devotee
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Post by devotee on Jun 2, 2007 21:56:05 GMT -5
What are your plans for the horse, Ellamarie? I'm going to second Patty's suggestion that you at least check out the possibility of a rescue horse from a reputable organization. Some have horses at all levels - from horses whose injuries limit them to being pasture ornaments to horses that have potential to compete at high levels of dressage. Many are good for light trail riding only, but some have unlimited possibilities.
Rescue operations will allow you to return the horse to them. Most require that you do that, if things don't work out. They will know the horse well and they will be honest with you. In most cases, the horses have already been rehabbed.
I don't know where you are, but you might want to take a look at ReRun.org, for example. They have TBs available in several states. You can click through their lists and get an idea about what's out there. Last I looked, they had an almost irresistible 18H TB gelding, who was a strong dressage prospect. (I still ache for him!) The fees are very low.
If you want to PM me and tell me where you are, I might be able to help you locate a good recue group in your area. And there's always Google . . . .
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kitcat0601
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Post by kitcat0601 on Jun 3, 2007 6:42:55 GMT -5
When you go look at the horses, dont ask to see a particular horse over the phone. Just say you want to come look at some horses. It doesnt give the breeder any chance of lunging the horse or tireing them out before hand. Also, when you come, they shouldnt have the horses saddled up ready to ride. Have the owner go pull a horse out of the stall or better yet, the pasture. Have the owner brush, saddle and ride the horse your interested in. Have him ride him away from the barn. That way you can see if the horse is barn sour. Then you ride the horse. Watch the horse being haltered, saddled, bathed, etc. Look at how he reacts to everything. There is a place in Florida that has the horses all ready to ride, and they are all sweaty when you arrive, so you know they have been ridden already. And never believe the bomproof thing. Although a horse can be calm, I dont think there is such a thing as bombproof. The calmest horse in the world can still spook at something jumping out of a bush. We have a ton of sellers who claim the horse is bombproof, childproof, no vices, etc. Then I end up seeing the same horse for sale online for sale because it isnt what the seller claimed.
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bndranch
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Post by bndranch on Jun 3, 2007 13:04:16 GMT -5
By doing the trial period too, that will tell you right then and there if the horse was blocked, sedated, or lunged heavily before you show up.
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patty dukes
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April and Baby 4/28/07
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Post by patty dukes on Jun 3, 2007 14:11:32 GMT -5
You have all had some really great advise on buying a horse.........where were yall when I bought my first and second one..............Just kidding I didn't know about this website when I bought mine. I was a hurry up and get one person and didn't know what I was getting into.
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Post by ellamarie on Jun 3, 2007 23:50:47 GMT -5
Thank you all for your fantastic advice. There is a lot to be cautious of. One of my biggest fears is to make my long awaited purchase and end up with a big problem. I live in Texas and have been looking for many years--saving my pennies for just the right one. I appreciate all of your advice.
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devotee
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Post by devotee on Jun 3, 2007 23:58:16 GMT -5
Take your time, Ellamarie. I may be lucky (and I'm certainly cautious), but I've never bought a horse I haven't known well for at least a year. But then, I did have a horse dumped on me once - came over on a trailer sight unseen, unloaded, and abandoned. He was in many ways the best horse ever. They are all special. Some just take more time and money. Good luck to you!
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patty dukes
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Post by patty dukes on Jun 4, 2007 9:45:43 GMT -5
well said
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Post by darbyponygirl on Jun 8, 2007 11:15:20 GMT -5
By doing the trial period too, that will tell you right then and there if the horse was blocked, sedated, or lunged heavily before you show up. LOL not always there is a sedative that last for 30 days and i bought a horse with that oh on the trial he was a dream and fine and then two weeks after we bought him he was a devil bucked me off and everyone off horrible lol i would do a blood test and if the horses tarts acting up then you can go back and vets can check the blood
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bndranch
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Post by bndranch on Jun 8, 2007 11:21:23 GMT -5
I would love to know this sedative LOL, I worked at a vet clinic for over 2yrs with large animals and never heard of one that lasted that long. Normal sedation is only good for short periods of time UNLESS the horse is being repeatedly given the sedative. There is the calming stuff out there but again it has to be fed over a few day period. When my mare lost her foal this spring we were left a sedative, however it didn't work for very long, if given the choice I know my vet would have given my one that would have worked longer to make the transition without her foal easier.
