Looks like i'm looking for a new horse

C

Cash

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 November 2008
Messages
1,977
Visit site
I've had an 8yo TB on loan with view to buy for about a month now, and i really like him, but he is very quirky- he is pretty, ahem, opinionated
smirk.gif
he does go up if he objects strongly to something- not proper REARS, though they can escalate if he is not pushed forwards and told to stop messing around. I can cope with this, but it can sometimes take a couple of minutes to work through it. Today my instructor saw him doing it, and just said 'No'- she said that although i can cope with it, chances are, i will not be able to train him out of it (he comes from a professional eventer, so obviously if she can't stop him doing it i won't be able to!) and it may just become worse, and also that he's not that straightforward in other aspects as well, and it's basically not worth the hassle. In some ways, i am a tiny bit relieved, as i had been starting to doubt if he was 'the one'- so it's quite nice to hear it from someone experienced who i respect.
On the other hand i am
frown.gif
, because although i will be continuing to loan, ride and unafil compete him for the forseeable future (i want something to ride this summer, and owners are very relaxed about it) it means the hunt starts again. And also because he is a dream to jump, and i was hoping he might be the horse to start eventing on
frown.gif
 
I'll probably get bitten for this ...

But if the rearing doesn't really bother you , he might soon realise it doesn't work as an evasion and stop? Darcy used to try it on big time with the old rears but when he realised I was bored of it now, they've slowly got smaller, and smaller and are now very few and far between.

Now to attempt to tame every other aspect of hiim.
smirk.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think you are being very sensible.There are plenty of good horses out there and I am sure one will turn up.Good luck in your search.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto this and it's exactly what my instructor says ... why get stuck with an awkward one when there are plenty of uncomplicated, talented horses out there.

Enjoy the time you have with him, I'm sure he'll teach you loads, those kind of horses always do.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I'll probably get bitten for this ...

But if the rearing doesn't really bother you , he might soon realise it doesn't work as an evasion and stop? Darcy used to try it on big time with the old rears but when he realised I was bored of it now, they've slowly got smaller, and smaller and are now very few and far between.

Now to attempt to tame every other aspect of hiim.
smirk.gif


[/ QUOTE ]
You definitely won't get bitten for this by me lol- i have been thinking this, but i just think that seeing as he isn't fantastic in everything else, i don't want this as well. And i'm not entirely sure whether it would get worse- and i don't feel experienced enough to deal with it if it does.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think you are being very sensible.There are why get stuck with an awkward one when there are plenty of uncomplicated, talented horses out there.

Enjoy the time you have with him, I'm sure he'll teach you loads, those kind of horses always do.

[/ QUOTE ]
Exactly- i've spent nearly three years trying to 'improve' my current old boy, before finally realising it's just not meant to be!
I am really glad i have loaned him, as i have learnt a lot (and my negotiating skills have improved thanks to his strops
smirk.gif
) and become a better, more subtle rider- i hope!
Thanks
 
I think you really have made the right decision, I am 2 years down the opposite path with a similar horse (opinionated male TB!) and I certainly wouldn't recommend, it has just been continuously demoralising.

I would keep looking for 'The One', I'm fortunate in that I have/have had her too because without her I would of undoubtedly given up by now.

I am not saying that there are horses that are quirk free, but it is such an uphill struggle if your heart is not completely in it.

I hope you enjoy the time you have with him and don't let this stop you having a fun summer together.

Best of luck with your search.

x
 
Keep looking. There are plenty of nice horses out there, why put up with one that does dangerous things?

There are quirks, and then there are things that are dangerous and not at all fun to deal with! In my mind rearing is definitely in the 2nd category.

We all work so hard and spend lots of money on our hobby, it's important to have a horse that you can enjoy.
 
If you have even the slightest doubt then he's not for you. Horses take up too much of your time and money to have one that isn't right. The fact that you were slightly relieved when your instructor said no, speaks volumes. You wouldn't have felt this if you felt that he was the one for you.

Good luck in finding a horse. I know it's not easy but it will be worth waiting for the right one.
smile.gif
 
Ah, then all things considered definitly have a look around
smile.gif
Whats the worst that can happen? They're an expensive hobby to have if you don't fully enjoy what they have to give x
 
Vicki_Krystal is selling a really nice 8yr old - maybe pm her? He is out competing now (been to Internations etc) so ready to go!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top