Now what do I do?

benson21

benson21

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We went to see a horse on saturday, he was lovely, we want a horse that can do a bit of everything, something that we need to ask it to do what we want, not something to lively. And this horse just fitted the bill.
But asking questions about it afterwards I have been told it has been seen to rear at a show, which I cant put up with.
So I have phoned the owner today and she has completely denied any knowledge of this, and she seems really genuine about it. She knows about our confident issues, I am on crutches with a broken back, and have pointed out to her many times I need a safe horse.
She has said we could take him on a 2 week trial to try him, we have a big jumping centre down the road from us so could take him there to see what he is like with the jumps.
So now I dont know what to believe!!!!!
 
Well - if it were me, and I really liked the horse and wanted to trust the people selling it, I would probably take them up on their offer of a 2 week trial. Then get someone who isn't just getting over a broken back, to take it to as many parties as possible in that time to see how it behaves.

Without knowing the details, it may be a case of mistaken identity. If this were true and the horse was perfect in all respects, it would be a real shame to miss out.

If you do decide to do this then be sure that you get everything in writing, and don't pay for him until you are fully satisfied!

Good luck with your search though - the right one will be out there! Don't rush into anything.
 
One person's rear could be another person's hopping in excitement, if you see what I mean.

Neither might not be acceptable to you but I'd say if you like the horse and feel the owner is genuine, give the horse a trial.
 
Just had a call back from the seller, it wasnt her riding him at this show where he was supposed to rear, she has just spoken to the person that was riding him and he said that yes he did rear, but didnt mention it because he felt it was insugnificant!(sp)
It is so nice to actually have a seller being honest!!!
But its a shame because I really liked him, but cant risk rearing and me coming off!!!
 
If it was me, I would take them up on the offer of a two week trial. There could be lots of reasons someone would say they had seen a horse rear - perhaps he did rear out of character, perhaps it wasn't really a rear (as someone else said) but just a hop. Perhaps a case of mistake identity? Perhaps the person saying this does not like the person selling the horse. Perhaps the person saying this is jealous of you buying a nice horse? I'm not saying any of this is the case, but perhaps look into it a bit more yourself, and get a friend to take the horse out a bit and see how he reacts within those two weeks?
 
Do you plan on showing him though?

Is your concern that he has done it once, he could do it in any situation?
 
Glad the seller was honest, but sorry the horse didn't work out. Don't give up, I am sure the right horse is out there and you will find him or her eventually.
 
I know how you feel. My story is no where near as horrible as yours but I did have a similar experience when looking for my current horse. I was just beginning to ride again after breaking my ankle in an accident on the ground when my horse had to be pts suddenly. I went to look at a beautiful Appaloosa mare who looked almost exactly like one we used to own. I stressed to the owner on the phone that I need something which would stand still at a mounting block for me to dis/mount. The mare looked near perfect and I would have loved to buy her UNTIL the owner struggled to mount and spent several minutes 'scooting' round the field with one foot in the stirrup, saying 'Do stand still'. I thanked her for her time and left.
I'm sure you will find the perfect horse, with no issues.
 
If the rider felt it was insignificant, maybe that means it was more of a hop than a real rear? I wouldn't ever call a real rear insignificant, which is what would make me think this.

However if this has made you feel less confident about the horse, maybe it is better that you do look somewhere else as you don't need your confidence denting, as you say:)
 
The seller is obviously being totally honest with you. However, I would never ever buy a horse that has been known to rear and in your situation, you just can't risk it. Even if you have it on trial and it behaves impeccably, will you ever be able to 100% trust it not to rear in the future. After everthing you've been through, you deserve to find something with no ifs or buts. Did you manage to return the other horse btw? Personally, I think you are being very brave and positive.
 
Hope all's going well with recovery, glad you've decided to look for another horse. Such a shame about this one, tricky decision but unless you feel 100% it might be best to keep looking, no need to rush into anything
 
OP, I've been dithering about posting this because I don't want it to be misconstrued, but I wonder if you have thought of looking for something like an ex-RDA horse?

I used to ride RDA ponies, and they were lovely - they were interesting for a confident rider without being daft but really looked after anyone who needed it, and a horse like that might be just the thing for regaining confidence.

As I said, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, I would definitely consider a horse like that for myself but it might be totally wrong for you! But just wanted to float it as an option that you might want to consider, or not as the case may be:)
 
QR
What a lovely owner!?!

Now, that doesn't mean the horse is right for you of course. I certainly wouldn't have thought I wanted one who will throw himself around (not rear but the front feat are off the floor...) even as much as my current share who I love!

I think you're really brave looking for a new horse but can you actually ride now? Assuming you want a horse to ride wouldn't it be better to wait until you are healed enough to try them? I've not experienced an injury as severe as yours but individual people feel very differently about individual horses gaits anyway (I said what a lovely canter mine had the first time I rode him, his owner looked shocked and said it took her months to learn to sit to it!) and you might find your personal alignment changes a little as you heal.

Obviously if you're already back in the saddle and the crutches are just for walking ignore me waffling!

And, if you are at all sensible, ignore this bit: if you really want a safe horse get a rocking horse. You broke your back (presumably equestrian related?) and are considering another horse. That is incredibly brave and you don't want a safe horse. You want a real horse. And any real horse can and will rear given sufficient provocation/panic/pain/whatever. So, as long as you rule out those with known medical or physiological issues go with your heart. Get a horse to enjoy and who you bond with. Ex-RDA or ex-racer (I know a couple who are both!). Gut instinct is great!
 
Or, I used to ride an ex-police horse (I think he had failed to make the grade as he was scared of explosions - tut:rolleyes::D) and he was lovely - back like an armchair and so comfortable because he was mahoosive; beautiful, lovely temperament; great to ride; not boring but safe, with the advantage that comes with huge horses that everything he did started at least ten minutes before he actually did it so you were rarely taken by surprise by any little daft moments:)

I adored him, and again that could be a horse to fit the bill - he was an RS horse, did side-saddle and went hunting and competing on occasion as well :)
 
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