if she needed the vet out?


I know I can afford to buy her but they are giving her to the dealer for free.... should I see if someone wants to go half in on her or lease her? Thats why I need opinions. You are very correct.

[JanWeber]

Talk to the barn owner and see if they will allow you to work off her board. Let him or her know you care about the horse and are interested in "improving" her so that she would be worth "something" - either in resale or lease or whatever. It can't hurt to try. And, as Lauria said, farriers and vets cost money, too. Can you also get a paying job or birthday money or whatever to build up an account to cover these costs?

[Secretariat1194]

Talk to the barn owner and see if they will allow you to work off her board. Let him or her know you care about the horse and are interested in "improving" her so that she would be worth "something" - either in resale or lease or whatever. It can't hurt to try. And, as Lauria said, farriers and vets cost money, too. Can you also get a paying job or birthday money or whatever to build up an account to cover these costs?


Good idea..... I know about farriers right now since she doesn't get ridden by a lot of people she goes shoeless but I have a job that I'm saving 3 out of 4 checks for a month for college since I'm 15..... I could pay for shoeing though . :)

[Laurierace]

Ok you can afford to buy her if her price is free. Can you not afford her care? If not I commend you for realizing that ahead of time. Not much you can do to change that fact except maybe get a second job. A half lease is fine if you can find someone else that is interested in her as well but keep in mind a lease is not a guarantee. They can change their minds and you are back to paying for her yourself. I know its heartbreaking but sometimes you have to know your limitations.

[fivehorses]

If they are giving her to the dealer for free, I hope they would give her to you for free.
I would see if you could half lease her to someone, or find a cheaper barn.

Maybe talk to the owners and see what they want, do they want a paying boarder, do they want her gone to have a stall, is it a lesson barn and she isn't a lesson horse, etc.

Let the owners know you have fallen in love with her, and are working on things to keep her.
If they want a paying boarder, it would be more incentive to let you have her if they think you are going to keep her there, but if they want the stall, then tell them you will look for a cheaper place.
Ask them for some time either way.

Tell us more what the barn is like where she is at now...lesson barn, private barn, boarding barn, etc

[Secretariat1194]

Ok you can afford to buy her if her price is free. Can you not afford her care? If not I commend you for realizing that ahead of time. Not much you can do to change that fact except maybe get a second job. A half lease is fine if you can find someone else that is interested in her as well but keep in mind a lease is not a guarantee. They can change their minds and you are back to paying for her yourself. I know its heartbreaking but sometimes you have to know your limitations.

I know I can't afford her board .... I can afford shoeings and stuff. The board is ridiculous where she is at..... I'm just thinking that If I do work around the barn and maybe improve the mare or lease her that she can stay... she's a really nice mare... they just dont want to invest time.

[arabhorse2]

By your own admission in previous threads, you're 15 y/o. You can't legally own/lease an animal without a parent or guardian signing the paperwork.

Where are your parents? Why not go to them and ask for help buying this horse for you, instead of hitting up strangers on the internet?

I understand about being a horse crazy teen, but you have all the obvious signs of thinking you're "saving" this mare that no one else wants.

You need an adult to buy and continue to pay for the care of this animal, and it's just not practical for you to expect someone else to make a financial commitment for something you want.

I feel for you, I really do. Unfortunately, what this comes out to be is a life lesson for you. We don't always get everything we want, and life isn't fair.

[Secretariat1194]

I know I can't afford her board .... I can afford shoeings and stuff. The board is ridiculous where she is at..... I'm just thinking that If I do work around the barn and maybe improve the mare or lease her that she can stay... she's a really nice mare... they just dont want to invest time.



Her current barn is a lesson board and they have boarders. Currently, there are about 7-8 stalls available. She was given to them about 3 yrs ago and they don't invest time into her. They left her in her stall and just turned her out for about 8 months. She is well behaved but no one was riding her and then I started and she's been a dream.

[cu.at.x]

I know I can't afford her board .... I can afford shoeings and stuff. The board is ridiculous where she is at..... I'm just thinking that If I do work around the barn and maybe improve the mare or lease her that she can stay... she's a really nice mare... they just dont want to invest time.

