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Posted about my first self-bought horse, a Quarter Horse named Zed, some time back. Got him from a rescue = mistake #1. He was diagnosed with arthritis very shortly after bringing him home. I had him on joint supplements, Equiox, got injections done, as well as a few other supplemental diet additions. He was always a bit hot, but working QHs often are, and all my previous horses have been a bit hot, so that didnt phase me. Well, turns out he was rideable because he was in pain. As soon as I got his arthritis under control, his true colors come bursting out like a bat from hell. Horse was absolutely batshit - behavior ranged from spooking sideways, to running me into things, to even trying to drop mid-ride to roll on me. Then taking off as soon as I bailed. Im upset - feel as though the rescue was not honest about him (shocker) and the horse is really gonna end up hurting someone. He was advertised as a "tried and true trail horse" and he constantly tried to seriously injure me. It's hard to miss him because of how much danger he put me in, but it sucks this was my first horse-buying experience. The search continues. And it won't be from a rescue next time. |
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Trivia Team
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Ugh I'm so sorry it worked out that way. As wonderful as rescues can be, I've seen some seriously shady shit from some of them and it's hard to know which ones to trust. Hoping your next experience is a better one! |
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Oof! That's rough! Horse shopping is brutal. I had always looked forward to buying my own horse, but no one prepared me for how hard it would be to find the right one. For what it is worth, I can share some tips I have learned from my horse shopping experience. First of all, ride lots and lots of horses before deciding on which one you want. This horse is going to be your partner and friend. Firmly knowing what you want and don't want will ensure you get the right horse in the end. Secondly, don't trust the buyer too much. This sounds really pessimistic, but unfortunately, a lot of people like to make their horse sound more appealable than it really is so it will sell. I would compare a lot of people selling their horse to used car salesmen. I drove 6 hours to Boise for this 'amazing OTTB that teaches kids how to ride' that turned how to be super unresponsive and stubborn. If the horse can't do what the owner says it can when you ride it first time around, chances are it can't at all. Finally, if you think you found a horse you like bring someone with you to look at it too. Preferably this someone should be your trainer or someone knowledgeable about horses. I almost bought a horse without my trainer seeing it and when I showed her the video she said, "Don't buy that horse! He's bobbing his head becuase he's lame!" Having a second opinion is always great idea. I'm sorry your first horse-buying experience was so awful. If you are patient the right horse for you will come along and it will be so worth everything you went through. |
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Game Moderator
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I'm sorry Zed didn't work out. I'm sure you had really good intentions taking him from a rescue, but some horses just have too many issues that only come to light after you've put so much work and love into them. :( Here's hoping the next one is a better fit for you <3 |
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Man, I'm sorry your first horse buying experience ended up like that! That really sucks.
Silver Isle Eventing said:
Secondly, don't trust the buyer too much. This sounds really pessimistic, but unfortunately, a lot of people like to make their horse sound more appealable than it really is so it will sell. I would compare a lot of people selling their horse to used car salesmen. I drove 6 hours to Boise for this 'amazing OTTB that teaches kids how to ride' that turned how to be super unresponsive and stubborn. If the horse can't do what the owner says it can when you ride it first time around, chances are it can't at all.
Definitely all of this. This sounds bad, but go ahead and assume the owner/trainer/whoever is lying or ommitting stuff and check for yourself. I went to look at a draft mare two weeks ago to add to our herd, and I was pretty much sold on her (knew she wasn't super trained, needed a bit of weight, etc). I didn't commit without doing my own inspection and I'm glad because she turned out to be blind in one eye (a dealbreaker for me). Another thing that I like to do if I'm going to try a riding horse for myself or someone else is request the horse (if possible) not be worked, caught, or otherwise handled on the day I'm going to look at it. That way I can see the horse'e behaviour when I get there, from how well he catches to how he stands to be saddled. Best of luck to you in your hunt! I hope the next horse you find works out better <3 |
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Always, always get a full vet check. Not the sellers vet, your own vet. Expensive but it can save a lot of heartache. |
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I did actually have a vet come out and do a PPE - the arthritis was missed and chalked up to a prior injury that was healing. Definitely won't use them again.
North Street said:
Always, always get a full vet check. Not the sellers vet, your own vet. Expensive but it can save a lot of heartache.
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Snow and Sleet Mix, Clearing at Night
