Rehoming tricky horses

[emilylou]

Hello,

I am curious what people have done in the past when trying to rehome a tricky horse. A friend of mine is trying to place her mare in a long term home (on permanent loan basis, no ££) but is a typical TB and whilst has no vices is quirky and must live out in a herd as will not stable. She would do RC stuff and is well reschooled with all the basics but no competition record but would be half decent BS/BD with more work.
We haven't advertised her as don't want to subject her to the predictable collective of imbiciles that would want to come and try her only to be totally unsuitable, but so far no luck with word of mouth. She isn't a totally useless animal and with the right person and set up she would be a very enjoyable horse to have.
If you've had to rehome a tricky horse before how have you done it and did it work out? And any tips on where to look for a capable owner who is willing to look past a few quirks for a useful animal that will do a job?

 

[ihatework]

I’ve done 3.

First was a LWVTB to someone I knew. That was a quirky Tb that didn’t want to be a competition horse but was a nice hack. They loaned for 6 months then purchased. Kept him until the end.

Second was LWVTB. That one was a useful horse, had a buck and had a PSD op - I just didn’t get on with him. That horse was advertised, I filtered out the responses, came back on the first attempt. Stayed and was eventually purchased on the second attempt. Went hunting, did a good job.

Third was a straight loan. Horse with complicated medical history and management needs. I had a soft spot for him. Advertised, was inundated with twits. Took 4 months but placed in the perfect home which is where he remains ?7 years later

 

[milliepops]

i received a tricky one via word of mouth.

are you members of a riding club, or have an instructor etc? i think if you don't want to advertise then you need to maximise your networking, try farriers etc as well

 

[Nudibranch]

I've put one out on loan as a lead rein pony. Wasn't at all suited to driving. But ended up at a very, very nice home where he lives the life of riley. Pure luck though. Homes like that don't come along often. The only other I've thought about selling was a TB. But when he came down with a pedal bone infection after a long run of mud fever and abscesses I had him pts. He was exactly the sort of candidate to end up somewhere totally unsuitable.

 

[stormox]

I think all you can do is advertise and try and weed people out when they phone. And put in the ad you want calls not texts and FB messages- that will weed a lot of dreamers out.

 

[windand rain]

Only tricky one I gave to the kid that loved her but couldnt afford her She was nuts every thing had to be done at 100mph The kid didn't know she was hers until jumping clear round the HOYS workers, Her mum did though. Anything dangerous or unpredictable would stay or be shot

 

[Goldenstar]

J my TB a is on loan to a friend as a hack .
He did not like jumping he jumped but it was not his thing .
He did not enjoy hunting too long too sweaty too dirty btw he hated race horse school and just refused to go to the gallops he was very quirky I loved him dearly but apart from a bit of light flat work which he enjoyed the only thing he loved was hacking .
He now lives out in a park with a Haha looks regal from the road ( he’s an exceptionally beautiful horse ) and enjoys hacking about and being admired .

 

[Red-1]

If it is for a loan I don't think you will have a problem at all for a sound horse capable of competition. I'm not saying that you won't have to wade through many wannabes, but I do think that you will find someone. Most people can be discounted on the phone.

I would do all the checks, references, yard visits etc.

 

[paddi22]

If it's not someone I know then I like to loan out the tricky ones. if they wanted to buy it down the line that's great. but there's a few horses that can take a seriously bad turn in life with just one wrong owner. so at least with a loan you have some control.

 

[Polos Mum]

Maybe try one of the websites that filter for you - I think Homes for Horses you have to apply for more info. Genuinely interested people would bother (although I'm sure it'd put a few off)

I can't imagine the pain of a FB ad and the 5 million questions "would it suit my 8 y/o daughter coming off ponies", "could I try in a big stable" " can she move to Jersey / other random location 250 miles away" "will she BE 100 for a novice" " will 2 hours turn out be OK - I am lovely" "I am sure with a proper carrot stick she'll be OK in my stable because I painted them pink" "what is she like to cuddle"

I think advertise selectively and be prepared to say no to viewing to most of the people who reply. Have a list of questions to ask them (experience, facilities, plans etc.) and if they can't answer suitably for you then they can't view.

