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I need someone advice/input on this horse?

4K views 37 replies 16 participants last post by  MissyMay 
#1 ·
Im still on the quest for the decent but affordable horse (if you want to know more, just read one of my other threads) . LOL. I kind of have a picture in mind of what I want, and an age range. I have three I've been stalking on craigslist and today I went to look at one.
She's a 5 year old Paint half Arabian. She's double registered. She's a tri color and abbbbbssssssssolutely GORGEOUS. Over 15 hands and as stocky as a quarter horse but with more of the refined head like the Arab.
The gentleman who owns her has had her on craigslist, reposting DAILY for well over a month. He's had an knee injury and he literally cant hardly ride her (seriously, I watched to day and he had to pick his leg up with the support of his hands do swing it into the stirrup). He seems like he's getting pretty desperate to sell. He was asking $1800 at the beginning of his ads, but now he's open to quote "all offers and possible trades for a boat, atv, etc etc etc etc". Like he really seems to want to get rid of her.
Also due to his injury she has hasn't been ridden hardly at all in the last year. Today when we looked at her she came up, was very inquisitve, nibbling on my shirt (she NIBBLES at EVERYYYYYTHING), but then once he went to saddle her she was fine. She kinda jigged once and then stood stock still. He got her all saddled and I rode her for 20 minutes in the arena. Her PROBLEM: SHE DOESN'T WANT TO TROT OR RUN. I kicked and kicked and kicked and she wouldnt. Shifted my weight, gave voice commands, but she wouldnt get into a full trot. Then he put spurs on and got on her and SHE DID EVERYTHING HE WANTED HER TO DO.
I know this sounds bad, but I tried to do everything I could think of (mostly the things I used to do as a little kid to make my dad's horse upset) to upset and she NEVER got upset. SHe neck reined beautifully. Stopped on command. Backs up with a vocal command. Got off her and told her whoa and she didnt even make an attempt to go towards the gate (what I would expect in a barn sour horse).
After just that bit of riding, when he went to unsaddle he rshe was a totally different horse. EVEN MELLOWER. Not so nibbly. Just stood there.
She let me mess with her ears and pick up her feet and feel around. Has some big scars but didnt care a bit.
Now Im sitting here wondering...DOes she sound like a good buy? I plan to be riding several times a week, so she will be putting miles on again fast if I buy her. Also..how far can you talk a desperate person down in price, and how to do it (Im not cheap honestly, Im a poor college kid..and I dont have 1800.)
This is her. Her name's Lakota. And he's had her since she was 6 months old.
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee466/Lakotahorse/3m03od3pb5V35Q05P0a9r6140c35d832313a7.jpg
 
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#2 ·
She's very pretty! Did you ever get her to trot and canter? That would bother me a little, just thinking of possible reasons...like is she hurting somewhere? I have been burned one too many times and I never buy without vet checks anymore, but I understand that's not always a possibility. I would want to ride her again, try her again maybe outside of the arena. Sometimes horses act very different once they leave the confines of the fence.

As for making an offer, it does sound like he wants to get rid of her pretty badly. With winter coming on he's probably not wanting to have a lot of expense in hay plus the physical activity in caring for her. You have nothing to lose in a low offer. He can say yes, no, or counter. It doesn't hurt to try.

Good luck!
 
#3 ·
You said that the man got on her and she did everything he asked. Did that include all the things that she wouldn't do for you? Long trot, canter?

If she did this and did it willingly then I am willing to bet that you just don't know the proper cues for her. She looks like a very pretty girl and if you really like her, then I would try to work something out with the owner (maybe make payments and have him to teach you how to ride her and give the cues she's used to).
 
#4 ·
I just gotta say....I assume you're in AZ? This horse has been for sale/ trade for well over a year. I have seen it posted on and off, the exact same wording in the ad, for seriously at least 16 months. I would worry that there is something majorly up?
 
#5 ·
HE GOT HER TO TRO AND CANTER WITH SPURS ON. He didnt dig into her with them, but she did know they were there.
AND BREW...I AM IN AZ. I just got the chills reading this. You say she's been for sale for HOW LONG? WHAT do you think's wrong with her? We all know a good horse doesn't stay for sale that long unless something's terribly wrong.
Im in northern arizona. She's a good 2 1/2-3 hour drive away so I cant just pop on over for anther test ride. He was coming turkey hunting up here saturday, and Im pretty sure if I decided to buy her he would be able to bring her up here when he comes.
But now Im freaked out. PEOPLE! WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WRONG WITH HER? She's only five..Do you think it's medical?
 
#6 ·
It isn't so shocking to me really. The economy is crap right now and a horse is a huge investment and a long term expense. Maybe he is just wanting to make sure she gets the right home and is being very particular about the buyers. If you suspect that something might be off about her, then see if he would be willing to let you take her on trail with a down payment. That way, you could have some time to find out what her personality is like all the time, and get a thorough pre-purchase exam from a vet that you trust.
 
