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UPDATE ~ On "Stitch"s arrival date. :)

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  • #61
    I actually know of a really great lease horse here in PA. He's not mine, so I haven't the foggiest clue if they'd let him be shipped away for a year long lease. Huge, gentle, wonderful warmblood that did everything and won everywhere. Was used for beginner lessons, packed kids and adults, and can still jump 3 foot (although I don't think he can really ever campaign at that height again, but he can do it in the ocassional lesson). If you want, I can try to get their contact information. When he was being used where I ride, it was even a free lease. But again, not my horse so I can't speak for the owners.

    I hope the price reflects the soreness, out of work, and grumpiness/sourness. Because all horses are a crapshoot so you're taking a chance on a horse that you buy who is already sore (why would a horse who is not being ridden be sore at the girth??!!??)

    I think he's evading and not wanting to move forward with yor trainer too, although to a lesser extent, and it's tough to tell from still pictures. It could be a sign of some larger issue (training, personality, or physical) so hopefully the PPE will give you some answers on that front.

    How old is Drew, BTW? And was he previously a Western horse? This is purely for my own curiosity.
    ~Veronica
    "The Son Dee Times" "Sustained" "Somerset" "Franklin Square"
    http://photobucket.com/albums/y192/vxf111/

    Comment

    • Original Poster

      #62
      <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">How old is Drew, BTW? And was he previously a Western horse? This is purely for my own curiosity. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

      He's 7. No, he didn't do Western at least not with his previous owner but maybe with his first owner (the breeder). He's only had 2 owners.... the breeder kept him until he was 4. Then the current owners bought him then and have had him 3 years.

      <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I actually know of a really great lease horse here in PA. He's not mine, so I haven't the foggiest clue if they'd let him be shipped away for a year long lease. Huge, gentle, wonderful warmblood that did everything and won everywhere. Was used for beginner lessons, packed kids and adults, and can still jump 3 foot (although I don't think he can really ever campaign at that height again, but he can do it in the ocassional lesson). If you want, I can try to get their contact information. When he was being used where I ride, it was even a free lease. But again, not my horse so I can't speak for the owners. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

      Sure, send it to me. But that's mostly my problem... can't find anything that will let me take it as far as KY and didn't find anything suitable closer.

      On a side note, this poor guy is sore all over.... they worked him too hard on Tue after he came in (we were VERY pissed off about it and received many an apology but still)... that's why I didn't get to ride him on Wed. He wasn't this pissy on Mon. Plus, we're not sure how long he has been out of work... they said he hadn't been ridden in about 2 months but we're not sure what they did when they were riding him. He is a bit "jiggly".... aka pudgy. He may have a shoulder issue or side issue, etc. that would explain why he's pissy about moving off the leg. Trainer is calling the previous owners tomorrow.

      But that's why we are doing the PPE. To figure out what is going on. The vet will start with the simple stuff (overall check over and flex tests) so we will know if something is really off and can stop then so I don't waste anymore money.

      If all that goes well, we are definately doing x-rays in the front to make sure there are no issues for soundness down the road. And anywhere else that we find that it may be needed.

      We are really trying to do our best.... it's hard. Unfortunately, my "have to list" is pretty specific and he meets those criteria. Which isn't easy to do! The rest is a "would like to have list" and he has some of it but is lacking in other aspects. But can I live with it? Probably.

      But again, we shall see. Just wanted to post an update.

      I don't mind spending the money for a FULL PPE. I want to make sure all is okay and that there is nothing truly physically wrong with him. But when you are not riding him he's very sweet and easy going.... and even if you are just walking around a bit he's good.... it's just when he's pushed a little... but he doesn't do anything stupid no matter how sore he seems to be.

      We also think he just may need a change in life and attitude! I'm willing to give that a go since he fits in most other ways.

      But, JMO.

