I've never personally bought a horse, but I'd be concerned about all the tumors he has. Are they aggressive, fatty tumors, or what? Are you prepared for that fact that his cancer might become more aggressive and you'll have to put him down sooner rather than later? May never happen, just what I was thinking about. I'd definitely get the vet's opinion on those first.
How Much Should I Offer on This Horse?
Hi everyone. I'll try to keep this as short but detailed as possible.
A month ago I met a quarter horse at the barn I was leasing a horse at and fell in love with him instantly. He was/is a rescue horse who was about 250lbs under weight at the time and being used for lessons. I asked the owner if I could buy him that very day and she said she wasn't ready to sell him, but she let me do a full time lease on him.
For the past month I have been putting weight on him (paying for all of his supplements), paying full boarding fees, visiting with him daily, taking lunging and riding lessons with him. I'm just so in love with this horse. He is a good sound horse, but he does need some work, and really needs his topline built. He's also covered in scars from whatever crappy life he lived previously.
I was at the barn the day he got his teeth done, and the vet came out as well. The vet says he is in his late 20's, has a tumor in his mouth, a cluster of tumors on his penis, as well as a couple of tumors on his bum. The owner believes he is actually in his early 20's, but as a buyer, wouldn't I go by what the vet is telling me?
In any case, the owner wants to sell him right away now and she is asking $2,500.
I am really only prepared to pay between $1000-$1500 for him.
I'm very new at all of this so I was hoping to get some advice before I make a counter offer to her. I'd like to have some knowledge in my hands to say "he is worth xxx amount." I am wondering if my counter offer price of $1000-$1500 is reasonable given his condition and age?
I'm sorry if any of this is confusing, it's a weird situation but the owner (who is also the owner of my barn) Is a good gal and she does care about this horses well being, but I also don't want her pulling a fast one on me, assuming that my novice horse purchasing experience can be taken advantage of.
Thanks for any help!
A month ago I met a quarter horse at the barn I was leasing a horse at and fell in love with him instantly. He was/is a rescue horse who was about 250lbs under weight at the time and being used for lessons. I asked the owner if I could buy him that very day and she said she wasn't ready to sell him, but she let me do a full time lease on him.
For the past month I have been putting weight on him (paying for all of his supplements), paying full boarding fees, visiting with him daily, taking lunging and riding lessons with him. I'm just so in love with this horse. He is a good sound horse, but he does need some work, and really needs his topline built. He's also covered in scars from whatever crappy life he lived previously.
I was at the barn the day he got his teeth done, and the vet came out as well. The vet says he is in his late 20's, has a tumor in his mouth, a cluster of tumors on his penis, as well as a couple of tumors on his bum. The owner believes he is actually in his early 20's, but as a buyer, wouldn't I go by what the vet is telling me?
In any case, the owner wants to sell him right away now and she is asking $2,500.
I am really only prepared to pay between $1000-$1500 for him.
I'm very new at all of this so I was hoping to get some advice before I make a counter offer to her. I'd like to have some knowledge in my hands to say "he is worth xxx amount." I am wondering if my counter offer price of $1000-$1500 is reasonable given his condition and age?
I'm sorry if any of this is confusing, it's a weird situation but the owner (who is also the owner of my barn) Is a good gal and she does care about this horses well being, but I also don't want her pulling a fast one on me, assuming that my novice horse purchasing experience can be taken advantage of.
Thanks for any help!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
1 - 4 of 32 Posts
There's actually an entire thread on melanomas (the tumors greys get), on here that's been updated the last couple days. Maybe you should check out that, I'll see if I can find it. I can't offer advice on price, but I'd want that test done before I bought the horse, just because I'd want to know if it's an aggressive cancer or not.
If able, owners owe it to their horses to let them retire peacefully and live out their days, imo. If they aren't able, and can't guarantee a good home (that's not often), then I personally think they should let that horse go, euthanized in their home, rather than pushing them off on someone else where they'll likely end up at an auction or with a kill buyer.Curious - so what do people do with their horses when they get old? Is it customary to just give up on them? I assume many end up going to slaughter if they cannot find a pasture to spend the end of their life in...?
There's a difference between buying an old horse with issues and taking care of one that's been your partner for a long time and has earned their retirement with you, even if they are no longer usable.
1 - 4 of 32 Posts
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
The Horse Forum
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Horse & Dog Mom
434 Replies
QtrBel
311 Replies
ACinATX
229 Replies
Recommended Communities