#7 ·
Honestly I'm not sure what is wrong, if anything, really. I just thought it was strange seeing the same ad, with the same wording popping up over and over for such a long time. I didn't understand why, if he truley wanted to sell her so bad, he didn't put her up on Dreamhorse, or Horsetopia or some other site as well as CL. Kinda seemed fishy to me or something. But I could be totally off and she could be an angel doll. She has very little muscle tone that I can see, and probably doesn't do much right now. Maybe after a few rides with her, once she sees you mean business, she'll be more responsive? Good luck!
 
#9 ·
You could try the upfront approach and straight out ask the man why she has been for sale for a year and hasn't sold. Tell him that you like her but dont have $1800. Offer your best price if you are satisfied with her. She looks nice, and it sounds like shes a good horse. If you can pull a 5 year old out of the field and ride her, thats saying something.
 
#10 ·
I have seen that horse! The man has been trying to sell her forever! She really is a cutie. I don't think that anything is wrong, it is hot here in Az, and if she hasn't been out in awhile then perhaps she doesn't remember all of her training. She has been for sale for some time, at least 1 year. The guy hasn't really dropped the price much, but you could haggle a little bit. He seems like he wants her gone. I would go for a pre purchase exam if you are concerned about something being medically wrong with the horse. If you really like her, go for it.
 
#11 ·
Hayley it IS HOT in AZ right now. I mean, when i rode her on Tuesday..the temp was what? Nearing 100 or so?
Would that be the reason she was so mellow? Just the temp?
I would have a Pre purchase exam done, but 1. broke college kid+vet bill for something thats not wrong=even more broke kid.
She's beautiful. I keep getting replies to my wanted ad on craigslist, and Im going down to the Valley on saturday to a chicken show, and I might test ride a couple while Im down there. But they're just not...her. Ya know? I hate to be shallow, but she's FLASHY looking. And if she was conditioned, and registered with the APHA she'd be worth all of that $1800. But I dont have that much.
Would I look really insulting if I offered him like $975 and get laughed at? She needs miles to be put back on her.
Is it really unusual for a 5 year old that hasn't been ridden for a year to co operate that well when ridden? Is she unusual?
I snuck my litle sisters paint out this morning bareback (he ahsnt been ridden in a month...he's just sitting there rotting while she wont touch him...maybe I have a death wish) and even he had energy and was antsy after only a month. So why would this mare be so mellow and NOT WANT TO run?
 
#13 ·
She was NOT drugged. I've had the "priveledge" (ugh. sarcasm) of seeing, dealing with, and unfortunately purchasing drugged horses at auction before. This mare was definitely NOT drugged: She was too alert (looking around...nibbling on everything). She was just sooooo mellow.
And that is a good stratedgy: ask what his bottom dollar is before making an offer. Good plan. :D
 
#14 ·
Yea just be honest. Tell him I know she's been for sale for a long time. I can't meet $1800 and because she has sat for so long and will take some training and reconditioning to be worth that, what are you willing to sell her to a great home for. I think the $1000-1200 range would be enough for him to move her but I can't say for sure what he would do.
 
#15 ·
poultrygirl- yeah it's hot! Here in phoenix it was 114 on monday! It's super hot! Heat really does mellow them out, I rode my horse after him not doing ANYTHING but sit in his stall for 3 weeks (due to an injury) at 5pm on tuesday, and he was lazy! The next day it was cooler and he just wanted to run- there was the energy I knew he had! haha

If you really like Lakota, talk to the guy and say that you can't afford $1800. Offer him what you think is reasonable. After 1 year+ on the market, he'll probably take it. I agree that $1000-1200 is reasonable.
 
#16 ·
Well, I was back in the valley today, and went and saw two other horses I WAS "interested" in.
Horse 1.) Great bloodlines, but green broke and the owner wouldnt even saddle her (red flag red flag red flag)
Horse 2.) Not too much, just nothing special. The owner had only had her three weeks. Red flag red flag.
And neither of these other two horses were just special.
Went back and spied on Lakota (since I know where the boarding stable is now). Hehe. I know the owner is turkey hunting, and she hadnt been fed yet this evening..yet she was really mellow. As mellow as last time. And I know for CERTAIN no drugs were involved. And it was cooler out. And even though I didnt get to ride her today, from the ground she;s just as much an honest doll as she was on tuesday.
She came over and after being petted and ears pulled on and slapped all over (gently) wanted her butt scratched (Ive never seen a horse do this..lean into the panel so much they're literally off balance and pressed against the panel).
Also..she got attacked by a dog I guess when she was like 12 weeks old...So SHE HAS SEVERAL BIG, NASTY HUGE scars on her. One...on her shoulder..is in the shape of a "chicken foot". We found this ironic, because I love poultry, and have shown chickens in 4-H for a number of years and am a grand champion poultry showman. They say the chicken foot was a "sign" hahaa.:lol:
 