      Comment


      • #63
        <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">On a side note, this poor guy is sore all over.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

        Gotta say this is a red flag a BIG one. I know you're going to do a PPE but honestly IMO it takes quite alot to get a horse sore all over from one day of work...unless they were out jumping 3'6 all day.

        You just have to weigh the pro's and con's but soreness would be a no go for me.

        If he's sore and pissy now there may just be a chance that he will get worse not better with more work.
        I have horse to sell to you. Horse good for riding. Can pull cart. Horse good size. Eats carrots and apples. Likes attention. Move head to music. No like opera! You like you buy.

        Comment


        • #64
          If the horse hasn't been worked in 2 months (which I think I read in the first post) and has had limited turn out, he's going to be sore after just being pulled out and put to work!

          Even if its light work it still takes some adjustment time to build him back up, especially in the laid back types who don't keep themselves fit when not in work. Plus he's been "put through his paces" and jumped etc. Not saying that they've done anything wrong, but I would expect some soreness after that. Just something to be aware of. I'm sure the PPE will reveal more.
          I love bald eagles..not because they have white heads...because they're delicious

          Comment

          • Original Poster

            #65
            <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by south_pacific:
            If the horse hasn't been worked in 2 months (which I think I read in the first post) and has had limited turn out, he's going to be sore after just being pulled out and put to work!

            Even if its light work it still takes some adjustment time to build him back up, especially in the laid back types who don't keep themselves fit when not in work. Plus he's been "put through his paces" and jumped etc. Not saying that they've done anything wrong, but I would expect some soreness after that. Just something to be aware of. I'm sure the PPE will reveal more. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

            This is exactly what I've been trying to say. He doesn't strike me as the type of horse that will "exercise himself".... he's so laid back, etc. So getting him back into a "program" (slowly and properly) I think will do him good.

            To give an example.... I haven't really ridden in the past 2 and 1/2 months. I've maybe ridden a total of 30 minutes and mostly walk and a little bit of trot (and cantered once but by accident when I bumped a possible prospect by accident). And I haven't done any other exercise besides PT in that same time frame. Today was the first time I really did walk/trot/canter and jumped and I rode for about 15-20 minutes.

            I AM SORE.... my muscles hurt and are spasming a little bit. I'm toast and tired. I can't imagine doing all of this (and then some)for 2 days in a row and then again a few days later. I'd be pretty pissy! So I can feel for the guy a bit. I know what it's like to not be in the best of shape and then doing A LOT (and it not being his choice and yes, the BO made a huge mistake and has apoligized PROFOUSLY).

            So I am giving this guy a little bit of slack.... but the PPE will really tell me somethings. The question to myself is.... will I regret not REALLY checking him out and giving him a chance and instead just pass him up because of the circumstances? Yes.

            He wasn't this pissy on Monday when we first tried him out. I think he just isn't happy with the new situation and I don't care for it either, but he was scheduled to leave on Sunday (the BO only takes them on for a week to try them out and see if anyone is interested) and he would leave if I didn't already set up a PPE. And per the suggestions all of the other BB posters have said, I have ridden him a few times first. Unfortunately, it probably wasn't 100% in his best interest. I do partly take the blame for that.... but some of the additional work that he had to do was out of my hands and my trainer and I were VERY angry when we found out about this and my trainer had a very stern "talk" w/ the BO and she realized that it was a HUGE mistake. We all make mistakes....

            So for me, that pretty much tells it all. Now, that doesn't mean I'm going to buy him. We shall see.

            I do appreciate everything everyone has said.... I know they truly have my best interest to heart.

            Comment


            • #66
              LSM

              I think size wize you fit him much better than your mare. I hope the PPE goes well for you. Good luck on Monday!

              Horsezee

              Comment

              • Original Poster

                #67
                Thanks Horsezee.... I am just hoping for the best either way. If he's not right for me via the PPE, than so be it. He'll be great for someone else... I know this guy will find a great home and it wasn't meant to be.... but if everything goes well and we are happy with the results and get our questions answered.... then great and hopefully I will have found a great guy for me.

