I don't believe in love at first sight

[arizonahoney]

either when trying horses or on first dates...

So how do you know when you're trying a horse and know it's The One or if not The One then one that can be turned into The One with work?

I just don't work that way! Advice requested from other head (not heart) people

 

[ThePony]

I don't either.
My mare fitted most things on my requirements list, and given work would fit more!

She was the right age and height, as bomb proof as you could imagine on roads, generally as sane as you like, right build, an easy keeper, had alot of scope to bring her on, decent confo, not from a dealer, right price.

The 'issues' were that she was unleavel in the trot up - she had terrible feet and we were confident that our farrier could sort her (he did!);
She had no decent muscle cover - fixed with work and diet;
She was mega green so has taken alot of schooling - she is now a pleasure and we are enjoying dressage!

You just need to have a list - some things you have to have, some things you would like and some things you are happy to work on - then off you go shopping!

 

[Whoopit]

I had a list.

I wanted something about 16.2hh, 5 - 8yrs old, a warmblood/Irish Sport Horse sort of build, happy to have a project.

What I bought was a 15.3hh, 3yr old, ex-racehorse who needed time off, not immediate project work! I saw him, thought he'd turn out really nice, but it wasn't love at first sight.

I got him in September and by Christmas was going to put him on the market. He was only interested in haylage and feed and he wasn't friendly - he wasn't unfriendly, but he didn't come to call, he didn't want cuddles and he just wasn't interesed in me. He didn't even register you were there, he just wanted feeding and bedtime. I said to my friend "I think i've bought a mistake". Then in February/March all of a sudden he was all over me like a rash - couldn't get enough fuss, was constantly needy for attention, was happy to talk to you before he ate. It was really weird! Sometimes if you think you've bought the wrong one just give it time - everybody's different on how much time they're willing to give it but I wasn't in a hurry for a competition horse so I would have stuck it for 12mths then reconsidered.

I did set out with guidelines, bought the opposite because there was just something about him and now I wouldn't be without him

 

[melxvengeance]

I was looking for something around 6-8 yrs old, sporty, warmblood, ID x, TB x, along the lines of that, 15.2 - 16.2. something that was a complete allrounder, bombproof, easy to ride

I bought a 14.2h 8 year old norwegian fjord who couldn't trot over a trotting pole never mind jump, would refuse to go any further than the yard entrance on a hack, and run over the top of me when i opened the stable door. but the first time i saw him, i was willing to buy him without even getting on his back.

he's the cheese to my macaroni

 

[4faults]

Could you ask potential sellers if they would consider lwvtb?

I did this kind o scenario with my girl, her owner was frightened of her and wanted rid tbh. She was a neurotic, stressy mess but there was something that said to me she will turn out well.

10 months on she is sweet and cuddly, always wanting affection, doesn't spook half as much, and we click so well.

 

[Victoria25]

I do believe in love at first sight

I went to see a friend of mine (arabian breeder) for advice on a 2 year old arabian colt I'd seen ... two weeks later I took home one of his 3 year old fillies who had the terrible 'I love me, who do you love' attitude but I fell head over heels for her

My recent purchase was not even planned ... I saw an advert, fell in love with his picture (despite his issues) and decided this is the next one for me ... I want him ... that weekend, home got a new mummy and never looked back ... I think you just 'know' when you find the right one

 

[soulfull]

I have done both

First horse was love at first sight. Although I had him 8 years he was such a difficult horse I wish I had gone with my head.

2nd horse I was looking for a 15.3hh WB aged 3 to 5 MW, movement was important but schooling/greenness wasn't. Temperament was everything

I actually walked away from him the first time as he didn't do anything for me and was even more green than I had thought.
BUT talked into a 2nd visit by a good friend. It was then I realised he ticked EVERY box except colour, so I bought him. Best thing I ever did, he is perfect