opinions please - is there a market for older hack/schoolmistress with issues?

[scatty_mare]

First off I should say that this is not advertising as the horse in question is not on the market and I hope never will be! But a conversation with the lady who has her on loan has got me thinking about what I would do if she ever gives her back. So, is there a market for this horse?

15.3 tb mare, 16 years. Has successfully evented in the past and will still do a nice dressage test although she has only competed up to novice level. Well mannered and sensible hack and correct, obedient and responsive on flat. With decent rider. Her current loaner is novicey and unbalanced and horse seems very tolerant. Loaner feels super safe as horse has learnt to ignore her erratic aids and transforms into riding school donkey. She reverts to normal when I get on but would become quickly dead to the leg and probably naughty if exclusively ridden by novices.

She broke her withers 4 years ago which ended her competitive career and as a result she can no longer jump. She is sound and healthy on current workload (hacked/lightly schooled 4-5 times a week) but I don't know if she would stand up to harder work now. She is a funny shape in the wither region and difficult to fit saddles to. However she has a made to measure saddle that would go with her.

She is well-mannered on the ground but has to be kept on top of if you know what I mean - I think if she got away with stuff she'd quickly become a monster! Crib bites, separation anxiety, terrible feet, needs a lot of hay. But she is a stunning looking mare!

Think that's everything! So is there a market for an older hack with lots of manageable issues? I have always thought I would pts rather than sell if I couldn't keep her anymore due to withers, but although she has no monetary value, she still has a lot to offer...

She's not going anywhere at least for now though!

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[khalswitz]

I would say yes. I wouldn't expect much for her, but there would definitely be a home where she would be much appreciated, especially if she is tolerant of beginners. I've found homes for much harder to place horses!! However be prepared to sell for little and possibly take some time to find the right place. Or even put out on loan again?

 

[Carmen6]

It sounds like she has a lot to offer to the right person.

Would you prefer to sell rather than loan? With her not being worth a lot and given her issues, for me personally, I'd worry about her being passed around at some point. At least on loan you'll always have a hand in her best interests.