Never look a gift horse in the mouth?

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RunToEarth

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I have been offered a TBx type for free, as a hunter. His owners have no room for him, he will be given to me with nothing, the person they did have to ride him has told me he has a mega jump in him but does like spending a lot of time on his back legs, which doesn't bother me too much but its never a good thing. I've always been one to prefer my hunters with more bone, I once hunted my boss's TB and did not enjoy it, the neck poses a terrible fear for me, and riding it feels like sitting on my old games pony, which was never much good for my deep rooted hunting seat which I have adopted since bying the coloured one.
I would really like a little project, but I am worried having him will A) take my focus away from Oshk and he might start to go backwards, just as he is going super B) take up all of my time and C) use up all my free funds kitting this horse out as he comes with zilch, and whilst I have a few spare rugs and a saddle kicking about I refuse to buy another new wardrobe for a horse.
I feel under pressure as his owners are my friends, but to be honest it seems more like me doing them a favour than them giving me this wonderful free horse, which, if it is so wonderful, why are they not selling on?
 
If your not sure, don't take it........The old addage about buying a horse is cheap, it's just keeping them that is expensive, rings true!!!!
 
As you say it looks as though he must have issues otherwise why give him away free, I know of people that have been given horses (never me stamps feet) and they have turned out to be great. Are they wanting him to go to you because they have financial issues or something else making them give him up quick? if not I'd be wary.
 
I think they are wanting him to go to me so they don't have to turn him away, being a TB he wouldn't winter out very well and they really have no where for him anymore. I have had horses given to me before and always managed to sell them on but I think realistically this is the wrong time to be given another one, I guess I just needed somebody else to spell it out for me
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But he is fully clipped out and in hard work at the moment, he has (IMO) far too many stable rugs on, and on 2hours turn out a day, stabled in a heated indoor barn, wintering out would be a huge shock to the system...
 
I think I have yes Kat, I just feel bad, I'm a little angry actually as they have pressured me into feeling like I have to have him as they are "turning to me as a last resort"
 
You've answered your own question, and if you really don't have the time, or just don't feel your able to take another horse just now, don't feel bad at all. By saying that they're "turning to you as a last resort", they're just wanting this effect - you feeling bad and taking him on out of sympathy. xx
 
You obviously do not wish to take this horse, so say no. You are not the last resort and should not be pressurised. If they cannot rehome him otherwise then I am afraid there is just one answer, although I am sure a home could be found with a little effort from them.
 
nothing is ever a last resort.... i have just sold my just backed mare for 6k, within 2 days of the adverts going live (2 days prior to xmas). she has 0 competion record, hasnt hacked out, hasnt done anything apart from schooling. She can be a right handfull, but can really jump though.

if this horse is a good jumper why dont they sell it? you can sell horses at any time of the year. i have just proved it....

nothing to stop you having it over winter, school it up a bit and sell it on in the spring? thne you would struggle for time, money or wardrobe as it would only be for 3-4 months.
 
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