Rant!!!! If you're gonna give your horse away.......

[()relics]

I guess after reading this thread and others recently, I am amazed....PEOPLE...free horses are free for a reason....They aren't the next Kentucky Derby winner...They aren't the problem free, easy keeper, no issues,completely sound,perfect health, bomb proof horse that you are going to pick for your kid and take to some horse show next weekend.....I've read lately, on this forum, of people looking at horses, that I would consider crippled, because they are advertised as free....Are you serious? Have you ever had a horse die in your pasture? have you ever come home to find a mare down and can't get her up?
I've heard people say I'm getting this horse for my kids".....What are you going to tell them when it inevitably has a problem....Hopefully they aren't the one that finds the horse down....Seriously If you want a horse buy one but only after you've ridden/visited it several times. Then if you decide you want it work out a price you can afford....DO NOT LOOK FOR A FREEBIE and figure you can "handle " its problems....
I will saying good-bye to one of our horses today....A family with some young 4H riders will be taking Ruby home with them today....Was she free? You are kidding right? Did I give them a good deal because they will be taking good care of her? You bet Did they come to me and ask if they could have the horse? NO.... they said this is what we can afford can we work something out?
JMO.........Buy a horse from a trainer he will tell you the real deal....I think the definition of a horse trader speaks for itself...

 

[19hhbelgian]

Ok, this is my last post on this, and I'm unsubscribing from this topic. I've gotten plenty of free horses. I have one that I would trust with anybody on her. The others have been more spirited but sound and healthy. It is correct to say there is no such thing as a free horse - nothing is ever actually free. But to berrate someone for venting about being lied to about the horse is rude. Ok, I'm done. If I read anymore of this I'm going to

 

[suburbanminifarm]

Here are some websites that have helped me.

Tons of info on taking your horse barefoot- http://www.star-ridge.com/

Taught myself how to trim my own horses with these two books-
http://www.star-ridge.com/page5.html
http://www.star-ridge.com/page36.html

Easy boots- last way longer than shoes. I have two pairs of the "Epics."
http://www.easycareinc.com/Our_Boots/easyboots/easyboots.aspx

Parelli Natural Horsemanship- Learn it, live it, love it, do it!
http://www.parelli.com
Reveal your horse. Discover your potential. Live your dream.

Really any Natural Horsemanship method is usually great. My choice just happens to be Parelli. Clinton Anderson would be my next choice, along with John Lyons, Craig Cameron, and on down the list.

What I really try to do is be as natural with my horses as possible and get to the psychology of the problem. What natural instincts are making my horse behave like this? Is it because she thinks she is going to die if she gets too far from the other horses? Possibly. Kind of puts things in perspective.

Ooooh. I also love the Cloud series from Nature on PBS.
http://thecloudfoundation.org/

Watch the full episode online-
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes … uction/29/

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Re: PAINTEDSAVVY__the above comments, THANK YOU for posting something actually friendly and helpful--to lots of people reading-- and not just a snarky holier-than-thou lecture to this person who after all was just venting and obviously is already on the right track getting her horse the help it needs. Your black horse looks like Black Beauty and you're obviously very knowledgeable, I am giong to use some of your ideas!​

 

[TERE]

Chicken Obsessed , Hope you and your horse are doing OK. TERE

Good Luck

 

[veronicasmom]

Soaked beet pulp is a great way to put on weight. Like any feed change, start slow. Read up on how to use it properly. But it does help put on weight better than weight gain supplements. At least in my experience.
Also, very nervous horses are prone to being too skinny. Can you try one of the calming supplements to see if it helps her chill so her body doesn't burn all the calories she is taking in.
I did't read all the responses, so if this is repeating someone else's answer, sorry.

 

[PeepsInc]

Thats a dam nice horse for what you paid for it.Her weight looks good to me. She looks well exercised. Have your vet apply acrylic to the hoof that keeps throwing the shoe. Floating her teeth is nothing. ....PS. dont look a gift horse in the mouth.