                Comment


                • #68
                  <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> No he doesn't want to move forward a whole lot sometimes... but we think this is because he is sore in the girth area as again, it's not just out of work thing... he is sore and that's why we think he's grumpy. But we shall see.
                  </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                  A lot of people have given really good opinions/information here, and I have to chime in with those who see a red flag.

                  In my experience, after having bought a few horses who didn't work out as I hoped or expected, what a horse shows you during your trial rides is what the horse is. Period. My first horse "crow-hopped" with me once during the trial. He wasn't fit. When he did get fit, he turned out to be a bucker who almost killed me. My second horse was "sullen" a bit, and we made some sort of excuse for it, and sure enough, he was that way until I sold him.

                  Miles was very much as you are describing. And even with training, and a happy home, and good food and vet and farrier and chiro care, he is still that way. I am now looking at EPSM as the most likely explanation for his behavior.

                  Based on what you've said about him under saddle, I would wonder if this horse has EPSM/PSSM issues. You can do a simple exercise tolerance muscle enzyme test for it that would at least tell you if his levels are elevated enough to cause concern (exercise him 4-6 hours before the vet check, then pull blood and have it tested). A healthy horse should not be that irritable. He looks very uncomfortable.

                  IMHO, you are making excuses. When you start making excuses, I think you set yourself up for a potentially bad decision.

                  When I went to look at Paddy, I could make no excuses for him - he was easy, happy, willing, forward, capable . . . everything you would want in a horse. He's turned out to be the best horse I've ever bought and quite possibly the best horse I'll ever have in my life.

                  Sorry for the long rambling, but I think a lot of us here have been where you are now and made the wrong decision and are trying to help you not do the same.
                  "A horse's face always conveys clearly whether it is loved by its owner or simply used." - Anja Beran

                  Comment


                  • #69
                    Unless the price is VERY low, I don't think I'd bother vetting this guy. He's sour, resistant, stiff/sore, downhill, and unable to track straight. He MIGHT be fixable, and might be worth trying to fix...but absolutely NOT at a high price. I'm thinking $2K range. If he's much higher than that, you could do SO much better for the money. Don't settle!

                    Comment


                    • #70
                      He's cute, but I think they're all cute. You said he competed successfully, but he's been out of work for a while. You should try to find out why.

                      Good reason: Kid did well on him, then went to college. Family put him on pasture board, then realized they should sell him instead.

                      Bad reason: He competed, but there were issues. Owner decided to turn him out for a few months to see if that helped. Then tried bringing him back, and he obviously still had issues. So they sent him to a dealer.

                      If he's a registered Quarter Horse, is it still possible to see the papers and contact the AQHA and every previous owner? I managed to contact the previous owners of a QH I bought years ago and learned a lot. One owner was a kid who won everything in sight with him. Another owner was an adult who was "scared to death" of him and only had him a few months. They all agreed he had maintenance issues, and I had to decide if I could manage them.

                      After the PPE, the general consensus was "if he was sound, you couldn't afford him." He was bargain priced. I bought him, and managed to keep him happy and sound for about six years.
                      After that, his problems caught up with him, and he's now enjoying retirement on my farm. I'm glad I have him, but was devastated when it became apparent that I was going to need a new horse if I was going to continue riding and showing.

                      Try to find out everything you can about this horse and do take the advice of the vet. Good luck!
                      It's 2018. Do you know where your old horse is?

                      www.streamhorsetv.com -- website with horse show livestream listings and links.

                      Comment

                      • Original Poster

                        #71
                        <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by pony4me:
                        He's cute, but I think they're all cute. You said he competed successfully, but he's been out of work for a while. You should try to find out why.

                        Good reason: Kid did well on him, then went to college. Family put him on pasture board, then realized they should sell him instead.

