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I had to kiss a lot of frogs....

2K views 12 replies 12 participants last post by  kait18 
#1 ·
or get thrown by a lot of horses, but I found my Princess. I just bought my first horse today!!!!!!

Warning...this is going to be very long!!!

Some of you may remember my thread from New Year's Eve entitled "Physically and Emotionally hurt". I thought I had found my horse but he threw me and I got hurt pretty badly. He was the 2nd "free" horse that had bucked me off in less than two months and I was devastated because I really thought he may have been the one.

I received some great advice on this forum and when I finally made the decision to walk away from that horse, I felt like a weight was off my shoulders.

I talked it over with hubby and we decided that I needed to invest some actual money in purchasing a well trained, super broke, sane horse that was being ridden regularly.

A friend had recently bought a horse from a trainer about 20 miles from my horse. He specializes in starting young horses, training them to be great trail horses, and then selling them. I didn't want a young horse but my friend encouraged me to contact him to see if he had something that would be a good fit for me.

I told him my whole story: the fact that I have only been riding for 3 years and am 42 years old. That I have been hurt pretty significantly by the last two horses I was looking to "buy" and that my confidence was shattered.

It was perfect timing on my part. He had recently acquired an Argentinian Polo Pony to use as a lesson horse. A friend of his gets these retired horses and brings them to Virginia because they are so well broke and they do a great job on the trail and working cattle. He quickly came to realize that she was too good of a horse to use as a lesson horse and really needed to go to someone that wanted to trail ride. He called her a confidence builder and hadn't yet made the decision to sell her until I contacted him. He said he sounded like a good horse for me. Hubby and I were invited out to give her a try and if I didn't like her, he said he would talk to some of his contacts to help me find the right horse.

We went out there on Jan. 15....16 days after my accident. I wasn't going to ride her yet. I was too scared about hurting my broken ribs so I asked hubby to do it.

He rode her in the arena and took her out on the trail and he told me that he felt it was safe to get on her. The owner took me on a very short trail ride. We crossed water and a bridge. She was very careful with me and so sure footed. We crossed a tarp. A dog zipped in and out all around us. Nothing fazed her.

She was calm...but had a very forward walk.

I felt better on her back than I had since my accident.

We didn't make a decision that day but asked them if they would allow us to come out a couple more times in order to make sure we were a good fit. No problem.

We went out today and went for a very long trail ride. Right before we went, a local Hunt Club came through the property, bugles sounding and dogs barking. All of the horses got wound up. This horse didn't react other than look around to see what all the fuss was about.

It was an amazing ride and I made my decision. I handed over a check.

The vet is going over on Monday to do the check and get her Coggins test and vaccines. They are delivering her to the place I currently ride next Saturday.

I wish I had contacted this guy sooner...but things happen for a reason. if I hadn't been dumped by the two "free" horses I was considering, I would never have dreamed about shelling out some cash for a horse. Also, if I had contacted him sooner, he would not have had this horse yet.

So...the details:

She is a 15 hh Argentinian Polo Pony. Approx. 12-14 years old. Not registered. Flea bitten grey with blonde mane and tail. Loads like a dream. Feet were just done last week and the farrier said he "loved" her feet. Very laid back...but with lots of "go". Very willing to work. She does have some stiffness in her stifle due to the years of polo but is completely sound. She is given Cosequine to help with that. I will probably only ride her once or twice a week and am not planning on doing any marathon trails or anything.
No one has ever seen her spook, buck or bolt. (The people we bought her from or her previous owner) Pretty independent but gets along with other horses.

I am excited as can be. Here is a pic from today.... Her name is Isabella or "Izzy".
 

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#2 ·
Yay!!!! You are the poster child for novice riders acquiring an appropriate mount. Glad you & your horse finally hooked up. Sometimes we do get what we pay for. Enjoy your horse and your rides! I am so happy for you.
 
#11 ·
Congrats! Many happy miles! Now you will need another so your hubby can ride too!
Hubby and I have been leasing two horses for a year. Mine really wasn't working out, for a few reasons. His leased horse is just fine and we are so looking forward to introducing Scuffy (his leased horse) to Izzy and enjoying riding together again!

Scuffy and Izzy...that is the first time I have put their names together. Cute!

Thanks everyone. I can't stop smiling!
 
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