Past owners want to see horse

Hello everyone, I'm looking for some advice.

A month ago I agreed to take a horse who was otherwise going to auction - when he arrived his feet were brutal -see hoof pics: Clyde's Hooves - Before and Afters!

So, I also sent those pictures to the past owner, hoping she would realize how neglectful she'd been, and just to let her know he was doing great now and was being trained. I meant it as a nice thing, since she did give me this horse rather than just sending it away... but that was stupid of me, because this is the response I got today:

"Thanks so much for the pics and update. I am moving home for a bit so I would like to come out and ride him if that's alright.
Cheers"

I am NOT comfortable with the past owner going out and riding my new horse - maybe I am being paranoid about it? I don't want this lady thinking this is still her animal - I've worked really hard this last month to bring this animal up to code...

But then, I think, she did have him for 9 years - maybe the horse would like a visit from her? Maybe it's good he gets ridden by someone who's ridden him before, since I haven't ridde him yet - it could be like a refresher for the horse?

I don't know what to say, or do - I don't know if I should say no you can't see him, and how to say that politey even.

What does everyone think?

He's your horse and you don't HAVE to let the former owner ride or even see him.

If you're not comfortable with her coming out, tell her no. The horse doesn't belong to her anymore and you're under no obligation to honor her wishes.

And thats' what you would say line for line? I just don't know how to word it, so that she doesn't go crazy and try something - again, maybe, I'm just being paranoid... you hear stories all the time about stolen horses.

Just tell her you don't feel comfortable with her coming out, because you're still bonding with the horse and don't want to confuse him.

You don't really owe her an explanation, you know. As long as you have a bill of sale (even if he was free), she has no legal recourse and you can have her arrested for trespassing if she shows up without prior approval.

Unforntunately, I don't - I have all the emails we exchanged, that clearly show she came to me, offered him for free, and we made arrangements for him to be delivered. But nothing was ever signed, I've never even met this lady in person. But I could tell her I don't feel comfortable with it, I just feel bad... even though she should not have a horse again in her damn life! Bah I'm a confused individual ahaha. Thanks for the advice!!!

I just sent her an email explaining that I felt uncomfortable with it, and that with me still trying to bond with him and get him all trained up I don't want him getting confused at all, but that I can continue to send her updates if she likes.

I hope that goes over well, but even if it doesn't, I just won't talk to her ever again anyway!! I hope she's grateful for the life I've provided this horse, and not angry that she can't ride a horse someone else is training and paying for.

Good for you. You don't owe her anything, and if she tries to guilt you into letting her see the horse, just remember that she wasn't exactly a stellar example of a good owner.

Print your emails out with the headers (from and to).

I had a mild dispute once and the email history pretty much settled the matter.

I don't see the big deal of her coming to see the horse. Especially if she already knows where the horse is! But I agree with anndankev, keep all your proof that you own him.

Wow! That's pretty presumptious!

It's akin to "Thanks for the pics of my old car with the new paint job! I am moving home and would like to come out and drive it if that's alright."

I think it would have been more appropriate to ASK if it might be OK with you if she came out to SEE him...but ride him? That's just being rude!