Some Perspective required please

[flips]

Bear with me, I'll try to keep this as short as I can and as simple.

Jan 2004 - My ex-hubby's sister (EHS) takes a friend of hers horse - Chris on loan as friend is moving abroad.

Jan 2004 - Friend is aware that EHS doesn't want Chris and agrees that another mutally known person can have Chris on loan - no agreement as agreement is with EHS.

April 2004 - Friend comes back for a couple of weeks, goes to see Chris and is disgusted with the condition of him. EHS goes and sees Chris and agrees. Chris needs new home. I have just had one of my horses PTS and agree to take Chris on - again no agreement between me and owner as agreement is with EHS and I wasn't worried coz she's my sister-in-law!!

Chris arrives with assortment of mostly ropey rugs and tack, with the exception of his saddle which was/ is lovley. Had to buy all new rugs, bridle and all the other parafinaleia (sp) to make Chris comfy

Paid for all upkeep and insurance etc - I expect nothing less after all he's kinda my pony and owner isn't coming back, EHS doesn't want him. In fact didn't hear from owner at all ever - even when I sent photo's.

Sept 2006 - Chris is very lame. Long and short he has nasty bone growths in his knee and vet doesn't know what cause is. Eventual decision - very sadly Chris is PTS. Owner aware and is happy that right decision was made but speaks to EHS and Mother-in-law not me.

Jan 2007 - Ex-Hubby and split up and eventually get divorced - after a very messy time I get the majority of all my equestrian stuff back including most of Chris' stuff.

July 2009 - Chris' owner calls out of the blue - I want all Chris' stuff, I'll come and collect it this Sunday. Look forward to meeting you!

Now am I getting my knickers in a twist or is this rude? It's 5 years since she saw Chris, she never seemed that interested in him while I was riding/ competeing/ hunting him, and it's over 2 years since I had to have him PTS. I didn't gain anything as the insurance company wriggled out of paying - another story.

Personally if the shoe was on the other foot I wouldn't dream of doing it. Now maybe I do still use his saddle on another horse and will be sad to see it go, but I have other saddles that'll fit him - it's more the principle!

Sorry for the long one, but your unbiased and rational thoughts would be appreacited.

 

[nicolaread]

I agree with you! I would be annoyed too! but I suppose you could argue that technically the things that chris came with still do belong to her, even thought she obviously couldnt be bothered with him. you should check out what the original contract said with regard to belongings (if possible) I personally would be inclined to tell her to bugger off + consider it payment for stable rent, feed, shoes etc!!! If she has waited 2 years then she obviously isnt that bothered!

 

[Chico Mio]

I think anything you bought for Chris is yours, anything that came with him is not - including the saddle. I do think it is a little hard nosed of her to turn up after two years though!

 

[Dubsie]

Could be that EHS hasn't said anything to you, but Chris's owner might have been asking to get in touch with you, could be EHS hasn't had your address/number/hasn't wanted to give the info/get in touch due to family acrimony if you had a messy divorce. Who knows what she's been saying to Chris's owner about you? Chris's owner might just want a memento. Who knows?! But you'll find out on Sunday.

I'd put together a few bits and pieces you have, eg the headcollar, saddle, some photos and maybe a few bills, vets bill, insurance cert etc for good measure...you probably don't know what EHS has been saying to her and you never know she may not want the saddle after all esp if she sees what you spent on her.