So, I finally got back up to see Nines...took my instructor with me. He was a little cranky under saddle, but that's good...I want to know what his acting out is. Its a little half-a$$ed kick when you use the whip. No big deal. He looks stiff in this pic to me, but we discussed it and we agree its b/c he's had 6 months of hanging out in the field and in the past two weeks he's been ridden regularly and the saddle his owner had been using did not fit. Plus, he's still a little footsore from yanking off so much of his hoof with his shoe. If I decide to buy him, the vet check will be key.
Anyway, my instructor, Barbara, rode him. Her opinion: he's lazy, not her type of horse, has buttons and gears (ie. very schooled as a hunter machine), but does try to listen to your seat. We agree that he is a Hobbes dressed in white and that's what I'm comfortable with, so...he is a good horse for me, as long as he's sound.
I did take him out in a field he's never been in and w/t/c...he was awesome. Ears up and interested, but perfectly content to do what I asked. We then went out on a short trail ride...past some horses out in the pasture, a deer running away, rocky terrain, a tiny stream, 4 wheeler coming up behind us, dogs barking in a kennel suddenly, AND a guy dragging his driveway...and Nines was totally unconcerned. He led and followed, no big deal at all.
The real issue now is that he's EXPENSIVE! Ugh. I read an article once about buying the best horse you could buy, but I thought it was a silly article at the time!...this horse was appraised for 50K when he was donated, but I can get him for WAY less due to him being out of work, a little rough looking from hanging out with a colt, and past issues (ie. biting the crap out of his past owner!). I just can't decide what he's worth to me, as his price reflects his suitability as a hunter and I just want a good all-around horse, although I think he'd be a great fit for this.
Ugh. Can someone just tell me what to do? This decision is overwhelming.
5 comments:
He looks very cute!!! I think the rule is "Never spend more on a horse than you're willing to flush directly down the toilet", so I'd be careful on that end...any chance you could get them to come down any more on the price? You really can't put a price on compatibility but ALSO health...I'd wait until the vet check.
Hopefully others will be more helpful!! I never horse-searched, I just took Pro because (I'm crazy) he needed someone to take him.
Have you seen a written appraisal? I mean, who donates a $50,000 horse? Ive had so many people tell me that the horse they were selling was worth WAY more, but they really werent.
If you like him and think he can do what you want, buy him. Have the vet pay close attention to his sore feet, sore back and make sure that there isnt an underlying issue. It probably is just a short trim and bad saddle fit, but its best to be sure.
He seems really nice, and for a horse to be that calm on a trail with all that scary stuff happening, its great. What are the things that you are worried about? It seems he is right for you.
Umm, I've bought several horses, but the most expensive one I ever bought was $4,000 and that was with my parents' money. Only one I bought with my money was $3,500. I'm a fairly impulsive horse buyer though... If I ride it and I feel like we 'click' I go with my gut. Without knowing what his actual price is it's hard to give an estimate, but if you just want something to pal around with and aren't worried about being competitive I'd guess maybe 5-10k for a nice, safe, sane horse? With the economy the way it is you might get a good deal on something.
I would definitely see how the vet check goes. Also listen to your gut, though. If he is OK on the vet check, and your instincts are telling you he is the right one, see if you can get them down some.
My Sam was the most expensive horse I have had, and relatively speaking he was expensive. My parents helped me buy him. He even had a couple of questionable things on his vet check. I went with my gut (...and heart!), and got him. The vet who did the pre-purchase boarded where I boarded Sam, and she later told me she didn't really think he would hold up or be suitable for me, but she admitted she had been proven wrong on both counts! I am SO glad I got him!
With the economy the way it is you CAN find something sane and sound for under $10,000! However, you probably won't find the buttons that you have with him for that price on another horse.
After reading about the suspensory injury though, $10,000 seems a little steep. (I'm guessing that's what they're asking for him??) If they could come down some I'd feel better about it- but then that injury may NEVER affect him at all!!
Talk to the vet, and remember...you can keep looking if you feel you need to!!
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