Buying a horse out of state

[jettgirl24]

I know, I probably should settle down a little bit about this... I wouldn't necessarily call myself Type A but I am definitely an over-planner. I often get ahead of myelf and worry about things WAY before I should be. Cost/quality comparing of transport companies = appropriate step, worrying about weather in the passes before I've even looked at the horse = very neurotic at this stage of the game

LOL

 

[welsummerchicks]

I do same, I think everyone does. The important thing is to 'not forget the half halts' and to ride 'one figure at a time', LOL.

You know you'd love a baby with the same lines...but it needs to be determined if he's suitable...half halt...half halt, half halt.....

I went to look at the most gorgeous Eiswein son in Canada - perfect size, conformation....and some very, very suspicious things going on. It just fell down in its stall. And then, they took him out to show his gaits, and he started trotting, and he fell into the ground, with this look on him like - 'Oh I'm used to THAT...I fall all the time!'

The dealer shouted out, 'BYEEEEEE!!!!' and we ran for the car with him chattering on and on, 'Oh we have MANY MANY OTHER HORSES TO SEE TODAY!!!!!' You just never know!!! Neurological issues are not so rare! Especially on 'deals'!

 

[jettgirl24]

Wow, that sounds awful! I have definitely had some very... Ummm... Interesting experiences when buying horses as well. It feels like for every amazing and wonderful horse person I've known in my life there have been two shady and dishonest ones. It's unfortunate but as long as you go in cautiously and turn around the moment something doesn't seem right you usually end up ok! The only horses I've regretted purchasing were the ones where I knew in my gut that something wasn't right and I ignored it because somehow I got attached to the idea that I just HAD to have the particular horse. It's a tough lesson but it's definitely one that serves you will if you learn something from it!

 

[welsummerchicks]

Isn't that the truth! I really hope it works out though.

The apple never falls very far from the tree, though (bloodlines mean a lot).

 

[2pinkmom]

I think you've got a leg up (ha, ha) on the purchase process since you're going to be able to see the horse in person. I purchased a team of Belgians from out of state. Ended up doing it sight unseen, for various reasons. The horses were basically as represented in the sense that they were what he said they were. The trick was that one of them was also some things that the seller hadn't mentioned. Terrible ground manners. Nothing I hadn't handled before or normally couldn't handle. But I had to be conservative and stay safe because i was alone most of the time i was handling them, and typically had my infant and toddler buckeled into the truck waiting for me. I couldn't afford to get clobbered by a 2000 pound horse with the kids waiting for me. The poor setup of our property and the fact that the landlords refused to let me get a third horse to ease the buddy sourness issue were the final nail in the coffin. Fortunately, they were awesome in harness and I found them a home were they were prepared to give the one horse the attitude adjustment he needed.

Just bring it up because the issue was something I would have picked up on if I had actually seen the horses prior to purchase. So I'm glad that you can. Also second the rec of Equine Express. They usually run trucks the size of a semi, so they're much better equipped for winter weather than you would be. Size of the horse shouldn't be an issue either, I've been told they sometimes haul clydesdales for Budwieser.

 

[jettgirl24]

Well, it looks like I'm going to hold off on this little colt in the end. My trainer and I took a look at his video the other day and she really thinks I should hold out for something fancier. I really wanted to take a look at this guy because he reminds me so much of my horse now, who I absolutely love. Fortunately I have an awesome trainer to guide me and keep me focused on my goals. I am lucky enough to have a great FEI horse that I will likely be able to take up to PSG, but ultimately what I want when I buy something is my future Grand Prix horse. In the end I am much better off continuing to progress up the levels with my schoolmaster while I save money for a horse that will eventually help me meet my competition goals. I'm a little disappointed but at the same time I am SO excited to find the horse of my dreams. I'm lucky that I get to take my time and I'm having a lot of fun with the searching process so I can't be too disappointed

 

[EweSheep]

 

[pbjmaker]

Well darn - I'm in Iowa and was gonna offer to just go admire him for you

I know nothing about horses but wish I had one. I have given myself two years to learn everything I can before I get one