If you could pick one.. which one would you pick in a mini...

[MustLoveHens]

Quote:
Here is my two cents for you to pass on:
NONE OF THE ABOVE....unless she wants a huge vet bill and a hurt daughter.

A stud who has a "quiet and good disposition" but is not broken to ride or drive is NOT a candidate for a kids horse. Even if he was gelded. I have nothing against studs- I have met some awsome ones, but in this case I do.

A possibly unbroke mare who foundered and is possibly in foal is not a candidate unless you want to spend $$$ in vet bills and corrective trimming/shoes. And she thinks $500 is to much for a decent horse

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The unbroke mini mare-I'm going with why? Save your money and get a horse that your daughter can 1) ride and enjoy riding and learning and 2) be safe on and not afraid of and 3) be her friend and partner. A good horse for her will keep her interested and not terrify her and sour her on horse ownership.

I have to say this though, if your cousin does not want to spend that cash on a good horse for her daughter, how realistic is she being on the cost of proper upkeep and vet care, lessons, and training if needed. With the economy being the why it is, finding a decent horse at a fair price is not that hard. I think she needs to save more $$ and find the right horse for her daughter. As we all know, riding horses is not like swimming. Learning by having a very" situation unsuitable" horse is a costly and potentially hurtful and deadly thing to do.

 

[babyblue]

If I was just rolling in money right now I would be buying the absolute best most beautiful babies I could find and break them myself. Then in a few years have some super horses all for myself. Stunning animals are going for so so so cheap now its unbelievably sad.

 

[bossynbella]

I don't know much about horses, just wanted to point out petfinder. I don't know about where you are from but in our area there are usually wonderful horses, ponies that need homes, often they are much cheaper. the horse of my dreams (Beautiful bay 8 year old gelding, broke for trail riding, very sound, good for farrier etc) was available for a $150 adoption fee. Of course we have no place for a horse so I couldn't have him, but I keep an eye on it. The rescues need the help and the horses seem great.

Just my two cents worth. Good luck in your search!

 

[QH Girl]

I'll have to agree with the 'none of the above'. I'd want a horse at least big enough for me to jump on and ride/correct if needed. There are some great, dirt-cheap horses out there now. I'd look around for the right one, maybe go to the local horse shows and ask about any horses approaching retirement.

 

[carolinagirl58]

I'd have to pass on all of them. There are too many wonderful horses out there waiting for good homes to settle on ones that have problems and/or issues. Here's an example. Our local animal shelter has 23 full blooded Arabians for adoption! They were siezed in an animal neglect case 2 years ago and now that the case is over, they need permanent homes. The adoption fee is $225. Crazy, isn't it? If I was in the market for a horse, I'd snap one up in a second.