Can you move her to a cheaper barn? Maybe pasture board? What a sad situation. I hate humans sometimes. :no:

[Secretariat1194]

I'm not trying to hit up strangers on the net...... I'm looking for ideas of what to do. I would like this mare to have the best thing happen to her. She deserves a life too. My parents know I like her but my family and I cant afford a ridiculous board price. I'm looking for suggestions and ideas.

[FlashGordon]

I know of some places with reasonable board rates in your area. At least, in the area where the mare currently is.

Any other stats on the mare? Have you ridden her?

[arabhorse2]

Your original post said PLEASE HELP!!!!

To me that means you want someone to somehow come up with the funds to buy, as well as house and care for, this horse for you.

You're under the age of majority. If your parents or an adult that you know personally can't/won't help, then you're out of luck, plain and simple. Heck, if you're really 15 y/o, you can't even drive yet.

You cannot legally enter into a binding contract with anyone; your parents or guardian has to do that.

I've noticed you've been all over the boards asking about free leasing an animal. Are your parents aware that you're doing this? Are they also aware that they're legally responsible, should anything happen to someone's horse that they've contracted to lease for you?

I'm not even sure your story is real, anyway. Somehow, this horse has languished for 8 or 9 months (in one post it's 9 months, now it's 8), and no one but you has been able to do anything with her. Everything anyone else did was wrong, she was ignored, but magically you've been able to turn her around. Sounds like a "teen drama" to me.

[Secretariat1194]

Shes about 15.1 hh Id say.... I've rode her for 3 months now.... lightly though. Took her over small xrails and mainly just walked trotted her.... trying to teach her leg commands in lessons. She wasn't taught right it seems to me. How much are these reasonable barns and where are they?

[FlashGordon]

I agree with arabhorse in the sense that, are your parents in on all this??

For the area, you are looking at $280 low end of the price range and $700 high end.

[littleum]

I'm not trying to hit up strangers on the net...... I'm looking for ideas of what to do. I would like this mare to have the best thing happen to her. She deserves a life too. My parents know I like her but my family and I cant afford a ridiculous board price. I'm looking for suggestions and ideas.

You're 15 years old. Legally, there's nothing YOU can do unless your parents are also willing to materially participate. Since you're not the age of majority any contracts/agreements you sign are actually null and void due to your age.

You will need your parents to play ball. If your parents won't play ball, you're powerless to do anything. No one here can help you. In the eyes of the law you are not old enough to make any agreements with anyone. Your parents have to do it on your behalf. If they won't, there is nothing you can do.

Now if the question is your parents WILL support this idea and you need ideas on how to swing it financially, that's a different question.

[Secretariat1194]

My parents know that I'm interested in her. Everyone thinks that I want to buy her and board her but I'm only looking..... I'm gonna see if I can work out something with the barn... like doing barn chores and helping out to lease her or pay for her fees. My parents will let me lease her.... When I say 8 months.... that was the recent number the barn told me..... some say 9... some say 5..... I havent been at the barn since she got there so I don't know. I know I CANT AFFORD BOARD. I don't believe I ever was looking for a free lease. I was looking for a lease a while back to ride 2-3 days a week at a reasonable rate. I know that I'm too young to sign the lease agreement but I already talked to my dad and he is willing to sign it. I have the money for a lease since Ive been putting 3 out of 4 checks away. The other check was for horse expenses, etc. I'm looking for ideas like if people think that maybe doing work around the barn would help or if anyone had a similar situation that they solved. Thanks to all but I will figure this out myself. Thank you.

[FlashGordon]

Well maybe if you offer to half-lease her, pay part of her bills, or work it off... they will be inclined to keep her around, as opposed to sending her off to the dealer.

Good luck!

[Secretariat1194]

Thanks FlashGordon for your ideas!

[GoForAGallop]

By your own admission in previous threads, you're 15 y/o. You can't legally own/lease an animal without a parent or guardian signing the paperwork.

