Making an offer on a horse that's not for sale?!

Sorry, long post but wondering if anyone has ever made an offer for a horse that wasn't for sale?

I bought a horse from a local farrier last year and while I was there getting him vetted, I met one of his other horses - a 2 year old chestnut mare, bred for racing but never raced. She was not in great condition but such a little sweetie - the mare equivalent of my own chestnut gelding. I liked her then but she was very young and plus I'd just bought another horse! I went to see the farrier last night and the little mare is now 3 and he's backing her in his own way (not classical to say the least but it seems to work, all his horses are lovely and very well behaved). I just fell in love with her! Totally lost all sense of perspective - I don't need another horse, I just love her!

Now, she's not for sale and he wants to keep her, back her and play a year or two of polo on her. I know he's very fond of her and to be honest, he didn't really want to sell me my other horse but needed the money.

So, should I make him an offer? I don't mind waiting a few years for her, but she's absolutely the one for me. Would you accept an offer if your horse wasn't for sale? He does kind of need the money and it's not like she's his only horse. I'd also really love to have a mare to breed from one day and she's got the best temperament I've ever seen. Thoughts?
 
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1275gta

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If you don't ask you don't get.

Go for it the worst that will happen is he'll say no.

Most things are for sale at the right price!!!!
 
Next time you see him - just ask him how the mare is - and tell him straight. You like her and would like first refusal if he decides to sell her. Leave the ball fairly and squarly in his court.
 
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Next time you see him - just ask him how the mare is - and tell him straight. You like her and would like first refusal if he decides to sell her. Leave the ball fairly and squarly in his court.

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Echo this
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Also if he does decide to sell her I'm sure he'd rather she went to someone he knows so he can keep up with her progress, so you've an instant advantage.
 
It broke my heart actually - he was nearly in tears asking how his old horse, Pip, was and was telling me how he misses him so much and how his old mare stills calls for him! I offered to let him come and ride his old horse but he said he couldn't do it - he'd just never get over it. I almost feel bad offering - every time he gets a cracking horse, I'm right there saying 'ooh can I have it?!".
 
A farrier that needs the money??!?!?
First ive ever known farriers to be skint lol

Id offer 1st refusal as you neveer know - he could get a similer offer from someone else and you would kick yourself
 
i bought my horse last week who wasnt for sale, id gone back to riding school to gain some confidence and completly fell in love with the horse i was riding, after i sold my horse my husband persuaded me to ring the riding school and ask if he would consider selling him to me, he said no he,s not for sale but after id told him i had fallen in love with him and he was just what i was looking for, he changed his mind and now i have my perfect dream horse, everything is for sale at the right price, if you dont ask, you dont get. so get asking.
 
Yeah, definitely! The worst he can say is 'sorry, she's not for sale'.

Mind you, I approached someone who's horse I fell in love with. It was bought for the daughter who cared more about what colour her shoes were than the wonderful little horse in the field. She'd only just been backed (which theys ent her away for) and asked me to carry on her education (I think they knew the daughter was more likely to start flying rather than turn up at the yard). SO I did and started to really like her, she was fab and so willing. I asked them if they've sell her to me and they said no but you can have her on loan for a year.

At this point I thought, yeah, I do all the work and pay for her and then you take her off me after the year and sell her for loads. So I said no. The poor horse is still in the field behind my house and hasn't been ridden since... and that was 4 years ago now. Such a shame
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Sorry, I seemt o have rambled but definitely ask! Best of luck x
 
A friend of mine went to a show and saw someone 'trying to ride' a stunning 7yr old 17h WB..... she asked them there and then if she could buy him and they said no. So she forced her number onto them went in her class and went home.

Next day she gets a call and he is now hers - i'm not sure what she paid for him but she said he was a bargain and was planning to re-school him and sell him on.

Needless to say he is an angel in everyway and is now a permenant fixture at our yard!! He melted my heart and i've asked for first refusal if she can part with him but I somehow don't think she will!
 
you can ask , but i would expect to have to offer a tempting price to him

a friend of mine has had several people ask to buy his horse , he likes her so much he's always said no , even though he was offered 3X what he paid for her about 12 months after getting her( she probably is worth it but he knows he'll struggle to find a nice replacement)
 
I first went to see Tobago because my 'mentor' said I absolutely had to look at this stunning colt, even though he was most emphatically Not For Sale!

The owners warned me about 16 times on the phone that I could come and admire him if I wanted to, but he was Not For Sale!!

Of course, I fell in love at first sight. Had to have him! It took a lot of begging and pleading - as well as a large cheque LOL - but eventually they agreed to let me buy him.

The very best horses are often never advertised for sale, but I think if you see a horse you really like, there is never any harm in asking the owners if they might be willing to sell. The worst that can happen is that they are very flattered, think you have great taste, but still say no.

Your farrier is a grown-up - if he really doesn't want to sell this mare, he will say so. I would say it is worth at least asking for first refusal...
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Its like the radio advert that advertises for people to advertise their jobs on the radio that says 'the best employees arent looking for a job' the best horses arent looking for a home, but it doesnt mean you cant find them!

However i do disagree with the person who said everythings for sale at the right price, If somebody tried to buy certain horses out of my collection (the ones i refer to as, 'will never go anywhere horses') no matter how much money they offered and what situation i was in, it would never be enough!
 
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