TB @ RISK- Comes with 60 days of donated training board

[farmgirl88]

Crossposting this from off course as this guy needs a home/buyer ASAP! He will be set in stone to go on the truck to the meat man on sunday afternoon so we have a serious deadline to work with here.

His name is Western Express Tatoo # H25735. He is on the AC4H website, Broker Pages, first page/allthe way down. He is a dark liver chestnut with a front sock. Short video appears that the horse is SOUND Fee: $550.00

*****ISHI (Westwind Farms) has stepped up with a VERY VERY generous offer.
Quoted for ISHI "I wanted to add, if someone close by gets him, our farm will donate 60 days of retraining for him. Training, feed, care, all of it, whatever he needs, for free. Something about him is really calling to me and I can't afford another horse until/unless the one on Monday goes to his new home (He was also a New Holland horse), so I'd like to pay it forward for this horse.

Just wanted to through it out there. Anyone interested can email me which is on the website, you can also learn more about our farm on the website."

Her website is: http://www.westwindequine.com/

This type of training usually costs $1200 per month so this is a very very generous offer from this farm. If someone can step up and pay his bail out, he will go to Ishi's farm for 60 days of training prior to comming to you if you'd like. Just by looking at the wesbite; what an awsome opportunity!!!

PLEASE spread the word about this guy. PM Ishi if you'd like to organize something with them, etc. This is an awsome opportunity and an adorable horse who deserves a better outcome than this. PLEASE help if you can offer a home after the 60 days of training.

[enjoytheride]

To anyone that wants him and finds the price too expensive, I'd offer $350 and not a penny more. He's worth $300 if he does get on a meat truck and if the dealer is actually considering that he'll take that or anything above so he makes money.

[farmgirl88]

i hope someone snags him. hes going to be lovely with some serious weight added to him and some muscle...and some grooming. he reminds me so much of my guy, Strom Gulch. From the color to the markings they are very much alike. hope someone can take him....id be jumping on the opportunity if i didnt already have a barn full :)

[Riley0522]

Ugh, I saw the other thread about him...wish I could help the poor guy out, unfortunately not in the position to be paying board on 2 horses right now. Really hope someone steps up for him!

[BeverlyAStrauss]

Sorry, enjoytheride, I know the broker paid more than $350 for him. The "safe" price for horses from the sale is usually $500 but believe me, horses will be added to make a load. There may be a home offer for him, fingers crossed.

[enjoytheride]

Safe prices locally are lower then that, the price of meat is just so low that I see horses go for $50 - $150 to the meat buyer. If he bought the horse for $350 he'd let him go for $450 since that would be more then he'd get to make a load. Really it all boils down to making money for the broker. He wants to buy horses, slap a saddle on them, ride them a few times, and make an extra hundred bucks. If he can't he at least wants to break even. If he can't break even he wants to unload it for anything above meat prices, if not he wants to get it out of the barn before it eats another bale of hay.

If people understand how brokers work then I think they will be more likely to not get taken for a ride, and to come out on the other end with a sound useable safe horse.

[LoriW]

I'm trying to see if I can adopt this horse - will know more tomorrow!

[enjoytheride]

Good luck purchasing him from the broker, I hope you get him.

[Lord Helpus]

I hope Lori is able to get him. He has Saratoga Six on his dam's side and so he has a good sport horse sire in his immediate background.

For those of us who are not familiar with the different web sites, could someone explain what or where AC4H is? I would love to see his picture.

[GirlGeek]

Another Chance 4 Horses

http://www.anotherchance4horses.com/InitialPage.html

[enjoytheride]

AC4H is a horse rescue that acts as an agent for a local broker, advertising their horses for them. I think that the broker prices are higher then usual because of this, but brokers are always willing to haggle. I would personally prefer to talk to them in person but you must go through AC4H.

Basically brokers/dealers will pick up horses off the track, out of backyards, or at another auction. Their goal is to turn a quick profit in whatever way possible. That might mean picking up a horse someone is giving away and selling it for meat prices for $75. Sometimes it means picking up a horse that is led in at an auction (a death warrent most of the time), putting a few weeks of saddle time on it, and spinning it back around.

Because of what they do it is smart to be very careful when picking up a horse from them. A horse that is rough broke then worked until exhaustion before the sale or drugged before the sale looks safe. A horse might be drugged, might have trailering or aggression issues, or be sick. Strangles is rampant in dealer lots. My advice is there are many many perfectly sound and sane horses that get run through dealers/auctions through no fault of their own. However, there are many horses that are there for a reason and you need to be careful. I have seen very dangerous horses go through, I have seen horses die after the auction.

A registered, flashy, or gaited trail horse with a big body and a good stop is worth the most. Something between 4 - 10 and 14. 3- 15.3 hands. Older unbroke horses, babies with bad conformation/not registered and worth less. OTTBs are worth $400 and under if they are in good condition and under saddle, most auction people trail ride and are not interested in an OTTB. Not under saddle or fresh off the track $300 and well under. Amish horses like Belgians and standardbreds are worth their price per pound because they are often not dumped until they are lame.

