Horses advertised for free ... does it work out?

[Archiesmummy]

Oh dear, I have been thinking again ...

I was thinking, I see numerous horses advertised 'free to good home' and, is it just me, the alarm bells start ringing. Usually the horse or pony has underlying health issues or behaviour problems.

Reading ads I can't help but think that once the horses ownership has been passed on it could be hammered into the ground when it might have a health issue, or tarted up and sold on as something it is not.

When you see ads like this, do you or would you ever send a polite email pointing these things out? I would have thought it would be better to put out on loan to keep a tight check on your horse and ensure it is safe and looked after appropriately. Surely we, as horse owners, have a duty to our horses to ensure they live their lives safely.

If my Archie had to be retired there is no question he would see out his days with me. In the event I encountered problems I would loan at most (which can also me a minefield, I know), but I could never contemplate selling him for fear of him being used for something he should not be used for.

What are your thoughts or experiences, good, bad, indifferent?

xxx

 

[LadyRascasse]

i got my lad for free, was advertised in local feed shop. i have had him for 5yrs i was advised by his previous owner not to ride him as he was dangerous. we took him home gave him a month off, had all the checks done and started riding him again, if i had sold him within the year i could have easierly sold him for 3/4K as he is unflappable taught novices had 3yrs olds on his back. and totally honestly

i think giving away should be done by word of mouth rather than adverts but each to there own

 

[4faults]

I got a gorgeous 2 yr old fell gelding free a few years ago as he had severe behavioural problems, the girl who had him just could not cope and had come to the end of her tether so I took him on. He had to have a full grill across his stable as he would either try to climb over the door or would fly at people with his ears back and his teeth out to bite them, when tied on the yard he would bits or kick anyone who approached, in the stable he would rear up and box at you, kick you, bite you the lot, he was really bad. After 6 weeks trust building and behaviour correcting he was a darling to be around, I started to show him in hand, took him county level, eventually backed him and sold him to a friend of mine for her children who he is an absolute saint with really looks after them. In my opnion the girl who had him before me had never taught him what was acceptable behaviour so he was like a spoilt brat and he now has a much better quality of life after being passed on free to a good home.

 

[_daisy_]

i got my free pony from a friend. yes she has a few issues with her skin and a few behavioural issues but these also link to her skin. BUT i knew what i was getting into before I agreed to have her. My friend couldnt get to the bottom of her problems and didnt really have the time to do so.
Ive had her 6 months now and she is a fantastic natured mare, very calm, lovely to ride (only ridden her bareback so far) nothing fazes her and is 100% purebred and papered so an added bonus.

i do sometimes worry though when see the adverts giving them free to good home. Its much easier sorting it out via word of mouth but not always practical.

 

[a_e_d]

I got Andy, not for free but for £200 including tack, so not far off free. I had been looking to loan, not buy, but his old owner decided that she wanted to sell him, not loan. He has been injured in the past (but had recovered) and I think they were concerned it could re-occur but also I think they needed to free up the money that they had been spending on livery etc.
I have had him ten months and he is amazing, so much better than we thought he would be - a real star. Unfortunately he has just been injured whilst out in the field (unrelated to prev inj although it is slightly complicating his recovery) - and is on box rest for a while, crsossing everything he recovers.
I think that there are some genuine reasons to pass on a horse for little or no money - and those that take up such offers are very very lucky (myself included).