Free lease 6yr old Dutch mare in Florida -- SOUND

[YoungFilly]

6 years old, 16.3 hand, big bodied Dutch mare, grey. Looking to place in a long term lease to approved home. My show schedule is making it difficult to keep her in work. Very sweet, easy keeper who is currently barefoot, and has been worked for 1 year barefoot without issues. Needs an intermediate rider. This horse is still in training currently.

Working on Training Level and First Level movements. Has been started over fences and is completely sound for jumping, but not that much experience. The horse enjoys jumping, but I am a dressage rider, so I didn't do it much with her.

This big bold mare is a fun ride for the right person. She really would most likely excel over fences with the right rider.

[Holsteiner jumper]

you have a PM

[hunterstar]

I sent you a pm as well

[YoungFilly]

Here is a recent video of the horse. I will take recent photos of her. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2uzzE751f0

[hitchinmygetalong]

Is this the mare with melanomas?

[YoungFilly]

Yes, that is why she is on lease. :) Not for sale. I have had a very heavy show schedule with Odette, and its hard to keep her going while being away so much.

[MistyBlue]

I thought this horse was filled with melanomas and dying from them? Maybe it would be better to keep her close by for when she's going to need medical attention/intervention? A leasor might not provide the necessary medical attention for melanomas of a serious magnitude.

[YoungFilly]

Here are some pictures of Gigi from today. She sure looks sick huh? :lol:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/denise_perrotta12/album/576460762389710553

Misty, I totally understand what you are saying. The vets at UF *did* diagnose her as having malignant melanoma, and gave her a prognosis of 2+ years to live. She is at the year and a half mark, and I had her reevaluated. There was no tumor progression. I have been on the road with Odette, and will continue being on the road with Odette, for the near future. I want Gigi to have a good life. I want Gigi to be happy. I am not really interested in her being bred (although, if someone wants to take it on, I am not totally going to rule it out).

A huge part of Gigi's pedigree is really outstanding. Her Dam's line is not as good as I would like. But, I don't really care, I want her to be worked, and loved, and doted upon.

Also, she is going to a schooling show this weekend, with me, and I will post her results. Training Level.

The next option I have for her is to send her to a retirement home. She is WAY to serviceable for that.

She would make a great horse for someone who isn't scared of big horses with big personalities. She is in no way shape or form a mean horse. Skittish at times, yes. Mean, no.

I want someone here in FL, who wouldn't be able to get a horse like her to have her to ride. Someone who can take good care of her. She has insurance, and I will pay for her medical bills. She just needs someone to love her and ride her.

She deserves a good life. I am holding on to her to insure that.

[JanWeber]

I think the issue is that if the mare has a significant health problem, maybe it would have been appropriate to divulge that in the initial post? It's good that she's doing well - but many of us do remember that you bought Odette because of Gigi's poor prognosis. Having said that, maybe you're right - someone who can't swing a horse of this quality may be willing to give her a job as long as she's feeling well. It's great that you're willing to pay medical costs, but there's SO much more involved in managing an on-going health issue - like days off to wait for the vet or trailer to the clinic... And you'll take her back and care for her when the melanomas become a clear threat to her life?

[YoungFilly]

I think the issue is that if the mare has a significant health issue, maybe it would have been appropriate to divulge that in the initial post? It's good that she's doing well - but many of us do remember that you bought Odette because of Gigi's poor prognosis. Having said that, maybe you're right - someone who can't swing a horse of this quality may be willing to give her a job as long as she's feeling well. It's great that you're willing to pay medical costs, but there's SO much more involved in managing an on-going health issue - like days off to wait for the vet or trailer to the clinic...

Give me a break. If you don't know my screen name by now, and who this horse is.... please.

I have broken my back for her and continue to do so. Ask anyone who has inquired about her, the first thing out of my mouth is that she has melanoma.

She is ABSOLUTELY sound. There has been no progression with the melanoma. What am I supposed to do? She can be an excellent jumper (not international, but very good regional, etc). I was just at the WEF with Odette, and watched some of the jumpers. She would certainly beat a bunch of them.

Look at my first post. I want her to go *for LEASE* to someone who can take care of her while I continue. If that doesn't happen, she will go to a retirement home (Which WOULD be a HUGE waist of a good serviceable horse)

Take a good look at the pictures, take a good look at the video. The horse is very serviceable. *I* am going to continue to take good care of her. Don't think I wouldn't be keeping tabs on her.


JanWeber, the last part of your post, about her getting to sick, and who would be there for her.... thats why she would be on lease. I don't mind leasing her, but if she ever got sick, she would come home to me, and we would take care of her.

