Rant Alert :(

tabithakat64

tabithakat64

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 October 2006
Messages
5,942
Location
Herts, UK
Visit site
A very novice rider I know (think hasn't even mastered rising trot) has just been sold a horse.

Why do people sell horses to people who are clearly unable to ride :mad:
The horse is underweight, completely unfit, suffering from mud fever and god knows what else and yet has just been sold to a 16 stone novice.

The horse will be on complete DIY (non-horsey YO), the 'new' owner doesn't think it's necessary to have the horse vetted and has just got an insurance quote from E&L as the others were too expensive :rolleyes:

What sort of person sells a horse to this type of person :(

Several people have tried advising the lady that she's not ready for horse ownership and would be better off investing in some much needed lessons etc
Which she feels doesn't need as she rode a few times as a child and her 10 year old daughter is going to teach her :eek:

I seriously think that people should have to pass some riding/horse care proficiency test before they are able to purchase a horse :mad:
 
Yes but it's not practicably feasible or possible.

Now this person has this poor horse, whom I agree has been passed on with no conscience, how about you befriend the owner and point her in the right direction?
 
I guess some people just don't care that much about where their horse goes when it's for sale.
 
skewby said:
Now this person has this poor horse, whom I agree has been passed on with no conscience, how about you befriend the owner and point her in the right direction?
Click to expand...

I've tried to befriend them, I've been letting her have lessons from a friend (who is an RI) on my cob but have explained that due to her weight he is only suitable for her to do very little on as she is a novice and unbalanced and I don't want to put my horses welfare at risk.

(I'm no lightweight but I'm more balanced, weigh less and am much fitter than this lady).

I've found her a suitable share horse that she could have lessons on if she lost some weight and was fitter.

When it became clear that she was set on buying a horse I advised her on insurance companies, vettings, questions to ask at a viewing, explained the expense of keeping horse, suggested keeping the horse on livery where she would have help on hand etc As have several others.

I'm not angry as such at the women but worry that she's very unprepared in everyway for horse ownership let alone taking on a horse with obvious 'issues' and fear that the horse will end up suffering.

But it's fine because the horse was really sweet and happy to walk around with her onboard when the owner stopped leading her and the horse will only cost her £1500 and the owner is including tack that fits the horse when she's not so thin.

I'm really annoyed that anyone would care so little about the welfare of their horse to sell it to such an obviously novice person.
 
Last edited:
Everybody has to start with horse ownership some where.
Instead of being so judgemental, perhaps a kind and helpful approach would be more appropriate.
But if help and advice is given with the same judgemental attitude, dont be suprised if you get told to get lost and mind your own.

The last thing a first time horse owner needs is to be at a yard with judgemental fellow liveries all whispering in dark corners and bitching about their lack of horse skills.

I've been there years ago, and I will not forget that I too was once inexperienced x
 
I have tried really hard to be helpful and not be too judgemental as this lady horrible and I do realise that everyone has to start somewhere.

But surely you need a basic level of riding/horse care before you should go out and purchase one?
 
tabithakat64 said:
I've tried to befriend them, I've been letting her have lessons from a friend (who is an RI) on my cob but have explained that due to her weight he is only suitable for her to do very little on as she is a novice and unbalanced and I don't want to put my horses welfare at risk.

(I'm no lightweight but I'm more balanced, weigh less and am much fitter than this lady).

I've found her a suitable share horse that she could have lessons on if she lost some weight and was fitter.

When it became clear that she was set on buying a horse I advised her on insurance companies, vettings, questions to ask at a viewing, explained the expense of keeping horse, suggested keeping the horse on livery where she would have help on hand etc As have several others.

I'm not angry as such at the women but worry that she's very unprepared in everyway for horse ownership let alone taking on a horse with obvious 'issues' and fear that the horse will end up suffering.

But it's fine because the horse was really sweet and happy to walk around with her onboard when the owner stopped leading her and the horse will only cost her £1500 and the owner is including tack that fits the horse when she's not so thin.

I'm really annoyed that anyone would care so little about the welfare of their horse to sell it to such an obviously novice person.
Click to expand...