Where are your parents? Why not go to them and ask for help buying this horse for you, instead of hitting up strangers on the internet?

I understand about being a horse crazy teen, but you have all the obvious signs of thinking you're "saving" this mare that no one else wants.

You need an adult to buy and continue to pay for the care of this animal, and it's just not practical for you to expect someone else to make a financial commitment for something you want.

I feel for you, I really do. Unfortunately, what this comes out to be is a life lesson for you. We don't always get everything we want, and life isn't fair.

Actually, a minor CAN own property. The horse would legally be hers. HOWEVER, what she would NOT be able to do is sign the boarding contract, etc.

Also, I bought my own horse at 14. I paid (and continue to pay for) him myself. True, I was lucky in that I had a job available to me, where I could earn that money, but it was still no easy feat. I know plenty of others who have owned horses from young ages, without any financial assistance from their parents. It's not easy, but it's certainly not impossible. It hardly seems like she's expecting her parents to just support this horse for her, she simply wants to help it.


For the OP:
Talk to the owners of the barn. Explain to them that you're worried about where the mare will end up, and will they "stay her execution" for just a month or two, and allow you to work with her? Then, ideally, she will be at a better stage of training, and they could actually sell her instead of just giving her away. No, two months from now, you will probably not be in any more of a likely position to own her. HOWEVER, that additional training that you put on her makes it more likely that she will end up somewhere, in a good home, as opposed to sitting in the lot of this questionable dealer that you mention.

Approach them reasonably, in an adult-like manner, and lay out the plan in a way that makes financial sense for them, yet still gives the mare a chance at a better life. Mention that you don't want any compensation (through payment or a commission when she sells) but that you're simply interested in her well-being.

[nightsong]

If this is such a nice horse, why is sending her to a dealer such a bad idea? I din't think that a professional looking to sell a horse is a fate that WE need to "save" from.

[Rascals164]

The owner of the barn hasn't seen me on her and doesn't make trips out to the barn frequently. They aren't selling her... they are giving her away to a trader. But, I am figuring out something at the moment so thank you to all that gave me good advice. Have fun riding!

[Rascals164]

I'm currently posting on this account because I cannot log on to my other. Thanks!

[Rascals164]

Problem may be solved!!!! :)

[sidepasser]

My parents know that I'm interested in her. Everyone thinks that I want to buy her and board her but I'm only looking..... I'm gonna see if I can work out something with the barn... like doing barn chores and helping out to lease her or pay for her fees. My parents will let me lease her.... When I say 8 months.... that was the recent number the barn told me..... some say 9... some say 5..... I havent been at the barn since she got there so I don't know. I know I CANT AFFORD BOARD. I don't believe I ever was looking for a free lease. I was looking for a lease a while back to ride 2-3 days a week at a reasonable rate. I know that I'm too young to sign the lease agreement but I already talked to my dad and he is willing to sign it. I have the money for a lease since Ive been putting 3 out of 4 checks away. The other check was for horse expenses, etc. I'm looking for ideas like if people think that maybe doing work around the barn would help or if anyone had a similar situation that they solved. Thanks to all but I will figure this out myself. Thank you.


It is commendable of you to want to do this. I don't think you are "over your head" or looking for a handout despite a few postings to the contrary.

You remind me of a student I once had who wanted a horse badly. Any horse, didn't matter. I found him a nice half arab mare who had lost one eye to an infection. I bought the mare (didn't need her or want her particularly, but he NEEDED her). I convinced the parents to let the kid try the mare for nothing. I didn't charge them a dime while kid tried out the mare and I paid all expenses for her.

At the end of the month, it was time to deal - lol..they bought the mare. For $300. which is what I paid for the mare which was KILL price which is what the owners wanted for her.