[hitchinmygetalong]

I watched the video very carefully, and while she does indeed appear sound, she is incredibly fussy with her head. Given her medical history, which you have documented for all to see here on these boards, I would be very, very leery of taking this mare on and investing time, money, and emotion in her only to have her illness flare up and lose her (return her).

[JanWeber]

YF - I know you care about her - and I'm glad to hear she'd be coming back to you when the melanomas became an issue. It is, however, a burden on a potential lessor to have a horse on even free lease that has a serious health issue. Since, as you pointed out, many on this board know about her history - it would have been appropriate to have disclosed her condition in the original post - "manageable medical issues - owner will assume all vet costs and take her back if they become an issue". The key word here is DISCLOSURE. Not everyone here knows or remembers the "Gigi saga". No one doubts you want the best for the horse.

[Sakura Hill Farm]

In fairness to YF, it must be said that, in response to my initial inquery, she immediately said that the mare suffered from melanoma. I had not been familiar with the mare's history. As a breeder, I felt that it would be unwise to breed from a such mare , but she IS being offered as a riding horse. YF was entirely understanding of my misgivings. I feel bad for both the mare and the owner who have known such anguish and are facing more in future.:sadsmile: I only wish the best of all possible outcomes for the two of them.

Michele Sakurai
www.SakuraHillFarm.com

[YoungFilly]

In fairness to YF, it must be said that, in response to my initial inquery, she immediately said that the mare suffered from melanoma. I had not been familiar with the mare's history. As a breeder, I felt that it would be unwise to breed from a such mare , but she IS being offered as a riding horse. YF was entirely understanding of my misgivings. I feel bad for both the mare and the owner who have known such anguish and are facing more in future.:sadsmile: I only wish the best of all possible outcomes for the two of them.

Michele Sakurai
www.SakuraHillFarm.com (http://www.SakuraHillFarm.com)


Thank you Michele, I appreciate it. :sadsmile: I only want whats best for her. I think having someone who will enjoy riding her and who will heap on the love is what she would be happiest with. Maybe even being a pasture orniment.

[Kim]

YF, she is a beauty!! Best of luck finding her the right home. :)

[YankeeLawyer]

I don't mean to discount the seriousness of melanomas, however as a junior I did lease a fantastic equitation horse that suffered from malignant melanomas and competed him for over a year on the A circuit and he was great. He had been on lease to someone else for a few years prior to that, and to another rider after me before ultimately retiring at around age 18. As YF offered to be responsible for medical bills, this might be a really nice opportunity for someone to ride a really neat horse.

[Liz]

Gee, I have NEVER seen a freebe posted here before that had health issues (sarcasm).

I can't believe you guys are giving YF a hard time when people post freebies here all the time with preexisting health issues (and they are not offering to help with vet bills). The mare has insurance and YF is leasing her out, give her a break. What a nice opportunity for someone, I wish she were in Texas. If you are not interested in taking on a horse with melanomas then fine for you but I don't understand why you are being so hard on YF. Just because she did not mention it in the original post, I have a hard time believing that YF would send the mare to anyone without first disclosing her health issues.

Lovely mare, best of luck finding her a home.

[FlashGordon]

I don't mean to discount the seriousness of melanomas, however as a junior I did lease a fantastic equitation horse that suffered from malignant melanomas and competed him for over a year on the A circuit and he was great. He had been on lease to someone else for a few years prior to that, and to another rider after me before ultimately retiring at around age 18. As YF offered to be responsible for medical bills, this might be a really nice opportunity for someone to ride a really neat horse.

I agree. I don't think YF had any ill intent in her original post. And wow what a lovely mare she is.

I know a great childrens hunter w/ melanoma who is still going strong, 5 years after diagnosis, and still packing around kids at rated shows.... no progression, and he is happy as a clam doing his job.

[Hokie Rider Alum]

She sounds wonderful! I wish my property were fenced, unfortunately, we are a couple of months away on that. She sounds like a wonderful horse. Melanomas don't bother me,as we have a pony with them as well. Good luck finding a place for her!

[indyblue]

Well considering that Gigi is the love of her life I hardly think that YF is going to lease her to any old clown either.Best of luck YF finding her a great home.

[YoungFilly]

Gigi is my love. Believe me I have wandered off in wonderland to think about who to breed her too. I will be honest, as well bred as she is, I do not think its in her best interest too be bred. As SakHill said, if Gigi didn't have the serious type of melanoma, it would be worth the risk.

Unfortunatly, she *DOES* have that type of melanoma, so it wouldn't be my favorite option.

In hindsight I did somehow find Odette to replace the dreams I had for G with Odette.

But now is now, and I have a really healthy mare (considering), who is really super, and can do the jumpers, or lower level dressage at free cost to someone who would like to have her at no cost, aside from board.