So she's been riding your cob but can't do much on him as you wont let her, whilst I understand your reason and I personally wouldn't allow 16 stone at all on my cobs back, how is she to improve if she can't do much?
You found her a share thats ideal if she loses weight? I'm sorry but this sounds really insulting.
Just maybe she doesn't want to go on a long diet to take on she share you reccommend, and as she can do little on your cob, she's gone and got her own horse.
Maybe its her only way of moving forward with horses and riding?

Again its awfully judgemental for you to think the previous owners dont care a hoot, you dont know their circumstances, or their line of thinking. People are often happy to sell to novices because they have good experienced people around them to help. Also, people are finding themselves in the situation that they have to urgently sell due to finances.

Give the woman a break, help her out if she needs it, but dont take over. She'll find her feet just like the rest of us did x
 
bakedbean said:
You're spot on there.

Off topic, how are those Welshie Scraps of yours?
Click to expand...

All Five are doing really well, filling out and growing well.

All are halter broken and walking nicely, all have there own stables and are out all day in a lovely big green field so the can eat and play - one of the fillies is a bit scared of her own shadow though!

They are in at night so we can make sure they get their fair share of Youngstock mix and Hayledge!
 
missyme10 said:
Maybe its her only way of moving forward with horses and riding?
Click to expand...

I think you do have a point with this, as I doubt she could find anything suitable to share as very few people would be willing to have a complete novice rider share their pride and joy and I assume most riding schools wouldn't have anything suitable for a novice of her size either.

I just can't see any responsible owner selling their horse to such an obvious complete novice regardless of the circumstances if they cared about their horses welfare. The lady will have no-one to help her or supervise her riding on a day to day basis.
 
I get where you are coming from tabithakat, you don't sound judgmental at all... just concerned! Lets hope it all turns out OK and she will in time gain experience like a lot of us did when starting out.... God knows there are enough horror stories out there to remind us that this is often not the case :( . Keep a close eye and offer advice & help were you can. There are alot of unscrupulous sellers out there who dont care who they sell too as long as they get their money. There are also alot who do care.... lets hope this one turns out to be the latter :) xx
 
tabithakat64 said:
I think you do have a point with this, as I doubt she could find anything suitable to share as very few people would be willing to have a complete novice rider share their pride and joy and I assume most riding schools wouldn't have anything suitable for a novice of her size either.

I just can't see any responsible owner selling their horse to such an obvious complete novice regardless of the circumstances if they cared about their horses welfare. The lady will have no-one to help her or supervise her riding on a day to day basis.
Click to expand...

I dont know of anyone who'd let a 16 stone novice on their horse, I certainly wouldn't and you've been very good to her to let her on your own horse, I know cobs are weight carriers but novice riders are like sacks of spuds, or I certainly was :D
I also dont know of a riding school who would take her.

I feel sorry for people like her and do suspect this will be her only way forward.

What type of horse has she bought, and what age? I know you said the horse is overweight and unfit. There's your first bit of advice, she needs to take it easy and build up slowly for both their sake, who knows maybe they'll both lose weight and get fitter together :D
 
The horse is underweight, the lady says she can see it's spine and ribs clearly when she asked the owner why the horse was so thin she was told that this was due to the mud fever.
She's been told the horse is completely unfit and has only walked it round, the owner did get onboard at all.
The horse is a 13 year old, 15hh cob type (apparently she has legs of a similar size to my boy but a much narrower chest) so not a complete mis-match.

What I am most concerned about is that she's potentially brought something that could be unsuitable/dangerous for her to ride as a novice as the horse could be very different when it's put on condition and is fitter. I'm also concerned this horse could have multiple health issues that she isn't aware of as she's not having it vetted and could end up with massive vet bills etc
 
Last edited:
It sounds like you have tried to help her and you've done as much as you can. My concern would be with the horse's welfare. I have a friend with a very limited budget for buying a horse. She is 16 stone and a novice - by which I mean I hacked out with her a while ago when she was riding someone elses horse - we had a canter across a field - I looked round to see her just about staying on!!! She recently enquired about an ex-racehorse. How do you tell someone someone subtley that it's just not feasible for them to get on a 16hh stick legged horse?? I have told her that she can ride my elderly ex-racer if she can get down to 12 stone, which is still considerably more than me, but he should be ok with it. In fact I have more or less told her that she can do what she wants with him at no cost to her if she loses weight, but she just won't. So instead, we spent last night trawling through websites looking for something in her price range, which were suitable, but the only things that were coming up were ex-racers or ones with "issues" which she would not be able to deal with.......it's very difficult to try and help - you can only do so much before yo have to let her just get on with it and learn from her mistakes. I love my friend to bits, but I can't do any more.
 
