Too scared to call

[Serianas]

Hey guys... so April is nearly here and i stupidly thought i would scope out whats available out there for when i get my first horse...

I have found one i really like the look of however.... I have no problems trying the horse, buying the horse etc but I am scared that if i call the people to try the horse they will just turn me away or worse, laugh...

I have had huge issues in the past with people (bullying) and to be honest i didnt expect this complication..

just wanted to tell someone because I fell so stupid... anyone else had this?

 

[Arizahn]

E-mail them first, and ask when suits for you to phone and discuss viewing. That way you will sort of know them already before you call

I am utterly terrified of phoning people!

 

[Mince Pie]

Write out a list of questions you would like to ask, and then practice in the mirror until you feel confident to call. Why would they laugh? They may say the horse may not be suitable but then they would be thinking of both you and the horse. *gentle kick up the bum!*

 

[Serianas]

thanks its nice to know im not the only one with people problems... or is it... i dont wish it on anyone is what i mean...

im going to bite the bullet and ring them tomorrow with my questions in front of me think im going to be sick :S

 

[TrasaM]

Do you have someone to go with you for moral support ..

 

[pelusillaazul8]

Never be afraid of that. Just call them with an authoritive tone on your voice, like if you were a manager or something. If they turn you down on trying the horse, I strongly recommend that you DON'T buy the horse. The seller that doesn't let you try the horse is HIDING SOMETHING!! It is very important that you take this into account. Good luck!

 

[dogatemysalad]

Well, If I had a horse that was suitable for you, I'd be happy for you to view. You sound thoughtful and lovely. The last horse I sold didn't go to the best rider who made an offer, he went to the best home and that was with a lovely girl who beamed all the time she was riding.

Take someone with you on your horse hunting, even if they aren't knowledgeable, they just need to be a second pair of eyes and ears.

 

[Tronk]

I hate phoning people too but you've got no choice, so write a list of the main things you need to ask, have your diary ready to arrange a viewing if you get the right answers, take a deep breath and just do it! Don't put it off either as you may run the risk of losing the horse.
I know it feels like a test of your horsey knowledge and riding ability when you go and try a horse, but you must keep telling yourself that they aren't testing you, you're testing the horse. Take someone with you, it makes it so much easier!

 

[diamonddogs]

I know exactly what you mean - I hate phoning people I don't know, specially if I'm a buyer! I'm fine on the phone at work as well, and you'd think that would be worse.

I'm sure they'll be as much on edge as you are, probably more, as they want their horse to go to a good home, and they want you to like him. They'll be more worried you won't like him and walk away.

 

[Serianas]

dogatemysalad you make me blush hehe... I wouldnt say lovely just... headshy sometimes

I am fine at work even with the nasties (and we get some real nasties! and all over something so stupid as a wheely bin... i digress) but ringing someone that could make my dreams come true turns my legs to jelly..

You will all be pleased to know though that while i didnt ring about the horse i have rung a livery yard about viewing the place i had to leave a voicemail but im sure they will call me back...

also is it common practice to find stable then horse or the other way around? This has been 20 years in the planning (actually 21 on Friday just gone but whos counting lol) and i dont want to get it hopelessly wrong...

 

[HappyHooves]

I think you are very sensible to establish a place to put your horse when you get him or her! Better that way around than finding you have a horse and have to make a quick decision on a yard which you may repent at leisure. Good luck!

 

[flirtygerty]

Take a deep breath, phone, then imagine them naked, it will put a smile in your voice, good luck, I would let you try one of mine

 

[Serianas]

ok so i called a yard owner and know there is a place for him/her... and also im viewing one on Sunday!!!! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Even if its not right for me i have made massive progress by speaking to people

 

[Honey08]

Fantastic. I will look forward to your updates.

 

[alainax]

Just remember that you are the buyer! These people have paid lots of good money, spent lots of time taking pics - all in the hope that you would call! Do not feel that you have anything to be shy about, they are looking for you to call

 

[Serianas]

HI all just thought i would update... I have gone from no horses to view to four over the weekend!

Also my preloved advert has been stupidly popular! as the meme goes 'See all the horses!!!' (ill stop being a nerd now)

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I hope you find the perfect horse.

 

[Serianas]

at this rate Faracat I will find my perfect 16 horses!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

You're going to struggle to choose if that happens!

 

[Arizahn]

Nice update

 

[lizbet]

You sound such a nice person some good advice on hear.please dont take this the wrong way there are a lot of nasty people in the horse world. Be as strong as you can be. Good luck and enjoy x

 

[Arizahn]

ok so i called a yard owner and know there is a place for him/her... and also im viewing one on Sunday!!!! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Even if its not right for me i have made massive progress by speaking to people

One thing I would suggest, is find the yard you like best, and take up livery there now. You won't need hay or haylage until you have a horse. But it lets you get the stable organised, it can take a lot of bedding to start up a new bed! And you can start getting to know your YO and fellow liveries. Also storage space for general horsey stuff all but fills itself...grooming kit, first aid kit, all your riding gear, lunge lines, lead ropes, etc...

Good luck!

 

[kassieg]

I agree with above you can never be too prepared !

Majorly good look with the viewing tomorrow

 

[Serianas]

Just a quick update... Went to see three horses over the weekend...

First was lovely and lovely owner who walked me through what i should be asking and trying and doing etc really gave me confidence!

Second ponio was perfect in every way just a smidge too small and again lovely owners...

The third one tried to kill me by dumping me in a bush...

 

[9tails]

So.... did you buy the first one then?

 

[Serianas]

not yet... going to see him again tonight... see him being unloaded, loaded, schooled in a strange place

 

[Arizahn]

Just a quick update... Went to see three horses over the weekend...

First was lovely and lovely owner who walked me through what i should be asking and trying and doing etc really gave me confidence!

Second ponio was perfect in every way just a smidge too small and again lovely owners...

The third one tried to kill me by dumping me in a bush...

not yet... going to see him again tonight... see him being unloaded, loaded, schooled in a strange place

Good luck and well done on surviving the bush! Number three sounds like what generally happened to me when trying horses...

 

[Serianas]

If you didnt guess i think Im going to buy the first one... subject to vet... everything is in place, I have a saddle fitter on standby, got the grooming kit, buckets, etc...

Trying so very hard to not get excited! this has all gone so fast... i expected months of searching...

p.s. oh yeah about the one that tried to kill me... when we got back in the car mum said she thought i was crakers getting on in the first place... guess im braver than i thought lol

 

[Arizahn]

I hope the vetting goes well

 

[book_lover]

What a lovely thread! Well done Serianas, and good to know it's a common problem (that fear of calling a stranger on the phone)...

I am very happy you found your perfect horse. I hope we can see some pictures