                        Bad reason: He competed, but there were issues. Owner decided to turn him out for a few months to see if that helped. Then tried bringing him back, and he obviously still had issues. So they sent him to a dealer.

                        If he's a registered Quarter Horse, is it still possible to see the papers and contact the AQHA and every previous owner? I managed to contact the previous owners of a QH I bought years ago and learned a lot. One owner was a kid who won everything in sight with him. Another owner was an adult who was "scared to death" of him and only had him a few months. They all agreed he had maintenance issues, and I had to decide if I could manage them.

                        After the PPE, the general consensus was "if he was sound, you couldn't afford him." He was bargain priced. I bought him, and managed to keep him happy and sound for about six years.
                        After that, his problems caught up with him, and he's now enjoying retirement on my farm. I'm glad I have him, but was devastated when it became apparent that I was going to need a new horse if I was going to continue riding and showing.

                        Try to find out everything you can about this horse and do take the advice of the vet. Good luck! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                        The only thing I've been told is that the family were "upgrading". He didn't compete in any AQHA shows (the BO already called and checked to see if he had a show record while we were there and he doesn't) but was shown in their state circuit (not QH). He's only had 2 owners (the breeder and the current owner).

                        My plan is to talk to the previous owners (and maybe the breeder) but you know how that can go.... can you always believe what they say? They are trying to sell this horse.... so you know how the truth can be "stretched". Kinda reminds me of a car salesmen. That's why I go more on what a 3rd party person will say (the vet) and what my trainer thinks since I know her and their opinion is unbiased. They have no interest in this particular horse. My trainer will have to deal with whatever I purchase (ie. she's also the BO of where I will keep him, will be doing the "tune up" and have to deal with us in lessons and shows) so I'm sure she doesn't want a problem either.

                        Again, we are giving him the benefit of the doubt until the PPE. Will get all our questions answered then... and go from there.

                        Comment

                        • Original Poster

                          #72
                          <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by vxf111:
                          Oh, I liked him better before I saw this round of pictures and video.

                          He's very downhill, I don't think it's an optical illusion.

                          He's irritable! More than just a lazy-out-of-work kind of ittable but downright grumpy. Don't know what to say about that but I personally would want to wait a few weeks, let the seller leg the horse up, and come back to see if he's got a better attitude. That's just me. Drew seems to pins his ears and make a face every time you put your leg on. I read that as real resistance to go forward, not just out-of-shape. I also see him evading your leg on the straightaway in the one video and wanting to wiggle his body to the inside. Seems like he doesn't want contact or leg and he gets more and more irritated when you try. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                          Veronica,

                          I've been really thinking about your post a lot. I went back and looked at the first set of pics that we took when we first saw him and my trainer was riding him on Monday. And then I looked at the ones from yesterday (Saturday). You have a very valid point... he does look a lot "more cranky" than he did the first time we saw him. His ears were forward and he was easy going for her on Monday. This was the first time he was ridden in a while and hadn't been turned out lately. Don't you think he should have been more "pissy" then? Maybe, maybe not.

                          Now the question is..... why the difference? Could it be that he was overworked in the last week and is body sore and pissed off about it? Or could it be his true disposition coming out? Or could it be a medical issue? We just don't know... He is a really sweet and kind guy on the ground and when he is walking. But got cranky when asked for more. Is that a sign of just soreness or something seriously wrong? If seriously wrong, wouldn't he be pissy ALL the time? Maybe, Maybe not.

                          He does have one quirk on the ground.... they must have spoiled him badly with treats.... if you put your hands in your pockets, he nudges you... thinking you have treats. And does get a little pushy and "mouthy" as if to demand them. We have been correcting him for it... and he has gotten better.

                          Could it be a combo of soreness and needing an attitude adjustment as he's gotten away with this "behaviour" in the past and it wasn't corrected? If he does start to get "pissy" and you "correct him" he sighs and goes "okay". And works on... he doesn't permanently have his ears pinned. If you leave him alone completely he just chugs on along, ears forward... but if you ask for more, the attitude comes out. Poor training? Poor dicipline? Both?