Last edited:
tabithakat64 said:
The horse is underweight, the lady says she can see it's spine and ribs clearly when she asked the owner why the horse was so thin she was told that this was due to the mud fever.
She's been told the horse is completely unfit and has only walked it round, the owner did get onboard at all.
The horse is a 13 year old, 15hh cob type (apparently she has legs of a similar size to my boy but a much narrower chest) so not a complete mis-match.

What I am most concerned about is that she's potentially brought something that could be unsuitable/dangerous for her to ride as a novice as the horse could be very different when it's put on condition and is fitter. I'm also concerned this horse could have multiple health issues that she isn't aware of as she's not having it vetted and could end up with massive vet bills etc
Click to expand...

Sorry I thought you'd said overweight. Well if that thin she shouldn't be riding the horse at all until its condition has improved. A 15hh cob with good bone should carry 16 stone, but I wouldn't be asking to much of them, thats gotta be pretty much top end of what they can comfortably carry.
I hear what you're saying about when the horse gains weight and fitness, the reality is she really can't know what she's bought until then - so yes far from ideal for a novice.

I dunno how a hairy native cob type can become that thin, I'd have to totally starve mine for months, he lives on fresh air, so yes does suggest underlying health problems, or an uncaring owner - maybe horse will be better off with your friend!!

I thought you were being rather judgemental to start with, but the more you explain, the more I'm with you in thinking. All you can do is help and advise where you can x
 
I have to agree with the OP. This large novice rider needs instruction, in both riding and horse care before she buys a horse. I have a friend who is currently 18st. She knows she is overweight and is working hard to loose weight. She has had a sit on our ardennes type mare, but has said that she will not do it again until she has lost weight.
Another concern for me is that the buyer is intending having lessons from her ten year old daughter :eek: Doubt if this child has much experience herself, never mind the whole debate about who is the adult in the relationship!
The seller is obviously not interested in the welfare of the horse, regardless of their own circumstances, they are obviously aware that they are selling a thin horse to an overweight novice, with no horse knowlege. This scenario sounds like a recipe for disaster for this horse, and I for one cannot see a good outcome.
 
Last edited:
tabithakat64 said:
I've tried to befriend them, I've been letting her have lessons from a friend (who is an RI) on my cob but have explained that due to her weight he is only suitable for her to do very little on as she is a novice and unbalanced and I don't want to put my horses welfare at risk.

(I'm no lightweight but I'm more balanced, weigh less and am much fitter than this lady).

I've found her a suitable share horse that she could have lessons on if she lost some weight and was fitter.

When it became clear that she was set on buying a horse I advised her on insurance companies, vettings, questions to ask at a viewing, explained the expense of keeping horse, suggested keeping the horse on livery where she would have help on hand etc As have several others.

I'm not angry as such at the women but worry that she's very unprepared in everyway for horse ownership let alone taking on a horse with obvious 'issues' and fear that the horse will end up suffering.

But it's fine because the horse was really sweet and happy to walk around with her onboard when the owner stopped leading her and the horse will only cost her £1500 and the owner is including tack that fits the horse when she's not so thin.

I'm really annoyed that anyone would care so little about the welfare of their horse to sell it to such an obviously novice person.
Click to expand...

Whilst I agree that someone should not sell a horse to such an uncertain future, in this case, I am not surprised. The horse is underweight (in the spring!) The owner is hardly going to be bothered who she sells it to if she isn't bothered about feeding it properly. Maybe, just maybe, this new unknowledgable owner will do a better job? Her weight would really concern me though. Especially as she is novice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top