horse buying question

[emjay]

Quote:
that last sentence hits it right on the bottom, my daughter tells me when she thinks a certain horse is too old, as she doesn't want one that is going to die right away.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND INSIGHT, awesome.

I do want to say that I'm not a rookie to horses, just rusty. haha. It's been about 7 years since I've owned one.

The lady has been very forthcoming about this horse, I may go look at him, as I have been chatting with her, I agree , I do think the price should be lower, and I do agree I am hesitant about the med thing.
She said his xrays are 100% for being completely sound. and he is barefoot.

I also look at it like this. I could get a younger horse, with no health issues, and it break its leg in a freak accident. There is no sure thing in horse land. I have heard of many cases of a perfectly healthy horse dying of colic. So, it's kind of a should I, or shouldn't I, do I or do I thing.
I think if I try out a horse and I fall in love regardless of meds or not, I believe I'll know when I meet the perfect horse for us.
If this isn't him, that is fine, but, I won't know for sure until I meet in person.
I've turned some down already, without meeting and who knows, I might have already passed on that 'gem' of a horse.

I got alot of insight from you all, and it really is the meds that concern me the most as far as, what does he really need them for.

so, thanks again, and I am still looking.

 

[oldchickenlady]

Be super cautious about anything anyone tells you about a horse they are trying to sell. Some people, not all...there are some honest people out there, but some people will tell you anything you want to hear to sell a horse. The horror stories I have heard and seen over the years! Many people with absolutely no knowledge of horses go out and buy one that is 'pretty', with no idea how much it costs to maintain a horse or how to handle any training issues, or how to ride, or tack one up properly! Frequently they don't have any knowledgeable friends either, and end up having issues with the horse...not due to the horse having any real problems but the ignorance of the owner. Please, please...if you intend to buy a horse, educate yourself as much as possible before buying one! If you have friends that ride spend some time with them and their horses and learn all you can. There are multiple trainers who have shows on TV, that sell books and dvd's who can help you with all aspects of horse ownership. Check out horse related magazines also. Look for reputable riding instructors in your area who can give you some help. Now, I have no idea how much you know about horses...I just know a lot of horses end up labeled as 'problem horses', when their real problem was ignorant owners. I am not trying to discourage you from owning a horse, just know that having knowlege to go with that horse could save your life or your children's lives. It only takes 1 second to die or get hurt very badly! When you do find a horse that interests you, take a knowledgable person with you to look at the horse. That riding instructor would be a good person to go with you. Be wary of a horse that is already in the barn and tacked up, ready to go when you arrive. You want to see the horse get caught in the pasture (if that is where it is), his feet picked out, how he reacts to being tied up and tacked up. Then watch the owner ride him first! Never get on a horse you don't know until the owner rides him first. Look for signs of drugging. Your equine vet can tell you what to look for. Don't tell what kind of horse/style riding you plan to do with the horse. Ask the owner what he has done with the horse! If it has sat in the pasture for the last 2 years...pass. Use common sense! Make a list of questions before you go to look at a horse, this is another thing your vet can help you with. Again...if you are already a knowledgeable horse person and was just asking for an opinion, then I will apologize, but if not...then start doing your homework while you are looking for that special horse.

 

[seymore0626]

To answer your original question in regard to whether the price is reasonable, who knows in this market? Today I brought home a drop dead georgeous (with a brain), sound TB and he is looking for a new home and he's free. I know of a famous 20 year old hunter equitation horse that is pensioned and is now looking for a new home ( he is sound) and he is free. There are lots and lots of horses for not much money, so i am going to come down on the side of....yes, a thousand is too much. If however, if I am selling the horse and I ask a thousand, it weeds out some of the people that might not give the home and care that I might want for my old friend.

Why is he being sold?

Thyroid panel ($43), radiographs of the front feet a must (minimum) 2 views /foot (ap and lateral) $35/view.