She is really beautiful, she has game in her. I used to be a barrel racer, and I know that the jumpers have the same type of thing going on. This horse has a heart. She can gallop as fast as you want, if her heart is in it, she will jump them moon. I am not just saying that, I implore you to believe me and at least come and see her.

Sakhill, Gigi is sound, she is very healthy, she is not going to die today or a month from now. There is no anguish. :) She is a very happy girl, who loves sugar cubes, and loves to be told she is doing a good girl thing. :)

[Platinum Equestrian]

I can't believe you guys are giving YF such a hard time. What an amazing and UNSELFISH owner, to offer her horse to someone, and still pay for the medical bills. That's one lucky mare.

YF, Good luck finding her the right situation. I sent you a PM, as I know someone that may be interested.

[Cheyenne is my Jumper]

She is gorgous!! I wish you were in NJ...

[asb_own_me]

Beautiful, sound and talented mare, caring and responsible owner....gee, terrible situation <VBG> I'm about to go ask my DH if he'd like to move to FL. He desperately wants his own horse, loves dressage and has a huge soft spot for big grey mares.

Say....Does Gigi want to come to Iowa? :D

[YoungFilly]

Beautiful, sound and talented mare, caring and responsible owner....gee, terrible situation <VBG> I'm about to go ask my DH if he'd like to move to FL. He desperately wants his own horse, loves dressage and has a huge soft spot for big grey mares.

Say....Does Gigi want to come to Iowa? :D

Iowa is a bit far.... :lol: I was just up in your neck of the woods. :) Beautiful country up there.

I'm going to have to figure something out soon. She is going to a schooling show tomorrow. Its supposed to be freezing rain and cold (considering that we are in FL) and I hope it will be fun considering the rain etc.

The worst thing thats going to happen to Gigi is that she is going to be sent to a retirement home that many GP dressage horses get sent to when they are really old. She is the first horse I had purchased since I was a child. Just today, I went to grab her from the paddock, and she put her nose on my nose and huffed so strongly she fogged up my sunglasses. :sadsmile: I do love her deeply. But all thoughts of her being competative in dressage are gone now.

Whatever. She will never be sold. *Maybe* if the most golden opportunity arises, she will be given away to a great home. She won't be given away unless I can verify she would be safe and happy though her life.

She just needs an ammie rider who doesn't have big ambitions to love her, dote on her, and feed her sugar cubes.

Did I mention this horse knows tricks? She knows how to say yes, no, spanishwalk and a few others that I can't think of at the moment.

It is really very unfortunate that UF gave her such a dire prognosis. If they had not done that, she would be worth at least $25,000. I feel like bringing her back and saying to them "Are you guys really sure? That was quite the dire prediction."

[asb_own_me]

Iowa is a bit far.... :lol: I was just up in your neck of the woods. :) Beautiful country up there.

I'm going to have to figure something out soon. She is going to a schooling show tomorrow. Its supposed to be freezing rain and cold (considering that we are in FL) and I hope it will be fun considering the rain etc.


Well, if you change your mind and think she should come up and see Iowa for herself :winkgrin: , let me know! My husband would spoil the heck out of her!

[Oakstable]

This is a long shot but worth a try, IMO. I have a grey mare who had a growth at the base of her neck. It could have been a sarcoid, it was about the size of a man's thumb nail. I had some of the Immunall liquid supplement from Rainbow Equus and I squirted the growth with 1-2 cc in a syringe about every 2-3 days. The growth went away. I have photos of this mare with the growth, and I certainly can take photos of her now. The skin is black where the growth used to be, but it is smooth and no sign of any regrowth.

For what it's worth ... something to consider for your lovely mare.

[elektra949]

she can come to ohio too!! just say the word!!! If I still lived in FL, I would've taken her in a heartbeat- if you decide to let her travel, let us know!

[Mariesonny]

YF, I just wanted to encourage you with your generous offer and tell you not to listen to the negative posters. I recently leased a lovely WB mare to the sweetest lady in the world. The mare is suitable for lower level dressage and was for sale but the prepurchase exam revealed a bone chip in her coffin bone. The mare is sound and does not seem to have any problems. I was willing to lease her to someone for only lower level dressage. She would be perfect for that. Of course should she go lame then I would take her back and care for her. She eventually may or she may do just fine with the correct type of work. Well, a local lady came along and so far so good. I couldn't have asked for a nicer home for my mare. I'm sure there is someone out there who would love to enjoy Gigi in return for the cost of boarding her. Good luck!!

[YoungFilly]

YF, I just wanted to encourage you with your generous offer and tell you not to listen to the negative posters. I recently leased a lovely WB mare to the sweetest lady in the world. The mare is suitable for lower level dressage and was for sale but the prepurchase exam revealed a bone chip in her coffin bone. The mare is sound and does not seem to have any problems. I was willing to lease her to someone for only lower level dressage. She would be perfect for that. Of course should she go lame then I would take her back and care for her. She eventually may or she may do just fine with the correct type of work. Well, a local lady came along and so far so good. I couldn't have asked for a nicer home for my mare. I'm sure there is someone out there who would love to enjoy Gigi in return for the cost of boarding her. Good luck!!