A sound 8yo flashy horse under saddle with a nice whoa would probably bring $600. On rare occasion if it looked like you could show it maybe $800.

[farmgirl88]

but the thing with these brokers is most buy them at New Holland, etc that week, and give the horse until the following sunday afternoon to find a home. if they dont find a home...they directly go on the meat truck to the slaughterhouse. thats why we list these horses to help find homes. if no one steps up; they go on the truck.

[enjoytheride]

I understand that, I just want people to be aware that this cycle will never stop and I want to make sure people have the most information they need to make a decision on the best horse for them. Buying horses from a broker like this can end in heartbreak or years of horse shows and the potential buyers need to be aware of that. Having a wealth of information and knowing how brokers work will let potential buyers (not adoption) have the best chances at evaluating what they have in front of them and what else is out there. Hundreds and hundreds of horses will pass through this broker and many others, getting the right one for you is important.

The issue with price is that horses offered for more then meat prices usually have more then a week, if not the broker will drop the price because he wants to make a dollar. Having that information will help someone save the most money and have money left to donate for another horse or for care/training of their new horse.

[Sithly]

I understand that, I just want people to be aware that this cycle will never stop and I want to make sure people have the most information they need to make a decision on the best horse for them. Buying horses from a broker like this can end in heartbreak or years of horse shows and the potential buyers need to be aware of that. Having a wealth of information and knowing how brokers work will let potential buyers (not adoption) have the best chances at evaluating what they have in front of them and what else is out there. Hundreds and hundreds of horses will pass through this broker and many others, getting the right one for you is important.

The issue with price is that horses offered for more then meat prices usually have more then a week, if not the broker will drop the price because he wants to make a dollar. Having that information will help someone save the most money and have money left to donate for another horse or for care/training of their new horse.

Very well said. Your posts should be copied down and pasted on every one of the broker threads.

[Linny]

Is there a link direct to this horse. I can't find him.

[Floridarider]

Broker horses have always been controversial and no one is forcing anyone to purchase one. It seems a few people just have to keep on pushing the window ad nauseum and seem to try and cast completely unfounded and baseless accusations against AC4H, Christy and anyone else who wants to help a broker horse. If you don't agree with the process, far be it from anyone to ask you to participate, but the horses have no choices as to where they wind up. I have personally purchased a few of the broker horses and have never had any bad experiences with AC4H, and I have been to the rescue to personally volunteer several times in the past and have found this family truly devoted to horse rescue. Contrary to a few of the more uneducated here about Christy and AC4H, Christy does not have a fancy house, does not send her kids to fancy private schools, does not have any fancy vehicles and lives a most modest life style.
The broker page specifically and clearly states why she has decided to help the broker horses. I see nothing wrong with what she does, and neither do many people who have helped hundreds and hundreds of horses out of these tough predicaments. In fact, many broker horses have been reunited with previous owners, re-rescued from many horse rescues except without all the drama some of you insist upon flaunting and many wonderful horses have moved onto different disciplines winning blue ribbons and bringing love and happiness to new familiies. If it doesn't fit into your "definition" of rescue, then you are not obligated to follow any of the threads.

[enjoytheride]

Why are you upset? I have rescued horses from auctions before and I'd call it a rescue. Buying from the broker isn't an adoption but I'd indeed call it a rescue because the horses would not end up in a good place if some kind COTH person didn't step in to help the horse. As long as people understand what goes on, why horses end up this way, and the risks I think getting a horse is a great thing to do. Of horses purchased like this I know one that turned out to be dangerous, one is a dressage horse, and the other is eventing.

I have not said anything negative about the program, just tried to make sure people understand all the facts. It's so easy to look at these horses and get upset, I cried the last time I went to an auction over one horse (a broker rode a pony in that had a distended side and was drugged, it ended up not selling and was abandoned at the auction. When we showed up the next day to pick up a OTTB we bought for $40 the pony was outside and was dead) The sad part is you have to look at these horses and pick ONE because you don't have endless resources, you want a horse to ride, or you are looking for something specific. It is really heartbreaking to pass one up and know where it is going to end up.

[Sithly]

Florida, I don't see anyone taking potshots at AC4H here. Just some good general information that absolutely does belong in these threads. It's not personal and it's not affecting you in any way.

[AC4H]

Safe prices locally are lower then that, the price of meat is just so low that I see horses go for $50 - $150 to the meat buyer. If he bought the horse for $350 he'd let him go for $450 since that would be more then he'd get to make a load. Really it all boils down to making money for the broker. He wants to buy horses, slap a saddle on them, ride them a few times, and make an extra hundred bucks. If he can't he at least wants to break even. If he can't break even he wants to unload it for anything above meat prices, if not he wants to get it out of the barn before it eats another bale of hay.

If people understand how brokers work then I think they will be more likely to not get taken for a ride, and to come out on the other end with a sound useable safe horse.