Mare took this kid to amoeba (kid was 9 years old), then BN, then Novice, then a pony steeplechase (he gave me his bronze medal which is hanging in my office as I type) and he loved this old grey half arab mare. Long story short - Parents divorced, BIG battle over who was getting the horses - husband got horse and took it over to a bare lot and nearly starved her to death, I went over and picked her up..and called AC..she looked awful..it took me 7 months to get her back...she went on to compete in more novice level x-country events and won..such a brave little mare (she was only 14.1 and we didn't think she should go above novice as she was getting older). The point is: the kid LOVED this horse, I saw that, they were good for each other. Divorced parents could not afford board, I let kid clean tack, muck stalls, and all they paid for was her grain. This kid lived at my barn - lol..I hauled him for FREE to shows as his mom couldn't afford it.

Best investment I ever made. Kid boarded his mare here for 10 years and I still have pictures of him on my walls winning x-country on the half arab mare.

So...how does that tie in with you? Go to the BO or BM and tell them how you feel. Ask to work off her board, are you a good rider? If so, ask if you can pick up a ride or two on some of their horses to help with board. In other words, put yourself out there as someone who will work, who will show up ON TIME and do what is assigned for that day, be it cleaning stalls or tack.

Another thing..not everyone is kind. Make sure you get things in writing. What you are to do in exchange for board, etc. Make sure your parents read the contract over carefully before signing.

Know what you are responsible for in advance: shoeing, vet, supplements, flyspray, etc.

I wish you well, if you were closer I'd take you under my wing so to speak. Not everything is about the money but mostly it is. Ask the BO what you can do to keep the mare on lease or purchase. Discuss this openly, write down what BO says so there are no discrepancies.

Don't lose hope. I was once you. I now own a 32 acre farm and have many horses, but am too broken to ride most of them so they are leased out and I have a trainer to ride my greenies. Don't give up, get a plan, stick to it, show that you are responsible and things might just work out in your favor.

[2LeftHooves]

to op: having been that kid who fell in the love with horses that were not mine, and became heart broken time after time when they left the barn. I understand your pain and wish you luck.

sidepasser you are amazing! Thank you for doing what you've done! I've had some great people in my life who have let me work off lessons and the such. It certainly has had a significant impact on my life. I sincerly hope that one day I will be able to return the favor and do something like you did for a horse crazy youngster.

[Secretariat1194]

It is commendable of you to want to do this. I don't think you are "over your head" or looking for a handout despite a few postings to the contrary.

You remind me of a student I once had who wanted a horse badly. Any horse, didn't matter. I found him a nice half arab mare who had lost one eye to an infection. I bought the mare (didn't need her or want her particularly, but he NEEDED her). I convinced the parents to let the kid try the mare for nothing. I didn't charge them a dime while kid tried out the mare and I paid all expenses for her.

At the end of the month, it was time to deal - lol..they bought the mare. For $300. which is what I paid for the mare which was KILL price which is what the owners wanted for her.

Mare took this kid to amoeba (kid was 9 years old), then BN, then Novice, then a pony steeplechase (he gave me his bronze medal which is hanging in my office as I type) and he loved this old grey half arab mare. Long story short - Parents divorced, BIG battle over who was getting the horses - husband got horse and took it over to a bare lot and nearly starved her to death, I went over and picked her up..and called AC..she looked awful..it took me 7 months to get her back...she went on to compete in more novice level x-country events and won..such a brave little mare (she was only 14.1 and we didn't think she should go above novice as she was getting older). The point is: the kid LOVED this horse, I saw that, they were good for each other. Divorced parents could not afford board, I let kid clean tack, muck stalls, and all they paid for was her grain. This kid lived at my barn - lol..I hauled him for FREE to shows as his mom couldn't afford it.

Best investment I ever made. Kid boarded his mare here for 10 years and I still have pictures of him on my walls winning x-country on the half arab mare.

So...how does that tie in with you? Go to the BO or BM and tell them how you feel. Ask to work off her board, are you a good rider? If so, ask if you can pick up a ride or two on some of their horses to help with board. In other words, put yourself out there as someone who will work, who will show up ON TIME and do what is assigned for that day, be it cleaning stalls or tack.

Another thing..not everyone is kind. Make sure you get things in writing. What you are to do in exchange for board, etc. Make sure your parents read the contract over carefully before signing.

