Need some opinions/advice/help about a horse

[rodriguezpoultry]

In this market, $1500 is simply way too much for an untrained animal. Did you ask if she has been ridden? If so, where and how? How many days of professional training has she had? (If any). Is she current on vaxs?

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

She doesn't say how old the horse is...for that price she must be a little older. That's a good thing because it means she's probably more experienced. I think it's a fair price if the horse is 16 yrs. and under. It's still a good idea to have her vet checked. Sometimes they have problems that are not seen to the untrained eye. She may have an old injury that makes it impossible for anyone to ride her. Or she may have major dental problems that could run into the hundreds to fix. If she has some normal issues (needing her teeth floated, needing her feet trimmed, etc...) just ask the seller to adjust the price to reflect that. I have a "pocket" horse. I didn't know a thing about buying a horse. I fell in love with his wonderful puppy dog personality. I later learned that he was 2, not 3, when I bought him, and that he was just green broke. We learned to ride the trails together. He's been used for kids lessons and has always been awesome. I got darn lucky when I bought him ($2,500 11 years ago).

I bought a 17 yr. old mare for $1,700 and she was a nice horse, but a terrible ride. She had little personality. We eventually sold her. I also gave a home to an injured mare (age unknown). She didn't cost me a dime. She was a fairly easy keeper and died of kidney failure due to old age. We was a sweetheart, she'd drop to her knees when you scratched her. She couldn't be ridden though, but it didn't matter to me.

It's all what you're looking for. For me personality is a huge plus. You aren't always going to have time to ride, and the kids will eventually get bored. BUT you will have to feed and clean every day, twice a day and it makes it a lot more fun and rewarding when you're caring for a big sweetheart! I hope you get her and she's everything you dreamed of!

 

[michickenwrangler]

In Michigan, it would be on the high side. I don't know if things are any better in IN, but that same horse would probably go for about $700 here.

Do you have a shed or barn for the horse? Somewhere to store hay? A good hay source nearby? You may want to ask around. Also, keep in mind "cattle hay" may not be good for horses. The moisture content may be too high or it may have been rained on before it was baled. Hay sells here for about $1-$7 dollars a bale depending on quality. Figure the horse will be eating about 1/2 bale a day. What do you plan to do with the manure?

Again, get a vet check and have a horse friend come out.

 

[greeneggsandham]

[/b]he was a stud horse [/b].




I would be a little concerned about this if she had her in with said stud she could be breed. I also think 1500 is a little to much for a horse that you know little about.
I would see if you can get the daughter to ride the mare and if you can get a vet out to do a PPE exam. If she rides and passes the exam make the women an offer.

 

[Haviris]

I don't think there is enough info to deside if that's fair, how old is she, what breed is she, how much training has she had, is she up to date on everything? It does sound like the lady is willing to deal though!

I have a horse now that I've been back and forth about selling, he's about like you describe this girl, he'd be right in the middle of everything, 'helping' and checking things out. He is, in my opinion, a great family horse prospect. He taught my (now) 11 year old nephew to ride last year, and this year we're working on my 7 year old nephew. Lately he's been getting all the beginners. I had desided to put him up for sale, but then suddenly he's getting rode all the time, so I've put a price tag of $2000, so if someone wants him they can buy him, but I'm not pushing to sell. NOW that said I've known many horses w/ that puppy dog temperment that weren't so easy to ride or train! My mare for example, is extremely friendly and personable, but I wouldn't put a beginner on her at this point.

(and if you get a vet check, I'd also do a preg check)

 

[lockedhearts]

I have a 4 year old, Triple registered, Awesome Bloodlines well trained mare that has Show Points and has been shown all of her life advertised for $2000, in todays market $1500 is too much for this horse. First, you can't ride a bloodline and being broke and being trained are 2 different things. That being said, personally if she said she "had her advertised for $1500" I would take that as her opening it up to an offer. She has already admitted she can't afford to feed this horse and that her health is not good. I would approach it as helping her out and also with understanding that she is emotionally attached to the horse. I would offer about $750 cash and tell her you can keep her updated etc on the horse.

 

[lorieMN]

if she was trained by teenage girls,they are some of the best horse trainers I have ever seen,,horses dont have to be trained by big time expensive trainers to be broke and kid safe..highly trained horses usually arent a good match for beginners as they are to sensitive,react off cues that the beginner dosent even realize they are giving,and everyone gets frustrated..beginners horses should be a little slow and deadheaded IMO..as I said before I wont put a price on safety for beginners and kids,,I can ride anything,not that I want to anymore..I saw two horses sold last week from my friends,one a beautiful paint grulla mare,papered,broke,nice looking went for $300..another,a very well trained QH gelding,very pretty,just chestnut,nicely papered went for $4500...if a person is willing to pay a price,then its not too much for that person,just because someone else isnt willing to pay that doesnt mean its not worth it,just means its not worth it to them.

 

[Skyesrocket]

lorie,

I can ride anything,not that I want to anymore..

I know what you mean!​

 

[chicks4kids]

The horse has been sold.

I'm really disappointed, but I'll just keep telling myself that she went to someone who has more knowledge about them and at least she is somewhere where she will be taken care of.

Thank you for all of your advice and I'll definitely do alot of research on the care of horses so I'll be more prepared next time. I'll know what to look for and ask when the next opportunity arises.

Thanks again....now I gotta go pet a chicken to soothe my sorrows.........

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

I'm so sorry. I know you had your hopes up.

But, you'll save yourself some stress of jumping right in - putting the cart before the horse - but in your case it would have been putting the horse before the knowledge and prep.

You'll be ready for the next one and that will be a good thing.