 

[windand rain]

Love that polos mum. I once advertised a Black Welsh D every caller asked what colour she was

 

[Rowreach]

J my TB a is on loan to a friend as a hack .
He did not like jumping he jumped but it was not his thing .
He did not enjoy hunting too long too sweaty too dirty btw he hated race horse school and just refused to go to the gallops he was very quirky I loved him dearly but apart from a bit of light flat work which he enjoyed the only thing he loved was hacking .
He now lives out in a park with a Haha looks regal from the road ( he’s an exceptionally beautiful horse ) and enjoys hacking about and being admired .

I have always wanted a haha and a bucolic scene out of the window

 

[Goldenstar]

J’s haha runs along the road you can drive past and see him alongside you .
The first time I did in the truck he whinnied and walked down into the haha to talk to me .
I drove home in tears .
he’s getting older now I have an empty stable for him just in case .

 

[emilylou]

If it's not someone I know then I like to loan out the tricky ones. if they wanted to buy it down the line that's great. but there's a few horses that can take a seriously bad turn in life with just one wrong owner. so at least with a loan you have some control.

That’s what we are afraid of. In the wrong environment she would be a nightmare and branded dangerous but with the right set up she’s laid back and easy so it’s definitely a loan/LWVTB home with the option of coming back anytime if it’s not working out. She’ll hack alone well but won’t hunt/fun rides as finds it too stressful and you need to be able to sit a spook as she can be very sudden and dramatic. In an arena she’s amazing and works brilliantly so needs a laid back yard with 24/7 turnout a rider that can be quite regimental with her work. I’m sure the home is out there. Maybe will have to brave an advert in the new year and do a thorough vetting of all potentials!!

 

[AdorableAlice]

Reading this reminds me of when I advertised for a rider/loaner for Ted. Clearly stating he would remain with me and he was not a novice ride or novice handle on the ground. There was a specific requirement that the new person would be willing to ride with us and accompany a young horse when possible. No monetary contribution needed, trust, reliability and kindness a must.

The responses were astonishing. I was told I did not know what I was talking about, told I was inexperienced. Several offers to 'sort the horse out'. Umpteen must leave my yard statements, how high can he jump, does he eat much, does he have shoes. One 'I have a big garden, will he fit in ?' One chap got abusive because I would not agree to let him see the horse. It really was an eye opening experience. Rehoming tricky horses has to be taken very seriously and with the horse's welfare and future imperative, so many are just passed on to take their chance and then end up in bin end dealer yards.

The ideal person for the bonkers carthorse turned out to be the very first person who responded, and she has gone on to be a dear friend who is a key player with the horses, who is totally trusted and who I would be totally lost without now. Ted adores her and she can do everything with him that I can't. He hears her car arrive and starts calling to her. He sees me and clears off in the other direction ! If she had facilities I would give him to her without hesitation.

 

[scruffyponies]

Target your ad to the type of home and job that the horse is suitable for. If possible advertise in a closed or specialist group. The only horse I ever sold was 18 years old and downright dangerous under saddle, but he drove really well. Sold via Carriagelink in 24hrs to a driving only home.
If the horse is quirky, say so, and be as clear as possible. Capable people will appreciate your honesty, and (most) novices will pass.

 

[soloequestrian]

Following with interest - OP I don't suppose your friend wants to swap the mare for a quirky gelding?

 

[emilylou]

Following with interest - OP I don't suppose your friend wants to swap the mare for a quirky gelding?

Depends what the gelding does. If it hacks, hunts and fun rides she may be interested. Feel free to PM me

 

[SEL]

A friend has just advertised her Welsh D with various health issues through Homes for Horses. Covid has decimated their family income so she couldn't keep him. He's a totally bombproof hack on the roads and went LWVTB to a lady who just wants to do that and is happy to manage his multiple issues in return. I think she will buy him.

H4H was a good filter apparently