Need advice re: Horse

[Cara]

Quote:
That's great. Word of mouth is a much better way of finding a good horse than advertisements placed by strangers. Often the best ones sell before they're ever advertised.

 

[fledgling]

The horse market is in the tank right now so don't be surprised if it's hard to find her a home. On the other hand, you can pick up an older very well-broke horse for very little money. You are smart for asking for help finding a new horse. With as bad as the horse market is, everyone is trying to unload extra horses, especially their problem animals. Without help, you could easily end up with an animal that is broke but has bad habits such as rearing, bolting, or barnsourness.

In fact, if there is a trainer at your barn please, please, please invest in lessons. It will save you a ton of trouble to get you and your new horse started out on the right hoof.

Remember: Every time you ride a horse you are either training or untraining him.

Best of luck to you! I know it was a difficult decision.

 

[Momo]

I'm glad you have made the decision to find another home for your horse. There is absolutely no question that it's the right thing for you to do, even if you have to give her away (just think how much money you will save every month by not paying board etc). I know we do get attached to our horses but believe me, when you're sitting on the back of a kind old "been there done that," feeling safe and secure and happy, you will never doubt that you did the right thing - not just for the horse, but for you and your loved ones as well! (It also beats puffing on a straw to turn your wheelchair around.)

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Glad you made your decision. Here wishing you success in finding your current horse a new home and that you will have a great riding season on your new horse.

 

[SpringChickens]

I'm glad to hear that you've reached a decision. Something else to put your mind at ease is this: a high strung, skittish horse will be a high strung skittish horse for the rest of its life (potentially). Even six months of training can't change a horses's personality; horses are individuals, just like people.

Also, a 3-year-old with six months of training is still a 3-year-old at the end of it. Very few 3yo horses are suitable for beginners. Good luck finding a new horse.

 

[EweSheep]

Glad with the decision, do let us know how she found a good home and getting an older, experienced horse of your own.

 

[Pepperwolfe]

I'm planning on adopting a horse myself but not for riding. My coworker told me about a horse that wasn't being taken care of and needs help. I have about 10 acres of fenced pasture. If I take him I'm just going to feed him and treat him better than the current owners. I just hate to see any animal in distress.

 

[luvarabhorses]

That is wonderful. Keep in mind though that horses are herd animals. Some people get a goat as a companions and that works out pretty well. I'd recommend two goats so that if you ride the horse out, the goat won't cry for the horse.

 

[Pepperwolfe]

Well, Mom keeps nagging me for goats. I heard about this horse thats not being taken care of and not being fed so....
Heck, I got the pasture. Feed the guy and see what happens

 

[CountryMom]

Quote:
Please keep in mind that there is a lot more to owning a horse than just feeding and giving them pasture. Be prepared for medical bills, monthly/bimonthly farrier bills, feed bills besides pasture and cost of bi monthly worming. You have your annual shots and your coggins. You also must realize that just because a horse doesn't look good to your eyes in someone else's pasture doesn't mean that they are not fed or taken care of. Some owners struggle with medical problems that cause a horse to look horrible - including old age. Are you prepared for all of that? And even though you may not ride this horse you need to be able to safely handle one and that can be an issue also. Please consider all of this before you get any horse.