Am I crazy for looking at this horse? How small is too small?

I got my mare several months ago. She's a doll, a hot head, sensitive and brilliant, gentle all at the same time. I guess that's pretty typical for an Arab though. Anyways, I love my horse, but prior to getting her..she hadn't done much, for her whole life. She's a good trail horse, but we're kind of limited after that. Also...SURPRISE! Noticed right after I got her...she has a massive old injury to a back leg, that while all healed...we're not sure how she'd react to heavy work. Might make her sore or a bit lame. I love this mare, and really plan if at all possible, to have her for the rest of her life. She's the best bud a college student could ask for. And she's a blast to ride..most of the time

Anyhow..the market seems to keep getting worse..and I'm a craigslist addict..and last week, I saw something while browsing. Gorgeous little 6 year old half arab, bloodlines UNBELIEVABLE (think Bask, Khemosabi, Aladdinn, Magnum Psyche). Rides english and western, jumps. The price? 500. And the owner is willing to lease to own or take payments.

My greedy side says "yessssssssss Allie, you have lots of time for the next three months (seriously, now that finals are over, even with working, I still have free time coming out my ears.), and that's in your price range! And pretty! Good confirmation!"
I'm just wondering..am I crazy to be interested at this horse? She's a bitty little thing--14.1. I'm about 5'8", but very thin. Am I downright too big for her? She doesn't look real "refined" in build, but still. Too big? Or would I be okay (I get nervous on horses over 16hh...i start thinking about what falling would be like, and etc etc)?
Also..they say she has to be lunged before riding..should this be a major red flag? I lunge our youngsters--and my horse-- before getting on, but still..should I take taht as a bad sign?

Anyways..anyone ever done a lease to own? How should that work? How many payments?

Just wondering if anyone can smack some sense into me...or if it's a good investment?

I, personally, wouldn't even consider looking for a different horse until you know for sure that your mare can't stand up to heavy work. "May" and "might" are pretty vague words when it comes to horses. She may have trouble with harder work, or she may never take a lame step in her life, you just won't know until you give her a try.

I don't believe the horse is too small for you. I prefer smaller horses myself. My 14.2 Arabian can carry my 6'4 BF without breaking a sweat. I think he look kinda goofy on him because his legs are so long though. It also hurts less when you fall off... The only point of concern is can you easily afford to feed and house two horses? If it's not going to put financial strain on you... Then if you want two horses... Get two horses!
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I wont give up my first horse. She's a joy to be around..she's thirteen tho, and her injury makes me worry about her. The vet wouldn't give a conclusive answer.
The second horse would be more of a project--something I can run poles on and have fun in an arena. I've alwaysalways wanted to learn to jump. I don't have a horse that goes english, and that's part of why this pony (because at 14.1, id say she's jut about a pony) excites me.
Financially..its probably not the smartest thing for a college student to buy, but yes, I can afford it. I live with my parents, and most likely will til I graduate in two years. All of our horses live here, on the property..so I don't pay the feed bill alone. I do pay farrier and vet bills (and there's been several this spring.)
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I'm 5'7 and a bigger person, and I ride a 14.1hh Quarter horse. You should be fine with a 14.1hh arab cross.

But look at you financial situation before looking at another horse. You are still in collage after all.

I ride a 14 hander and I'm 5'7" and 230 pounds. BUT he is a QH so he is stout and muscular.

I'm just deliberating, because it's one of those you know "wants" but I'm thinking..am I nuts? Does she sound like a handful or bad fit and I'm just missing it?
ALSO..HAS ANYONE EVER DONE A LEASE TO OWN? HOW DOES IT WORK?

A six year old horse that does western, english and jumps for $500. What's wrong with her? I'd be getting a vet check. Sounds too good to be true.

I'd say go take a look at her and see what she's like in person for build and such. A picture can only show that so much. Also, as Sahara said, get her checked to see why she's selling for so little. For a horse with that much training, she might have an injury that they aren't showing, or some other kind of things.


I was looking at doing some lease - to - buys because I couldn't afford the full amount up front. But, I decided in the long run to just save up my money. But, I had it all worked out with an owner of a registered 3 year old Arab gelding and it was we'd work out payments, and I think it's more about working it out with an owner. They could tell you what payments they are looking at and such.


I wish you luck with your endeavor, as I know what it's like to want that second "project" horse.