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kitcat0601
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Post by kitcat0601 on Jun 8, 2007 11:43:32 GMT -5
I bought a gelding by Red Hot Impulse by Impulsions from a lady who got him at an auction for next to nothing. The owner actually rode him in the sale ring through several gates. I emailed his original owner and asked her if he had any bucking problems or not wanting to accept the bit. Of course she said no, and went on and on how she is not the one who trained him. After owning this very sweet mannered horse for about a week, he decided he wanted to go bonkers and buck like a maniac. I sent him to my trainer and for two solid weeks he bucked, and bucked and bucked. I had an adjustment done on his back and he was a little out of wack. He was only 4, so it must have been from all the bucking. Anyway, Im convinced he was sedated or something because a horse just doesnt start bucking one day after "never" bucking. I always wonder when I see a calm horse for sale. Alot of sellers are very dishonest.
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kitcat0601
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Post by kitcat0601 on Jun 8, 2007 11:59:45 GMT -5
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Post by traceyclydeowner on Jun 8, 2007 15:38:03 GMT -5
what breed of horse are you looking at...and i would definitely do alot and alot of homework..also check the breed association for that horse because some people will file complaints against farms that have bad business practice and i definitely agree if you could get someone to go over the horse thoroughly with you and use an outside vet ..not theirs and a farrier to boot...i personally never work a horse prior to a client coming over..i want them to see exactly what they will get.. and beyond all the other make sure that horse has ground manners...if it loads, clips, ties, and bathes ask that they show you...and let you load it..because if you can't do it on the ground then you sure don't want to be on it's back....and make several announced trips ..if they really want to sell you this horse they will not mind you coming repeatedly to ensure you get what you want ,i know they would rather do that and work with you than have you leave and bring the horse back after a few days or weeks...i have a trial period with potential owners they come to me the horse stays here and we put 30 days together on the horse ...but i have clydes and they are large and people think they want one and when they start to go thru the motions they realize the committment and how much maintenance goes into a clyde they sometimes change their mind..and at least i know my horse won't end up somewhere bad.i make them sign a first right of refusal to buy my horse back at a lessor price depending on how long they have it 1 year,2years or more..so far all my horses have been bought and kept by all original buyers..after 5 years...that says somethin about reputation and fitting the right horse with the right owner...it's a chemistry and a bond...
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Post by britzy365 on Jun 9, 2007 18:51:29 GMT -5
What kind of horses are you looking at?? I would recommend buying a quarter horse. They are very mild tempered. They make great first horses! Make sure you get a vet check before your buy a horse. AND don't use the owners vet... because people lie.. When you go and see a horse... make sure the owner gets on it first. Because if the owner refuses to get on it.. then trust me ..you don't want to get on it!! (I learned the hard way haha) Make sure that you see the horse in the stall. Go in the stall... and fool around with the horse... make sure he doesn't bite or kick! Schedule a time.. and show up 1/2 hour early.. so then you can catch them if they are working the horse down! Some people will let you take the horse on a trial for a couple days. Thats always great!!! Take out insurance for the horse for a week.. and take him/her home.
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Post by ellamarie on Jun 10, 2007 18:39:28 GMT -5
Hello all--Thank you for your advice. Yes, I am looking for a Quarter Horse, but have had people steering me towards the TWH/MFT as well. I am taking all of your advice, and taking my time. I received on response that kind of made me laugh--I thought I would share it with you.
"Thank you for your interest in "Bob". He is mild mannered and I believe would be a good horse for you to "catch up" on. He has not been ridden much in the last couple of years and is a tad barn sour. As long as you don't let him buffalo you he should be fine. As with all horses he needs to know that the rider is the boss and only you can teach him that you mean business and want him to obey you. We used him for our kids and inexperienced adults and he always did fine. He can be fast as he was used in the arena for 4-H and other kids competition. He has a fast start and tends to jump a little when he takes off from a stop into a gallop. He also has a quick turn and if you aren't paying attention he can dump you right off by turning out from under you. As long as his rider is paying attention to what he is doing and has a good seat there is no problem. I am available every evening if you are interested in coming to see him. He really is a super horse and I hate to sell him, but I simply don't have the time to ride here and I don't like having my horses penned up all the time. I would like to see him go to someone who will ride fairly often. I can be reached by phone..."
LOL--This one would be a perfect "train-wreck" waiting to happen for me...
Thanks again for all of your pointers.
ellamarie
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bndranch
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Post by bndranch on Jun 10, 2007 18:53:02 GMT -5
Well at least they seem to well on the honest side
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