What would you do??? Stumbled upon a horse in need when horse shopping...

[jumpingmaya]

I'll make this short... really looking for some insight....
I lost my mare a couple of months ago... started looking at horses, then decided to take a break until my barn is built (3 more months), figured the $$ saved on board could go into my place...
Well, had e-mailed a lady 8 weeks ago regarding a filly that was for sale in state... never got an answer, had completely forgotten about it.
She just called, her husband has just passed away and she needs these horses to sell. Go look at a couple, find 2 that catch my eye... however, due to their poor body condition (to put it mildely... would be scared to ask one to trot...), can't really tell much about them. The first one is a 6 year old that raced and has been off the track for over a year. The second one is a 4 year old unraced filly that trained as a 2 year old but never raced. They are in bad shape... the filly especially!
So, do I suck it up, get one of them (really can't get 2- don't have the land for it as my bf already has 2...) and hope for the best rather than finding one that I see has potential...
My heart says... go get one of them... but on the other hand... I really would like to get to do what I want...
YIKES... I feel like the heart part will get the best of me... :cry:
But I wanted to see if anyone had ever been in my shoes...

[rizzodm]

I would rescue one of those poor horses. You could always sell down the road. Do it in honor of the horse you just lost.

Dawn

[joiedevie99]

If I were you, I wouldn't get one but I sure as hell would help this woman out. Talk to the woman and see if she understands the problem, and that they will not sell in this condition. Maybe she will let you buy her a bag of grain for them, take some pictures, and post them on some giveaways forums for her?

[cloudyandcallie]

I had both of my horses boarded and did not need another horse, so when I came across an old skinny tb gelding at a show of all places, very skinny but he was getting blue ribbons in a local unrecognized show, I bought him as the owners were going to send him to auction.
I found someone to take him. She managed to get him even thinner than he had been, vet said he was 2 weeks from starving to death when I re-rescued him:eek: after the woman died (she owned a feed store!).
I then rehomed him with someone else where I paid his feed bill for the next few years, till one of that woman's horses kicked him and broke his shoulder and he had to be put down.
So, if you think the horse can work out for you and have the room, take one. If not, I don't know what to say as you cannot take care of every needy horse in the world.
Right now my BO has a nice free leased SB that the original owner does not want back, and has no place to go. It's tough out there. But I do know, if you assume the responsibility you are stuck with the horse. So make sure you can use the horse before you go out on a limb to do a "rescue."

[JinxyFish313]

Does she need to sell them for the money, or does she need to sell them so that they don't continue to cost her money? If its the latter, maybe see if a rescue group in your area can help.

Its admirable to want to save one but you'll resent the situation later if it doesn't work out.

[BLBGP]

Where are you located? Why not call your local SPCA?

[Ozone]

Short story...

I was horse shopping for a young, green, big bodied plain bay or chestnut gelding. Went to this farm where one horse was standing in manue up to it's hocks and an Appaloosa with it's mother (filly that was never weaned from her mom) was in a paddock. I was told they eat wonderbread only as their food. At that moment all thoughts of the big horse with great potential went out the window and I came home with an unbroke baby LOUD spotted MARE no less :) Appy!

Resuce the in need horse, you won't be sorry ... I wasn't!

[IsolaBella09]

If I were in your shoes, I would take them, especially since you have your own place being built. Poor animals. See if she can give them to you for free, or she will sell them very cheep. You can't take care of all the neglected horses in the world, but you can take care of 2.

[emaren]

I just had this situation recently and posted about it on the eventing forum. I just about have mine up to weight and it's about time for a test ride. Mine, now named Jeffrey, lost most of his hair and was super ugly looking, but now with his hair grown back and his mane pulled, he is a super bright red, shiny, pretty horse. I won't be able to tell you if it was a good deal until I get the test ride done. However, I was able to seriously negotiate with the seller because of his condition even though she insisted he was well taken care of and healthy. He did cost a lot more than his purchase price though because of the vet and all the extra feed he's needed so far. So go in with an estimate of how much extra it is going to be to get them back in shape and have her take that off the price plus add in the risk factor of not being able to ride or see them really move and you could end up with a good deal. It just depends on the amount of risk you're comfortable with.

[emaren]

Also should add that if your place isn't quite finished, a small paddock with a shelter is really all that's needed. If they are in really bad condition they aren't going to need a lot of extra space, they won't have the energy for a lot of extra running around. Put them there, then when your barn is finished, they will be ready to start work.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Go get the filly. Fatten her up, see what she is. If they caught your eye initially...they are probably nice horses. How do their angles look...conformation. Don't worry about how they move now, if the structure is there, they will be fine.

