Tell me WHY I should walk away from this...

[Mamy]

Before I got my horse, Toby, 3 weeks ago, I was "shopping" everywhere. Including craigslist. I saw an ad for what seemed like a cute, nice mare who was just my size. But she was listed at $2500. Too much for me. Well today the same mare is listed for $500 obo. If the mare is not gone by the weekend, it's off to New Holland. Now I am trying to figure out how I can afford board on 2 horses. So before I get too crazy, what do you think of her? I know it says she can't jump big, but I wonder if she could go to 3 ft.... I don't want/need to jump much bigger than that. I'd love thoughts... I am going to call in the morning.
[edit]
another ad had more info on her:
[edit]

[Altag]

You definitely need that mare, she sounds lovely. :D

You DO know we're enablers here, right? *snicker, snort!* :lol::eek::cool:

'Sides, *IF*, for any reason, she doesn't work out for you, you can always sell her later and you'll have helped her avoid the dark side of auctions (there just ain't no GOOD side to New Holland!!! :mad::no:)

[analise]

I guess I'm wondering why they've been jumping a three year old at all. I thought you weren't really supposed to before they were four? (I'm not trying to start an argument here or derail the thread but it's something to think about)

And I guess she's cute but she doesn't really do anything for me personally.

Plus: "While she may shy at some things she has never spooked."

What does that even mean? Does it mean she spins, jumps away but she's never bolted? I know people who use shy and spook to mean the same thing. That seems a little unclear to me.

Also, what does "guaranteed sound" mean? Does that mean if you take her home and she comes up lame they'll take her back and return your money? Or does that mean "oh we just really really promise she's sound, you know, when loaded up on bute".

Plus there's always: If she's so awesome, why are they getting rid of her?

And then you should think about not only if you have the money to afford two horses, but the time. Are you going to end up neglecting one to work with the other and then selling one down the line anyway?

There are rescues in the area you could always notify about her and see if they can do anything. Midatlantic Horse Rescue specializes in TBs. And I know Another Chance 4 Horses is big up that way.

EDIT: I will say I was resisting enabling (oh you need to save her!) since you asked for WHY you should walk away.

[Mamy]

Thank you both!
Analiese- you bring up very good points. When I don't(snort) call in the morning, I hope to get some answers for those questions!
And I am very involved with AC4H.. so I know they can help, but also tend to be full up with lovely horses.
I am not worried about time. My 10 yr old can ride Toby. So can my 7 yr old and 5 yr old. He is a slllooowwww project coming back into shape. (Obviously the younger 2 mentioned kids can't bring him back into shape well yet. ) Right now he has a stifle injury so is not quite rideable.... (But I still love him! Don't tell him my eyes have wandered! ;) )
I just think this girl is sweet looking and want to learn more of her story.

[slc2]

Does not look normal behind.

[Catersun]

I think she very elegant looking.... I am envious that you are riding. Althought my not riding has nothing really to do with my new child.. but more so to do with other things.... so. Look into her story and please let us know what you find. I choose to enable.

[Woodland]

Does not look normal behind.


Yes her back end is not right! I hate the set of her hocks - she is wasp waisted and narrow hipped - PASS!

[Foxtrot's]

I would be looking at the relentlessness of boarding costs, month after month. Then vet bills that pop up unexpectedly, plus the everyday costs of keeping a horse properly - worming, feet, shots and teeth. I don't know your financial situation, but most people need to look at the dollars these days.

[Go Fish]

If you're looking for a performance prospect, I'd say no. If you are looking to save her, that's a whole 'nother story!

She's extremely weak in the hind end and I'd worry she would not stand up to jumping, even small jumps. I'm thinking she'd be an expensive maintenance horse to stay sound.

[nightsong]

There is not room in the world for all the OTTBs, so only the BEST should be kept. Sadly, this mare does not seem to be among that number. Even the ads say she has soundness issues.

[Roan]

Does not look normal behind.

Totally agree.

Avoid. like. the. plague.

Eileen

[avezan]

I agree with the others. Her hind end looks very weak. In the confo shot, she looks like she can barely stand up behind. So, if you want a performance horse pass. If you want to save her from New Holland, start working on it! I think, though, if you are worried about being able to afford 2 horses, this should not be your second horse. I think her vet bill will be huge if you try to do much with her.

[Moderator 1]

Hi Mamy ~

We don't allow links to horses for sale, regardless of who's listing them, but it looks like you've already gotten a fair amount of feedback to think about before/if you make that call this morning. :)

Thanks,
Mod 1

[Mamy]

Hi Mamy ~

We don't allow links to horses for sale, regardless of who's listing them, but it looks like you've already gotten a fair amount of feedback to think about before/if you make that call this morning. :)

Thanks,
Mod 1


I'm sorry!! I knew no sale ads were allowed, but did not even think, as it was not my sale ad.
And yes I think I got my answer.

[LarissaL]

Is this the mare in Douglassville?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3678606138_b739eae1d8.jpg?v=0

If so, I'm not sure how you could really judge anything behind from that photo? It's not high quality, so I could be seeing things but it looks as if they caught her shifting her weight off that right hind. It does make that leg look totally strange and limp-ish. The background and tail make the left hind look like it's missing a hock. The photo is so low quality that I can't even find the "large ankle" they mention.. I wouldn't be comfortable condeming her confo from that shot.

[vxf111]

I've seen that mare listed elsewhere with better pictures. They are being up front about her not being sound to jump (though I have no clue if she has other physical issues). The photos seem relatively nice, she's been out to shows and sounds relatively quiet. Should make someone a nice trail horse/hack around horse if her issues are limited to the ones listed in the ad. I wouldn't write her off immediately.

I HATE the "buy by 7/4 or she goes to New Holland" sales tactic though :(

[Lora]

So did you get her?

[ESG]

I would not buy this horse for any riding except light trail riding, and she may not stay sound for that.

If the photo in the link from MDEventer is any good indicator, her stifle joint is VERY short, and she's very light behind. Agree with those who say she's wasp waisted with a bad loin tie in - makes her go way "out behind"; just look at the sprawl of her hind legs.

Nope - even if this one were free, unless you're rescuing, keep looking.

[Mamy]

I did not get her. I had to really sit on my hands though. I just can't afford board for something that my not be sound a few years down the line. Oh I know anything can go wrong at any time with anything( My guy is laid up now, I get it) But with most of the reactions I got here, I had to pass. :( It's hard to do knowing they may take her to auction though........

[Woodland]

It's hard to do knowing they may take her to auction though........

Sorry dear you just can not save them all - I have tried - there are always more more more!