Know what you are responsible for in advance: shoeing, vet, supplements, flyspray, etc.

I wish you well, if you were closer I'd take you under my wing so to speak. Not everything is about the money but mostly it is. Ask the BO what you can do to keep the mare on lease or purchase. Discuss this openly, write down what BO says so there are no discrepancies.

Don't lose hope. I was once you. I now own a 32 acre farm and have many horses, but am too broken to ride most of them so they are leased out and I have a trainer to ride my greenies. Don't give up, get a plan, stick to it, show that you are responsible and things might just work out in your favor.



Thank you sidepasser for your advice. Your story was amazing and full of good advise. I hope the BO/ BM is as understanding as you are! Also thank you 2LeftHooves. I'm trying to see if I help out with camp and shows and the barn in general maybe they will keep her. I go to the barn tomorrow to discuss this. Also have my lesson on the mare!

[JanWeber]

I know this is going to be hard for you. Take a deep breath and maybe even write down a list of points you'd like to make during the discussion. Don't be accusatory - just let them know how much you care about the mare and if they're giving her to a dealer would they be willing to give her to you instead? Don't go into the dealer's reputation because you'll put the BO on the defensive. Just tell them you love her, you've talked to your parents (which you have by now, right?) and is there any way you can work off some kind of board arrangement for her? If they say you can have her, but can't work off board - ask if you can move her to pasture board or a less expensive barn. Many BO's have been burned by this type of arrangement, so be prepared to say that you will work __# of hours to pay her board; if you don't - you'll have to make up the difference in cash. You're working and saving for college, yes? How are your grades - can you get merit-based aid as well as need-based financial aid?

[sidepasser]

I wanted to help a kid that was horse crazy and I knew I would somehow draw good things down the road from that - nothing monetary but every time I look at the kid's picture I know I did the right thing back then. I didn't worry about liability or getting sued or any of that. I'd do it again if I had the chance but now my barn is closed to the public and I actually live in half of it (made it into a house) and so the chance for that happening again is small. But..I do have several horses that need someone and those are leased out because, well, I'm older and can't ride like I used to.

OP - do try to work this out for yourself but do NOT bite off more than you can chew. Some barns will take advantage and don't be a patsy, it is not worth mucking 50 stalls a day and riding nut case horses in exchange for board. It is worth spending a Sunday afternoon cleaning tack and mucking stalls in the evenings (provided they aren't throwing the whole barn on you)..only you can decide with your parents what is fair and reasonable.

My board at the time was 250 a month for full board. My kid had to clean tack on Saturday and muck his own horse's stall, feed her once a day ( I did mornings, he did afternoons after school), and he had to keep her clean and tidy, and help out sometimes with bathing other horses or grooming. I hauled him freely to shows but he had to help clean out the trailer after the shows and put all the "stuff" away. It is not fair to the teen (or child) to expect them to spend every minute working and never have time to ride, nor is it fair to the BO to tell them you will clean stalls and then not show up. It's a 2 way street for sure.

You and the BO will have to sit down together and figure out what is fair for all concerned and then you MUST stick to your end of the bargain, not be late, and keep your grades up (otherwise parents can get really upset!).

I hope this works out for you, life is short while you are a teen and carefree, once college starts and a job, there may not be time for a horse until much later in life. Good luck!

[tarynls]

Here's your scenerio:

Let's suppose the horse was given to you. Let's suppose you could find the least expensive board available and/or work off her board.

Paying for shoeing is one thing but what happens if she needs veterinary care beyond the "normal" vaccines etc?

I have been in your shoes and thankfully I had someone to help me with a $6500. colic surgery bill.

Best of luck.....

[nightsong]

In the movie "Lightning, the White Stallion" the girl gets a free horse (finds it :rolleyes:) and goes looking for a place to keep it. Rides up to a boarding stable and is told the rates. She says she can't afford it but she'll take care of horse herself if she can keep it there free. The BO says OK. Girl then hops off, tosses reins to the BO and runs back down the road. DON'T be this girl!!!