                          These are all my questions.... and they will be addressed to the vet. She normally schedules about 2 hours for a PPE. My trainer has already warned her that we will probably need her longer than that.... that we have ALOT of questions. If the answers do not satisfy us, we walk.

                          Trust me, I'm not made of money or anything but to pay $400 for the PPE that may be a waste doesn't bother me as much as knowing that if I don't check him out, I may regret it.

                          Thank you all for your support and advice.

                          Comment


                          • #73
                            Even if there's a reason for this horse to appear sour and resistant, there's no guarantee that those behaviors will disappear with a new home and top quality care.

                            Nothing you've said about this horse makes him sound one-of-a-kind. There really are MANY horses out there who fit your list of must-haves without coming with the sort of baggage this guy seems to have. For it to be worth taking the risk that his attitude will improve, he needs to be special -- TO YOU -- in some way. Do you know what I mean? He should be the most comfortable horse you've ever ridden, or make you feel more confident on a horse than you've ever felt...because otherwise, there will be another horse who's equally good for you and "smiles" to boot.

                            Don't buy a horse because there's no absolute red-flag deal breaker that says you SHOULDN'T. Buy him because in addition to meeting all of your requirements, he's the one you want to have and to ride, every day. Can you say this about this horse? --Jess

                            Comment


                            • #74
                              lsm1212, I followed your saga with your mare and I really am pulling for you to get a good horse that you can really enjoy. I am!!! I wouldn't post if I wasn't! And I am in the smaller-horses-are-often-better camp, and I love QHs-- but something about the videos just says "not right" to me. Maybe it's just me...

                              <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
                              I've been really thinking about your post a lot. I went back and looked at the first set of pics that we took when we first saw him and my trainer was riding him on Monday. And then I looked at the ones from yesterday (Saturday). You have a very valid point... he does look a lot "more cranky" than he did the first time we saw him. His ears were forward and he was easy going for her on Monday. This was the first time he was ridden in a while and hadn't been turned out lately. Don't you think he should have been more "pissy" then? Maybe, maybe not. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                              The pissiness could be caused by one of many reasons: (1) When your trainer rode him, Drew was out of shape but new to the barn and hadn't yet figured out what was up and so was on his best behavior (Stoney thinks he's at a show whenever he goes anywhere on a trailer and it takes him a few days to go from being perfect-pony to being normal); (2) Could be Drew has a physical issue that is triggered/irritated by work (this is my gut guess, if I had to pick one). When your trainer rode it didn't bother him as much but as soon as he gets back in work he's bothered. If I had to bet money on it, I'd say hocks with back as my second guess. Maybe it doesn't hurt so bad when he's standing around in a field, but once he starts to work it hurts again; (3) Could be that he gets more and more ringsour/intolerant as he gets asked to work more (he was jumped this second time and ridden longer, from the way I read your post); (4) Could be he is the type to really evade/test a rider who is out of shape/less experienced/timid/weak-- and while that is not a deal breaker for his career overall, it's not what YOU are looking for.

                              I dunno. I have seen horses that pin their ears from time to time but generally go around responsive and happy but that's not what I thought I was seeing in the video. I have seen horses who were out of shape come back into work (did it myself, and never want to do it again, LOL) and it didn't look so grumpy! But maybe he's just a grumpy dude or he liked being a pasture puff and is annoyed at having to come back into work again.

                              <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Now the question is..... why the difference? Could it be that he was overworked in the last week and is body sore and pissed off about it? Or could it be his true disposition coming out? Or could it be a medical issue? We just don't know... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                              Could be any of these things or anything else! But when I go see a horse, I figure that what you see if what you get. I never expect they'll be better for me, or better when they're fit, or better in a better enviornment. I just say "here is what horse X is, is this what I want to buy for $Y?"

