Initial Opinions on This

I would like to know your initial opinions on this ad and the pictures I first got from the owner. Please be honest but not harsh. I do have more information that I now have about the horse that I will post in a little bit but I would first like to hear initial thoughts!! http://www.horseclicks.com/very_swee.../horses/337444

Here are the pictures I got from her when I first contacted her also:

What do you plan on doing with her?

She certainly sounds nice from the ad description, and also sounds like a pretty forgiving horse (the owner admits to being a less-than-perfect rider).

The pics are not the best for judging conformation, although nothing is really jumping out at me as being terrible. Her back looks a bit weak, but again, it could be the angle of the pictures and the fact that she's probably not been used much lately.

Definitely worth a look and a try, IMO.

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I guess it depends on what you will be doing with the Horse.

Others may disagree, but I never like to buy a Horse at that age, I prefer younger, maybe in the 7-10 year old range.

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I definitely wouldn't be competing or doing anything super serious. I would ride for pleasure. I might eventually try a little bit of jumping, but like I said, nothing too serious. I'm very laid back. I'm looking for a horse I can build trust and a relationship with, one that I can spend a lot of time with not just riding but on the ground. I also want to provide a good and loving home for a horse, and have a companion. Those are my main concerns, not so much into serious riding.

I think she sounds like a wonderful pleasure mount prospect. It seems like her owner truely wants what is best for her and is honest about what she does and doesn't do. Being head shy is a problem but not hard to fix if yly ou know what you're doing, and as long as she doesn't have any glaring faults I think she's definitely worth a look and a ride. It sounds like she's very forgiving which is hard to find in a horse. Of course she may have some bad habits from having a rider who isn't extremely experienced, but you won't know that until you've met her and ridden her.

As for her age, I wouldnt let it stop you. At 16 she has the potential of another 10 years with you if she's been cared for properly, and at least another 4-5 years of hard work. I would get a PPE done on her for sure, though.

I second Endiku. She looks to have good bone and all. Undermuscled but one would expect that.

Do get the PPE, though. Might do Xrays, too. She will for sure show some "damade" on the Xray. All horses who have 16 years, with some of that on the track will show some wear and tear. But, if it's something more serious, you might pass.

For $700 - I would not do x-rays. A PPE with flex testing - yes.

The PPE with xrays may cost more than the horse. I would have my veterinarian do a physical exam to be sure that you are not buying any glaring issues. For a person that wants a horse to help them build confidence, I would think a 16 year old is ideal. For that matter, get your veterinarian to be sure that she is actually 16 and not 32. I'm not saying she looks older than 16; just that people can be misinformed.

Being bounced around alot is a redflag, Id say she is probably alot to handle, and might be beyond your abilities to train. Probably has been rode very little in years. Need to check your emotions at the door, go look at and ride the horse. Then get a vet check. If I was going to put time money and training into a horse oldest I would go is 10yo, just to many good ones out there right now. For a 16yo Id pretty much want one ready to go for what I wanted.

Not considering her anymore! Thanks for all the responses though! :)
Don't be surprised if I post another similar thread, as I'm still looking at horses.