Just note...when healthy...they may perk up quite a bit! I'd personally probably end up with both.....but if not, be doing the leg work to help this woman (and the horses) out.

[beesknees]

If the woman is honest and has the horses in her best interest, she should offer to sell or even give them away at a low cost. If i were you, I would probably take them both and ask her for a low cost, get them into proper shape and then resell them if I didn't think they were right for me. She sounds like she just doesnt know how to take care of them and if her husband was sick, then they probably got neglected. She may just want them to go for as cheap as possible.

[buck22]

there are so many things that can go wrong or right, trust your inner voice and go with your gut feeling, there is no easy answer to this.

sorry for sounding like a fortune cookie :)

[MintHillFarm]

What kind of money is she asking? If it is 1000 ea, offer 1000 for both, get them out of there and then rehome the one you feel will not do for you...

I am sure you can find a home for the other horse as a give away. It is hard to tell what they are when their condition is poor.

The feeling of relief in getting horses out of a bad situation incredible!!

[findeight]

I dunno, everybody always says you can always find them a home but you don't see them there with a trailer when you need to actually rehome them these days. Everybody says 'Oh, give him away" but there are no takers or you get somebody 4 states away that cannot afford to ship.

Ummm...can you afford them? They will need vet and farrier care. And can you train them for what you want to do? This being the H/J Forum, I assume you know it will be at least a year with these (sort of) race trained and neglected types...and retraining is NOT for everyone. Or for every horse, some never do "get it".

And I once had a horse that could not do what I wanted yet ran up bills every month...for over a year. So I just did not ride for that year. Finally sold it. So, I have been in your shoes and watched a goal of mine evaporate-now, that one was my horse and I did right by it but...I cannot imagine going into that with this kind of potential baggage that may never get you anywhere near your goal but cost like hell to rehab and train.

That filly that trained but never raced and sat for 2 years you say looks bad? Wouldn't be my choice. Sometimes they legitimately miss going to the track, most of the time they get hurt or don't train well enough to go. People don't spend the money on training and then just let it sit without a good reason.

If you don't care and can get another to jump around on and show, maybe get one of these if you get a vet to look first. But, as was mentioned, if these steal your dream, you will resent them and lose the desire to go after what you wanted to do in the first place.

Be careful in what you decide. What seems the best choice may not be at all. Even finished horses are not selling these days, even cheap. Don't count on that if they do not work out or can not do what you want.

So, what do you want? Something to ride more or less now? Or within the next few months? Or a very long term project you know you cannot ride until it gets healthier? And are you willing to keep it forever? Because if it does not work out, you will be hard pressed to rehome it.

[cutemudhorse]

Lots of pros and cons, BUT;

You may have stumbled upon them for a reason. You said there were things that you liked about them? At least one of them? Yeah, look at the angles and what you can tell about the temperament, allowing for higher spirits with more groceries.

It may be meant to be. . . .??

[jumpingmaya]

Thank you everyone for your answers... this is just what I was looking for!
To answer a couple questions: the husband ran a race horse farm, the wife doesn't know much. He got really sick 4 months ago and spent 3 months in the hospital, the wife never left his side. Neighboors/volunteers did their best while no one was there... Now, the wife is left by herself (with a few people volunteering) and doesn't know much at all. She definitely means well, but doesn't have the funds or knowledge to do much.
Regarding taking both, it's going to be hard on me (financially). But I will definitely offer my help if she is interested- I can definitely help her out- or even partially sponsor a couple horses to get them looking better and try to find them homes.
I've re-trained thoroughbreds for years- all of them for friends or rescues (love my amy status so no $$ from any of this). However, the condition of this horse scares me a bit. I'm going to call my vet in the am, get his opinion on the body condition of the filly and go back out there end of this week (working non-stop all week and am located over 2 hours from them). Called the lady today who assured me they were going to be there on Thurs-Friday, whenever I can make it out.
I love to compete... but horses for me are more than that... I wouldn't be bitter if one couldn't do physically what I wanted it to do... I'm a true believer in adapting to what they can and want to do... and if it doesn't fit my needs, find a great home for it (once again, since this isn't about making a profit, I don't really care)...
I just got another phone call about 5 horses that need homes ASAP so I will go check them out too... Both those horses have been on my mind all day... I'm going to start making phone calls and e-mailing all the people I know to see if anyone can help. The filly is priced under $1,000 while the gelding is a bit more for those who asked.
I truly feel bad for the owner... she really did seem very honest and does want what's best for those horses...
I'll keep you guys posted and thanks again for all the kind words of wisdom...
Either way, I'll most likely have a horse by the end of this week- which will be one in need...
Question: if I post pics of the filly IF I get her... is it even appropriate in the condition she's in to post... or am I better off waiting a couple of months and posting newer pics??? Thanks again!!! You guys are great

[make x it x so]

I'm sure you'll do the right thing- whatever's right for you and your situation, so I won't give advice as I have not been to see these horses and I don't know the details of your life.

