MrsElle
Well-Known Member
I went to see a horse today. He is a stunning 16hh Shire x Cob who was brought over from Ireland three years ago and used to pull holiday caravans for two years before being sold to his present owner last year as some of the holiday clientel (sp) were scared of him! I must admit if you are not used to horses he is rather imposing, he is huuuge, massive backside, big neck and head but a real gentle giant.
He is wonderful on the ground, very kind and gentle and reasonably priced. I and his owner suspect he is actually younger than his passport says he is (13) as does the owners vet. His estimated age is around 10.
Too good to be true? Not quite, as although his owner was told he was broken to ride she thinks that he wasn't. He accepts tack, you can mount him with no problem at all and is happy to walk forward if he is on a lead rein. However, take the lead rein off and he refuses to move. It appears he has no idea what the aids mean and will even put in a small buck.
I see it that the poor lad has no idea what is being asked of him so bucks out of frustration, but I really do feel that with a bit of work he will be a fantastic lad.
So do I get him? I can work with him over the winter with a view to him being 'right' by spring time, by which time it will be time to start Blue off.
I really really like the big lad, he is a bargain, his owner has been very open and honest with me about him and as long as we can get him moving off the lead rein he will be an amazing buy. He is fab out on the roads with him having been driven, nothing bothers him, its just he's a bit big to be a lead rein pony
ETA, he has had his back, teeth and saddle checked, feet ok, so no physical reason for him not wanting to move forward.
So, to buy or not to buy?
He is wonderful on the ground, very kind and gentle and reasonably priced. I and his owner suspect he is actually younger than his passport says he is (13) as does the owners vet. His estimated age is around 10.
Too good to be true? Not quite, as although his owner was told he was broken to ride she thinks that he wasn't. He accepts tack, you can mount him with no problem at all and is happy to walk forward if he is on a lead rein. However, take the lead rein off and he refuses to move. It appears he has no idea what the aids mean and will even put in a small buck.
I see it that the poor lad has no idea what is being asked of him so bucks out of frustration, but I really do feel that with a bit of work he will be a fantastic lad.
So do I get him? I can work with him over the winter with a view to him being 'right' by spring time, by which time it will be time to start Blue off.
I really really like the big lad, he is a bargain, his owner has been very open and honest with me about him and as long as we can get him moving off the lead rein he will be an amazing buy. He is fab out on the roads with him having been driven, nothing bothers him, its just he's a bit big to be a lead rein pony
ETA, he has had his back, teeth and saddle checked, feet ok, so no physical reason for him not wanting to move forward.
So, to buy or not to buy?