In my personal experience with the broker/kill buyer/auction saga there are so many variables to it that I can't even begin to explain all of the what if's and scenerio's. That would be an interesting conversation though and is very educational :>)

This particular horse actually they didn't want to list and sell - he was scheduled to ship end of story- we had to ask about him and ask to bring him out to eval- the reason we asked is that a couple of different people had seen him go through the ring and were hoping someone private would want to give him another chance and take him home... we don't mind trying we love to help the horses.

There are a lot of cheap horses and well even free horses right now and absolutely nothing wrong with making an offer or trying whatever the case may be. We asked if they would allow this horse not to ship that day and to have some internet time to try to get a home... we were glad to get at least that for him... hey it's more than the 45 other head received they didn't get as saddle slapped on them and didn't try for anything else... they had a destination unfortunately.

We just thought we would attempt... can't hurt right? At least we know we did all we could on his behalf.

Christy, www.ac4h.com

[AC4H]

Nothing definate for him so keep fingers crossed... I will check in throughout the day tomorrow as I can... have to feed, then church then will check internet :>) Have a great night everyone and thanks for helping the horses.

[juniormom]

I would love to know a little more about him. We had a wonderful one that was WJ Express. Wonder if it is the same family? Ours was dark bay. I am out of town and would like for my daughter to see his video. Has anyone taken him yet? How old is he? I only have a little bit of internet access until we are home on late Tuesday, early Wednesday. I will call my daughter and see if she is able to find this thread. He looks a little sore in the video to me, but what do I know? Ours had flexions that were all 4's out of 5's, had previously had tie back surgery, had EPM, and he is still sound and a saint! :)

[farmgirl88]

He looks right off the track to me. Very muscled up. His paddock he is being videos in isnt the greatest situation either. That could be why he looks sore. Its amazing what a month off and some weight and good eating can do for TB's in this type of condition. Im guessing he is younger as he looks it and he is racing fit.

** There is a thread regarding this horse on OFF COURSE so please PM the folks there who have stepped up to donate money, and offere the 60 days of training. im sure they could help gather something all together for him.

According to pedigree query this horse was born in 2004. That would make him 5 years old. His last owner/breeder listed with pedigree query was Dominic Fargo.

Here is the link to his page and pedigree:

http://www.pedigreequery.com/western+express3

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP! This horse has until this afternoon before his fate is set in stone.


For the person asking he is on the bottom of one of the pages.

[farmgirl88]

*** Anyone looking for a nice filly who is still on the track?? Someone on OFFCOURSE just posted about a filly in NY who is being sent to the dealer/meat buyer if no one takes her. She is currently listed at $ 600 very neg. to a good home. Shes very very well put together and was obviously very well taken care of. A lovely filly and im sure you could get her for a steal of a price. she really is quite lovely. go check her out on OFF COURSE



according to the Off Course thread- Beverly and Friends of Twilight have stepped up and offered this guy a home. Anyone who really wanted this horse could probably PM her now.

Talk about a last minute save for this guy. Thanks to everyone who offered to step up and pledge some funds towards his fee, thanks to AC4H for stepping up and offering to list this horse even though his fate to the meat man was already set in stone, thanks to everyone. this is really great news. COTH is an amazing community

[Ishi]

I gallop in the mornings and our farm starts young horses and retrains OTTBs. The reason I offered the 60 days was to get him healthy, assess his soundness, and restart him. Giving a horse 60 days (ground driving, w/t/c hacking out, all the ground manners...) makes him MUCH more attractive to a buyer then just straight off the track with (what appears) crappy feet, skinny, and no other skills then race trained. There are, of course, HUGE risks in getting a horse this way. There was just something about this horse that got to me, so I made the offer, hoping to help him transition into a new home smoothly.

Things couldn't have turned out better for him, and I'm really happy for him! I think things happen for a reason, and I met LoriW through this, she's going to come hang out and ride one weekend here, and I'm thrilled to have met her and for Western Express to not be getting on any other van then the one to his new home.

On a side note, I galloped a Saratoga Six horse, I NEVER wanted to get off him, O.M.G. what a horse!

[cloudyandcallie]

I gallop in the mornings and our farm starts young horses and retrains OTTBs. The reason I offered the 60 days was to get him healthy, assess his soundness, and restart him. Giving a horse 60 days (ground driving, w/t/c hacking out, all the ground manners...) makes him MUCH more attractive to a buyer then just straight off the track with (what appears) crappy feet, skinny, and no other skills then race trained. There are, of course, HUGE risks in getting a horse this way. There was just something about this horse that got to me, so I made the offer, hoping to help him transition into a new home smoothly.

Things couldn't have turned out better for him, and I'm really happy for him! I think things happen for a reason, and I met LoriW through this, she's going to come hang out and ride one weekend here, and I'm thrilled to have met her and for Western Express to not be getting on any other van then the one to his new home.

On a side note, I galloped a Saratoga Six horse, I NEVER wanted to get off him, O.M.G. what a horse!

great of all of you who worked so hard to save this horse and to get him trained for a job other than the track.