#18 ·
Well, I was back in the valley today, and went and saw two other horses I WAS "interested" in.
Horse 1.) Great bloodlines, but green broke and the owner wouldnt even saddle her (red flag red flag red flag)
Horse 2.) Not too much, just nothing special. The owner had only had her three weeks. Red flag red flag.
And neither of these other two horses were just special.
Went back and spied on Lakota (since I know where the boarding stable is now). Hehe. I know the owner is turkey hunting, and she hadnt been fed yet this evening..yet she was really mellow. As mellow as last time. And I know for CERTAIN no drugs were involved. And it was cooler out. And even though I didnt get to ride her today, from the ground she;s just as much an honest doll as she was on tuesday.
She came over and after being petted and ears pulled on and slapped all over (gently) wanted her butt scratched (Ive never seen a horse do this..lean into the panel so much they're literally off balance and pressed against the panel).
Also..she got attacked by a dog I guess when she was like 12 weeks old...So SHE HAS SEVERAL BIG, NASTY HUGE scars on her. One...on her shoulder..is in the shape of a "chicken foot". We found this ironic, because I love poultry, and have shown chickens in 4-H for a number of years and am a grand champion poultry showman. They say the chicken foot was a "sign" hahaa.:lol:
Sounds like she's yours, lol. There when I was looking to lease a horse for the first time, I found one that had dreadlocks like me, been together until recent events. Definitely a sign lol.
 
#19 ·
i think you should get a vet and farrier check and if they say shes nice, put in a trile time of one month. in that time you'll be able to know if you want her or not. shes sounds like a dream horse and i'd go for her before someone else does.
 
#20 ·
UPDATE: I called the lady last night, as her husband is STILL turkey hunting. She said she knew for sure he'd take 1200, cuz at this point he just wants to get something for her and get rid of her. But only if he likes the home she's going to. He doesn't want her to just be a broodmares stuck in a field somewhere.
I explained my situation, and said I was offering 1000 and she was really nice. Said she'd call me back. She didnt. So ALL DAY Ive gone through my classes, scribbling notes on professor lectures and keeping my fingers crossed. Tonight I called the lady again, and she said she spoke to her husband and he will TAKE $1000!
SO SHE'S MINE AS SOON AS HE GETS BACK AND WE CAN SET UP A TIME TO GO GET HER! I'M VERY EXCITED.
I would have had a pre vet done, but I seriously dont think theres a thing wrong with her (*knock on wood*) other than a crappy market, and an owner that was picky about where she went. My friend who does reigning and cutting and shows western pleasure as well said the same thing.
So I guess we'll just see how it goes. I'm really excited!:-p
 
#21 ·
Just my opinion but I'd definitely have her vetted first. Ask the owner about dropping the price of the vet check off his asking price. Ask about a trial period. Even 14 days would give you a good idea of if you 2 fit:) I love my Rascal, just wish I'd had him checked first. We have possible muscle issues from him being ridden while still WAY young.
 
#23 ·
Thanks, I agree that would be the best way to go. But she's over 2 1/2 hour drive from where I live, so a trial (especially at that price that is nearly a grand less than what he was asking) isn't possible. Otherwise, it would be awesome :'(
And I thought about a vet check--but I don't know of any good vets down that way, and it's just bizarre in my opinion to call up and pay a vet I've never met. Also, if something by freak chance does turn out to make her unsound for riding, she's flashy enough looking and has decent enough bloodlines to probably throw some pretty foals (but that's an IF IF IF--I really just want her for riding project, not a broodmare. I don't plan to breed her.)
I think I'm going to get her tomorow.
 
#25 ·
Thought I'd share this with you. A lady sent up a 2 yr old for me to train this summer. I kept her most of the summer. The lady (who is also a friend of mine) decided she wanted to sell her and offered me a % if I would sell her. I had a couple drive a few hours to come see her. I was very direct and upfront in my ad regarding how she was and how she was trained. They kept telling me they just couldn't believe she was a 2 yr old because she was so quiet and mellow. They even made mention, "is she drugged?" I was horrified. I told them no, that this was just her nature. (she let my two children ages 14 and 17 ride her all summer long) She was just a real quiet filly.

So it can happen that this mare is just a quiet type mare. It can happen.

Ps. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
 
#28 ·
Actuaaaally..turns out I won't be taking her home.
I made to trips to the ATM, and today readied the trailer. Drove two hours with my dad. His was it--the day we got to take Lakota home. I was so happy. But when we got there..it was a totall differnt animal. She was preppy peppy, and that didn't bother me, then ergot her out on a lead rope with the owner...and she charged my dad. He hadn't done anyhing to warrent it, and it all happened so fast. So the owner let out in the arena to run a bit, and she bucked and squeeled and juswas nothing likethe slug we liked so much the last two times wevseen her. Then, tried to lead her and she chomped down on a wrist...very very hard. I swear t was like she was a totally different animal. I knew at that point if I took her home it would be bad. Either I would hurt her and her training, or she would hurt me. Not might. WOULD. so I said no and drove away. Now I'm driving two hours towing an empty trailer. I think I kno now why she was for salefor so lOng. I feel so stupid...and discouraged.
He even gave her calm ex this morning I guess.
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