                              Maybe they'll let you take him on trial for a week or two? Or do a trial at the barn where he is now?

                              <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> He is a really sweet and kind guy on the ground and when he is walking. But got cranky when asked for more. Is that a sign of just soreness or something seriously wrong? If seriously wrong, wouldn't he be pissy ALL the time? Maybe, Maybe not. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                              Serious soreness or injury might only be apparent when he's asked to work and carry himself. My horse had lyme disease this summer. If you watched him in the pasture and rode him at the walk, you'd think he was fine. At the trot and canter-- it was painfully, painfully obvious that something was REALLY wrong. Funky, lame-all-over, really BAD wrong. I don't think Drew has lyme (just an example), but there's a reason you jog a horse for lameness, not walk it. Sometimes lameness/injury/pain doesn't show up until the horse's body is working.

                              <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">He does have one quirk on the ground.... they must have spoiled him badly with treats.... if you put your hands in your pockets, he nudges you... thinking you have treats. And does get a little pushy and "mouthy" as if to demand them. We have been correcting him for it... and he has gotten better. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                              Sounds like some little chestnut QH *I* know

                              <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Could it be a combo of soreness and needing an attitude adjustment as he's gotten away with this "behaviour" in the past and it wasn't corrected? If he does start to get "pissy" and you "correct him" he sighs and goes "okay". And works on... he doesn't permanently have his ears pinned. If you leave him alone completely he just chugs on along, ears forward... but if you ask for more, the attitude comes out. Poor training? Poor dicipline? Both? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                              Could be a horse with a high tolerance for pain too. Poor Shane, he's a trooper. If Stoney gets so much as a splinter he's laying on the ground thrashing in agony. But Shane, it takes a LOT for him to show pain. And he does EXACTLY what Drew does-- first the ear pinning, then the little crowhopping. Shane doesn't do this until he's REALLY hurting. It took him MONTHS of a poor fitting saddle to demonstrate pain, and then when the saddle fitter came out he was astounded that Shane was willing to work at all in the saddle. Stoney saddle didn't fit and he laid down and rolled on it. Some horses can take pain and some can't. Dunno, it's possible Drew is a horse who has a high pain tolerance, or has learned to work through pain. Or it could be pure attitude. I don't know.

                              <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">These are all my questions.... and they will be addressed to the vet. She normally schedules about 2 hours for a PPE. My trainer has already warned her that we will probably need her longer than that.... that we have ALOT of questions. If the answers do not satisfy us, we walk.

                              Trust me, I'm not made of money or anything but to pay $400 for the PPE that may be a waste doesn't bother me as much as knowing that if I don't check him out, I may regret it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                              I am so glad you're doing a thorough pre-purchase. My gut says the vet will have the answers for you as to whether the problem is physical or not. I hope she's able to shed light on the whole thing so you can make a good decision. I only wish you the best of luck in finding a new partner.
                              ~Veronica
                              "The Son Dee Times" "Sustained" "Somerset" "Franklin Square"
                              http://photobucket.com/albums/y192/vxf111/

                              Comment


                              • #75
                                <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Pocket Pony:
                                what a horse shows you during your trial rides is what the horse is. Period. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                                Yup -- or worse. I usually assume, actually, that what I see in the visit(s) is the best-case scenario as far as temperament goes. The horse is, after all, on his home turf and being cared for by people who want to show him off to best advantage. This of course includes having a ready explanation for any bad behavior.

                                Yes, there are all sorts of reasons why a horse might be a grump, and the story you've gotten may be legitimate. But you're still looking at a very unhappy camper here and, as a general rule, if you're buying a pissy horse you'll get an even pissier one.

                                If the PPE turns up a fixable medical problem, I'd tell the sellers to call you once it's been taken care of so you can accurately evaluate the horse's temperament.

                                Cute horse, though. Sucks.