I think it's appropriate to post pictures given the detailed story you have presented us with, and I, for one, would love to see this filly that, even in bad condition, has caught your eye as a decent prospect!

[jumpingmaya]

I'm sure you'll do the right thing- whatever's right for you and your situation, so I won't give advice as I have not been to see these horses and I don't know the details of your life.

I think it's appropriate to post pictures given the detailed story you have presented us with, and I, for one, would love to see this filly that, even in bad condition, has caught your eye as a decent prospect!

I'll bring this post back to "live" when I go back and look at them on thursday/friday!
Thanks again for all the advice...
I'll post pics as soon as the vet has checked them out!
Either way, a horse in need is finding a home this week :yes:
Looking forward to having one to love on...

[FindersKeepers]

I came across the same thing. I took her home, and still have her. It's been 11 years now.

I couldn't leave her behind. She had such sad eyes, I had to take her home, even if it was just to feed her and lease her back out as a broodmare (what she had been doing when I found her) Well she ended up having amazing scope and was my junior hunter.

I swear, there is something really special about the bond you have with one that you save. They will ALWAYS give you 110% and ALWAYS make sure you are safe. I have had the most amazing partnership with this horse, and know I will never have another like her. I love other horses that I've owned and trained... but none are my Bailey.

[chelsealaurenmurphy]

I had both of my horses boarded and did not need another horse, so when I came across an old skinny tb gelding at a show of all places, very skinny but he was getting blue ribbons in a local unrecognized show, I bought him as the owners were going to send him to auction.
I found someone to take him. She managed to get him even thinner than he had been, vet said he was 2 weeks from starving to death when I re-rescued him:eek: after the woman died (she owned a feed store!).
I then rehomed him with someone else where I paid his feed bill for the next few years, till one of that woman's horses kicked him and broke his shoulder and he had to be put down.
So, if you think the horse can work out for you and have the room, take one. If not, I don't know what to say as you cannot take care of every needy horse in the world.
Right now my BO has a nice free leased SB that the original owner does not want back, and has no place to go. It's tough out there. But I do know, if you assume the responsibility you are stuck with the horse. So make sure you can use the horse before you go out on a limb to do a "rescue."

poor baby :( what a sad life :( at least you tried

[SuperSTB]

Well you can't save them all- but some of us try really really really hard to- marriage be damned! LOL

If you decide to take on one or both horses- DO expect the possibility of never being able to rehome/retrain/whatever. I don't like to say "get stuck with them" but in a nutshell... yeah.

They could turn out fabulous- your best friends. Or you could end up sinking a lot of money only to have to put one/them down. Never know, so you do what you are comfortable with and please don't feel guilty if you determine you just can't do it. It's okay as we all have to set limits.

[emaren]

Did you get one?

[jumpingmaya]

Did you get one?

I'm actually working hand in hand with the lady... helping her advertise for these horses and helping her manage them. I was actually given another filly for free this past week-end, that I am placing with a friend that was looking for a new hunter...
Believe she'll make a great hunter- chestnut white face, 4 white socks and great flat kneed movement... so that's a mission accomplished! The barn owner was going to put her down if she wasn't gone by the end of the week-end as he is a race horse trainer and the mare's owner had just left her there and couldn't be found anywhere- they contacted authorities and it had been over 4 months since they had not paid anything...
So mission accomplished there... here is a link to a pic of her, she's a beast for a 2 year old: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2867621&l=145406bfeb&id=616012494
I just felt really bad for all horses so I'm helping her out with all of them (financially and physically at this point!). Also got contacted to help with fundraising for a thoroughbred re-homing project that is opening up in our area- right by the race track...
I'm a little lost... would love to take them all in... so I'm hoping that by donating as much as I can (money and time), I'll be able to make a difference in the long run!!!!
Thanks for following back up! :yes:

[Quinn]

Very nice looking filly.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[jumpingmaya]

Very nice looking filly.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

Thank you... she now has a new proud owner... that loves her to pieces... and her gelding LOVES her :yes:
That was probably the smoothest intro to another horse I've ever seen... :)