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Pre-Buyers Remorse????

2K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  whisperbaby22 
#1 ·
So I'm in the market for a quiet beginner friendly horse. Nothing special in terms of looks and ability, just safe, sane and healthy. And it needs to be suited to living with our pony mare and a couple of cows and sheep.

But here's the weird thing...I keep looking at horses online, or even in person, and then talking myself out of them.:-|

It kind of goes like this. I see a potential horse advertised, I call or email for more details, I might even go have a look at the horse, but then I start finding faults, like it is a hard keeper, or it paces, or its a bit too tall, or it has never shared a paddock with cows etc etc:-x

I can't afford a super great horse, and I really need to at least get a companion for the pony in the next month or so, so why am I self-sabotaging like this? Anyone else do this? Am I just being fussy? Or am I not ready for another horse? I mean, I think I am, but then why am I doing this? Argh! I drive myself nuts at times!!
 
#2 ·
If you doubt the horse it's probably not right for you.

However if you are limited financially you have to be realistic and buy what is in your price range. If there isn't something suitable then look at upping your price range. Some of the criteria, like never been with cows, should be flexible. Many horses are fine with cows.
 
#3 ·
I agree Saskia, but maybe it's once bitten twice shy, especially the cow thing. We had a standardbred about eighteen months ago that attacked and beat a cow to the ground! She was a very, very dominant mare and the cow was eating 'her' hay roll ! In horse terms, it's an understandable reaction, but the cow hasn't been right since.

I've been thinking since I wrote the original post. Maybe it's the fact that I can't predict that any given horse will fit the bill. Maybe I'm just waiting for the right one, dunno....
 
#4 ·
Have you asked about a trial period with the horse to see if it fits the bill before full purchase? Maybe offer a non-refundable deposit for a 2 week - 30 day trial to see if they get along then finalize either way as needed after that time.
 
#5 ·
Hi Roadyy, that's pretty much what I'm thinking, but I'm finding that a lot of the people selling horses in my price range won't allow a trial. It probably indicates that the quality of the horse is not that high and they don't want to reveal any vices the horse has.
 
#8 ·
Having a horse in your possession for a weeks trial is absolutely the safest way to know what he really is and if he is right for you.

Unfortunately most sellers don't allow a pre-purchase trial for the reasons you state, trust issues and yes, the difficulty in selling a horse when it's not on their own premises.

Also, there are quite a few around my area that would never allow it because their horses are drugged up in several different ways. In a weeks trial the buyer would see that the horse is permanently lame and mentally damaged. Rare among non-show horses but common with certain show horses that have been subjected to abusive training techniques. We had one of these extremely abusive Western Pleasure trainers leave the barn recently. She would help her clients sell their horses and was overheard telling her clients after the sale was made and the horses on their way out "get to the bank and cash that check NOW!" She knew that the buyers would soon find out what they bought and would want a return/refund.:-x

Don't worry if you are finding fault with the horses you are looking at. It may be instinct kicking in and if they don't really excite you, that says a lot too. You want a horse that you really want, not just one that you are lukewarm about.

Be patient-when the right one comes along, you'll know it. But... still go back and test ride it several times just to be sure!:)
 
#10 ·
Hi Roadyy, that's pretty much what I'm thinking, but I'm finding that a lot of the people selling horses in my price range won't allow a trial. It probably indicates that the quality of the horse is not that high and they don't want to reveal any vices the horse has.
I have sold many horses for several people, and neither I, nor the owners, would allow a trial. It can turn into a buyers worst nightmare. Here are a few scenarios I know of:

- A riders horse comes up lame and they need it for a show next weekend, so they come take your horse on "trial" and return it the next week saying "it didn't work out".

-buyers pick up the horse, shorten its tail, roach its long mane, ride it in an ill fitting saddle and put their hard handed buddy on it, then return it two weeks later.

-horse is not in shape and ridden into the ground, then returned because it came up lame

- horse comes back with a bloody mouth and spur marks.

-new owner kicks the horse out with their other horses and it gets kicked and bit all to heck, then returned because "it doesn't get along with other horses"

Horse left in perfect condition, returned slightly off in one front and with a sore back, conditions never present in the 4 years the old owner had the horse. buyer claims they were trying to cheat them.

There is a lot of risk there for the seller, an amount that I am just not comfortable with. Too many people willing to cheat you(in buyers and sellers of all sorts I guess). I don't sell "low end" horses either.

If you find someone willing to do a trial, do a full PPE, discuss the results with the owner and leave them with a copy.
 
#11 ·
I think we all have felt at one time or another that we have passed on a great horse. But for those of us who choose carefully, the right horse always seems to come along at the right time. The important thing is that the girls have something to fiddle around with right now, and they are interested and learning.
 
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