Admitting defeat

[ironhorse]

I'm doing some research for an article and would like to hear from anyone who has bought a horse and then realised it was completely unsuitable for them - either if it wouldn't settle in their environment or just not what they wanted.

I'd like to be able to quote your name and approximate area where you live so nothing libellous please!

I'd also like to hear from someone who went to view a horse and realised it was too much from them when they went to ride it or even before.

You can pm me if you prefer.

 

[YorkshireLass]

I go and look at horses all the time. I know what I am doing, and part of knowing what you are doing is knowing when to walk away! I have a fair idea of when a horse has so many issues that it is beyond me. Sometimes I make a mistake, or worry that I have. I have had horses that have most definately been punishing me for something that someone else did to them in the past.


I get the feeling that lots of people get in to bother this way beacuse they are not realistic about their capabilities... horsey people are not noted for their humility.

 

[ladyt25]

I tend to get a feeling for a horse as soon as I see it and sit on it. I tried a pony once, didn't really like him although he looked fab and had a fantastic jump but I just didn't click. Stupidly we got him anyway cos of his ability but he was never reliable so i should have stuck to my instincts. Still we still have him 14 years later as I couldn't bear selling him knowing full well he'd get sold on again and again!

One I got on and just did not feel safe at all so said within 5 mins he was not for me and there was no chance in hell i'd have tried it over fences!!! hee hee

My horse I knew the moment I saw him he was for me and have had him 13 years and he's worth his weight in gold!

 

[RuthP]

I got my horse as an unbroken 4 year old when i was 12. looking back she was completely unsuitable (a crazy tb x) and although i was experienced with horses she was seriously hard work. she really was evil, i had teeth knocked out, she pinned me up against the wall kicking me. the only reason i didnt sell her (i came seriously close numerous times) because i knew she would (or there was a high chance) go into the wrong hands and would get beaten and passed on and on. but.... years later i seriously couldnt imagine my life without her. she is a wonderful horse and i am so proud of all we've achieved. just the thought of anything bad happening to her and im in floods of tears. she definately was unsuitable- but now we are very well suited!

 

[Cop-Pop]

I looked at one before I got my TBx mare and knew instantly that I would have been over horsed. It was a very high spirited Arab that frequently bucked its owner off (they were a professional rider) - if I had been into high spirits and bad behaviour I would have been interested!