tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post310116288325126435..comments2024-01-06T11:22:03.305-08:00Comments on Equestrian Ink: Finding that perfect horse.Jami Davenporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259390150273030284noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-733230606989646982011-03-06T06:30:20.441-08:002011-03-06T06:30:20.441-08:00Thanks for an interesting post, Terri! I hate look...Thanks for an interesting post, Terri! I hate looking for horses, mostly because the price range has gotten so ridiculous. My horse was a giveaway. He was two and the current owner was smart enough to see that his conformation wouldn't withstand the rigors of eventing and wanted him to go to a good home. He has one for life!Alisonhttp://www.alisonhartbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-23565422096712204102011-03-01T13:14:44.112-08:002011-03-01T13:14:44.112-08:00My favorite way to buy a horse is to pick one up t...My favorite way to buy a horse is to pick one up that I've "known" for years, and know is suitable for my intended use. This is the way I bought Henry and Sunny. In this case, I don't bother with a vet check, though I will often talk to the previous owner's vet and learn what has come up with the horse.<br /><br />That said, I've acquired horses from the horse trader--that is the way I got Flanigan--perhaps the best horse I ever owned. See my post "The Magical Horse". Horses from this source I do vet check.<br /><br />I agree with the going with your gut. I agree with passing on the nagging doubts. But if there's a horse you just can't forget (this was Sunny, who I bought six months after I first tried him), sometimes you might want to revisit your choice. As you say, Terri, if its meant to be, it will happen. Sunny was still not sold and waiting for me when I called his owner up after six months. This despite the fact that numerous people had "almost" bought him. Sales fell through when people lost their jobs...etc. The horse was meant to be mine. Or so I believe.<br /><br />And I'm in the camp that wants a horse to be eight or older. I'm done training. Been there, done that. Now I just want to enjoy relaxing rides on a dependable horse. Not hitting the ground is objective number one. Horses over eight years old are, overall, a much better bet for reliability. There's always exceptions, of course.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-56974273633500528392011-03-01T09:31:19.055-08:002011-03-01T09:31:19.055-08:00According to the psychic who read my first horse, ...According to the psychic who read my first horse, she picked me. She was a sweet little filly with a very soft jog and lope. Unfortunately, she had also been pushed too hard too fast. It didn't damage her body, but she was distrustful of everything and everyone. We tried to make her a show horse, but the emotional wound was too deep. So what did I do? I bred her - and did get my perfect horse! He's beautiful black gelding who loves to show. I still have his mom, too (like you, I'm in it for life), and I kick around on her at the ranch. A trail ride might improve her mind, but since she spooks when the trash can has been moved, I'm unwilling to try it. But she's the horse I cuddle and talk to, unlike her son, who is an excellent show horse, but a pushy, mouthy, pain-in-the-butt on the ground. I guess if you put them together, I've got one perfect horse!<br /><br />P.S. My horse even has his own blog. http://thatsmysnoopy.blogspot.comGayle Carlinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15783449240138097315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-22320858855554812842011-02-28T18:04:13.333-08:002011-02-28T18:04:13.333-08:00I just recently completed a search for a new horse...I just recently completed a search for a new horse - and I've actually got two - one I picked up last fall as I was likely to be able to ride him on the trail over the winter, which proved to be the case, and the other needs more work and I'm hoping to pick him up in March.<br /><br />I think knowing what you want and what you'll be happy with is critical, and then you need to willing to be picky, picky, picky. I care a lot about the horse's mind and conformation/soundness. I don't start my own horses, so a good foundation is essential, and trainability. I spend a lot of hours on the phone with sellers - and I'm always looking for a reason to take a horse out of the running.<br /><br />I do a prepurchase exam and I do care about x-rays of front feet/fetlocks and hocks - some minor hock arthritis is OK (I'm looking at younger horses) but major stuff or unsoundness is not OK. I care a lot if my sellers are honest and forthcoming - I want to know where the issues are with the horse. I don't deal with dealers or sale barns - just my preference.<br /><br />I did a whole series of posts on my horse search - under label "horse search" on my blog if anyone cares to look.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com