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                                • Original Poster

                                  #76
                                  <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JAGold:
                                  Even if there's a reason for this horse to appear sour and resistant, there's no guarantee that those behaviors will disappear with a new home and top quality care.

                                  Nothing you've said about this horse makes him sound one-of-a-kind. There really are MANY horses out there who fit your list of must-haves without coming with the sort of baggage this guy seems to have. For it to be worth taking the risk that his attitude will improve, he needs to be special -- TO YOU -- in some way. Do you know what I mean? He should be the most comfortable horse you've ever ridden, or make you feel more confident on a horse than you've ever felt...because otherwise, there will be another horse who's equally good for you and "smiles" to boot.

                                  Don't buy a horse because there's no absolute red-flag deal breaker that says you SHOULDN'T. Buy him because in addition to meeting all of your requirements, he's the one you want to have and to ride, every day. Can you say this about this horse? --Jess </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                                  Jess - Very well said... I see what you are saying. I have posted on here a few times commenting on people saying that there are so many better ones out there. Either I'm totally missing them in my search or they are hidden somewhere! Or the ones people have pointed out don't meet my criteria. I PM'd someone with my specific criteria per her request (I think it was EqTrainer). I won't post them here as I don't want it to sound like a sales ad so please PM me if you want the list.

                                  The one thing that stands out the most about this guy that I really like is he is the most comfortable horse I have ever ridden.

                                  I know a lot of people have followed my saga w/ my mare. And I appreciate so much the input I am getting. I don't care what other people say about the BB.... I know there are a lot of great and caring people out there.

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                                  • Original Poster

                                    #77
                                    <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I am so glad you're doing a thorough pre-purchase. My gut says the vet will have the answers for you as to whether the problem is physical or not. I hope she's able to shed light on the whole thing so you can make a good decision. I only wish you the best of luck in finding a new partner.

                                    ~Veronica </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                                    Thanks Veronica.... I know you have followed my saga too. I guess we'll truly find out tomorrow. I do agree that I think something is really bothering him. Now we need to find out what it is and can we live with it (or help fix it). He was pissy but he packed me around pretty good so that's why I want to see what we can find out. You never know, it might be something that can be fixed (maybe I'm just being hopeful or optimistic)... but I do like him so that's why I'm trying.

                                    Comment


                                    • #78
                                      You know I wish you luck! I am hoping the vet finds something small and fixable, the sellers drop the price accordingly, and you're able to fix it and have a great partner. It doesn't always work that way but I sure hope it does for you.

                                      And if not, PT me the list of what you're looking for and I will see if I can't think of something that fits the bill in regards to a free lease that could travel to your area (I LOVE TO HORSE SHOP WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY!!! ).
                                      ~Veronica
                                      "The Son Dee Times" "Sustained" "Somerset" "Franklin Square"
                                      http://photobucket.com/albums/y192/vxf111/

                                      Comment


                                      • #79
                                        P.S.- This is not the primo time to horse shop. So just because you're only seeing duds right now does not mean that you'll have the same experience if you go looking in the spring.
                                        ~Veronica
                                        "The Son Dee Times" "Sustained" "Somerset" "Franklin Square"
                                        http://photobucket.com/albums/y192/vxf111/

                                        Comment

                                        • Original Poster

                                          #80
                                          <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by vxf111:
                                          You know I wish you luck! I am hoping the vet finds something small and fixable, the sellers drop the price accordingly, and you're able to fix it and have a great partner. It doesn't always work that way but I sure hope it does for you.

                                          And if not, PT me the list of what you're looking for and I will see if I can't think of something that fits the bill in regards to a free lease that could travel to your area (I LOVE TO HORSE SHOP WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY!!! ). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                                          hehehehehehe..... actually, maybe that could be your new profession. I'd love to meet someone and give them all my info, etc. and then send them off to find me a horse. LOL I really do hate this horse shopping thing. Check your PT's.

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