Thanks Mariesonny, I appreciate it! I took Gigi to a schooling show and she did fairly well. She hasn't been off the property for a year and a half, and it was a *very* cold day here in FL and extrememly windy. The schooling show grounds had these little remote control car things going off right behind the grounds, so there were a million distractions. If you think Wellington is bad, this is way worse. Even Odette could have been a freak ball.

That being said, Gigi got a 52 and a 59 at Training level. :lol: She has not been off the property though, so I think she handled it well. She is still a baby at 6 you know. She had almost a year off too, don't forget.

Here is the video of her schooling show. Please excuse me for looking very fat, I had about 4 layers of clothes on, and no one looked good at this show, if they even showed up. :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xPVGycfre8

We are planning on dragging her from now on to every show Odette is at so she gets more show experience.

[sps1021]

I just wanted to wish you and Gigi the best. I hope that you find her a
fabulous home with someone who will love her as much as you. I can only
say that I wish I lived in FL! She is so lovely, and I have a soft spot for mares.

I really hope that she continues to beat the odds. I have a lot of expirence with those horses, that vets just dismiss. Just remember that they are only human, and are only making scientific guess, they can't see the heart that beats with in. Mares are willful and determined, all in a good way!

Again, good luck:)

[rosawood]

YF, I just sent you a PM.

[time fault]

Will send a PM tomorrow.

[Mariesonny]

YF, put an ad in your local GMO's newsletter. That is what worked for me.

[cebesue]

Have you found a home for her yet?

[beavercreekranch]

You have a PM. I really look forward to hearing from you!

[HunterBreedingJunkie]

Young filly I just sent you a PM. Please e-mail me at kselby@florida-capital.com

[JanetC]

I would have killed for an opportunity such as this before I owned my own horse. You obviously care a lot about her and are trying to do what's best for her...too bad some people won't cut you a bit of slack.

[YoungFilly]

I watched the video very carefully, and while she does indeed appear sound, she is incredibly fussy with her head. Given her medical history, which you have documented for all to see here on these boards, I would be very, very leery of taking this mare on and investing time, money, and emotion in her only to have her illness flare up and lose her (return her).


I'm kinda re-reading this right now. When you say that she is incredibly fussy in her head, that is my issue, not G's. I got dinged (with Odette) with that today with my trainer, and at the show today with Odette. Just so you know.

[YankeeLawyer]

I watched the video very carefully, and while she does indeed appear sound, she is incredibly fussy with her head. Given her medical history, which you have documented for all to see here on these boards, I would be very, very leery of taking this mare on and investing time, money, and emotion in her only to have her illness flare up and lose her (return her).

Well then don't lease her. What on earth is your point of posting such a negative comment? This is the giveaways section. Plenty of people post offers to giveaway horses that are not capable of doing anything but being a pasture ornament, but are deserving of a loving home, and people are attacking YF for offering, for free lease, a perfectly wonderful mare for whom YF has offered to cover medical bills?

By the way, I think your comment is WAY off base. This is a young mare, still somewhat green, on a brisk and very windy day at her first show after a long time of having not been off the farm. It is no wonder she did not settle right down immediately. Even if the video had shown her doing the same at her own farm, with less distractions, I would not think it is unusual for a horse of her training level to fuss a bit with her head. That is really not hard to fix with a little more mileage and a tactful ride (I assume, knowing YF's careful attention to her horses' care, that this is not due to any tooth issues, for example).

If I had time to do this mare justice (I already have three young ones of my own that take up all my time), I would probably beg YF for the chance to ride this horse. It happens that I have also seen another video clip of her schooling at home, and she was wonderful. But seriously, a youngster's "fussing" with her head would not bother me at all. Moreover, if someone cannot handle something so simple as this is to remedy in most cases, perhaps they would not be a suitable match for her anyway.

[gotrocks]

If you change your Florida-only home stipulation, let me know b/c I can provide a fabulous show home for your mare...I own one A/O hunter, a coming four year old, and would gladly give your mare home. Let me know if you change your mind.

[angelface247113]

please let me know if your horse is still available for lease my email is angelface247113@gmail.com

[Big_Grey_hunter]

please let me know if your horse is still available for lease my email is angelface247113@gmail.com

This thread is 4 years old. I know your a newbie, so before replying to threads, see when they were posted first. :)

[Briggsie]

my last horse also had Mel. He has done quite well and is still going strong to the 12 girl i gave him too....cancer is not the end of the world.