Disheartened and sad after horse viewing today.

FreddiesGal

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I went to look at an ex racer today (sired by Giants Causeway) after the lady contacted me saying he would be sold for meat if not sold by October.

I wasn't really looking for something as big as 16hh but I thought maybe if he's a fine TB he would take up my leg well.

Long story short, I got there and the woman immediately referred to him as "it" which I though was sad and a little odd. And then a while later said she gets "all the crap" (meaning the ex racers). :confused:

He was such a sweet 'little' thing - constantly having a nosey in my pockets etc. He just stood there not tied up the whole time, not a bother.

I got on him and it was obvious he was green (which is what I expected so no problem there). He had a few "woopee" moments and a few bucks, also had to aim at the fence to get him to stop a few times but he has only been out of training for 9 months and in ridden work for 6 weeks, so that was to be expected really.

Overall he was a poppet, just slightly too much horse physically for me.

I feel awful coming away knowing he's probably going for meat if I don't buy him. Yes I know it happens lots, but it doesn't make it any easier. :(
 
Oh no! :( Can completely understand how you feel, but if he isn't the horse for you don't let anyone guilt you into buying him. I'd find it hard to walk away too but you have to do what's right for you, and maybe if this woman finds that her guilt trips aren't working on people she'll stop trying to sell on these poor horses in the first place. Try not to feel bad. Hugs xx
 
Sad but she possibly pulled the threat of the meat man hoping you would feel sorry for him and buy him. Better to walk away and get something you want then get something which you have to aim at fences to stop !
 
There are worse fates out there for him than going for meat. Don't buy a horse because you feel sorry for him, he's got to be right for you or a few years down the line might be in the same position again :(
 
I agree. its emotional blackmail

Dont forget the wrong horse will take up the same space, time and feed of the right horse

Hold out for the right one x
 
I'd like to congratulate you for having the strength to walk away today.

You've done the right thing. It's also unlikely he'll go for meat, she can get more money for him as a riding horse, she was just trying to bully you into buying an unsuitable horse. Someone will be able to take him on and retrain him.

Meanwhile you can find a horse which you can really enjoy riding and not feel unsafe on. I really admire your self-awareness in knowing he was not for you.

Well done.
 
Thank you everyone, I really appreciate what you have all said and I do feel slightly better now.

WelshD - very valid point.

I know I would be silly to buy something out of pity, and especially something that would require so much work and time.

Here's hoping he finds a nice home :(
 
If u buy this one your 'right' horse could be in desperate circumstance and end up going in his place. U did right thing. If he's unstopable he could be dangerous for wrong rider. I have co fr racer and he's not my first. I adore him and he's a saint. Sadly pts is often safest and happiest option for some of them as they don't cope well out of the institution that is racing. Don't see it as letting this one go for meat. Be realistic. It's emotional blackmail and frees you up to 'save' your proper horse from same or being passed about. Good luck with ur search.
 
If I liked the horse I would have asked what he weighed and then offered meat price less transport - usually good for calling a dodgy seller's bluff.
 
I did a bit of reasearch and it turns out he was sold from America for £95,000..

He's for sale at his meat price as she said no one had seemed suitable for him so far.
 
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