Trial period

Yes - had an Irish Draught mare on trial years ago. Owner had stated she was 14.2hh (I was looking to showjump ponies) but mare was 15.1hh on the stick - and visibly overheight. She was totally unsuitable - far too strong for a 12yo girl and ran out at fences as was far too strong. We hadnt exchanged any money and she was delivered by her owner to a field across the road from my house. We didnt have a horsebox and it was bloody hardwork to get owner to pick her up. He offered her to us for 6mth loan - we said no. He then said he couldnt pick her up for 6wks. We managed to get a loan of a horsebox - he loacked the farm gate so we couldnt gt her in. Eventually took her back 5 weeks after we got her. Then the owner got her measured in as a 14.2hh pony with the SJAI - God knows how - she had low withers and was well over height - and ring up to see would we still buy her. When we declined he moaned about wasting his time! Was a complete nightmare!
oh and said mare came to us on trial with a very very ill-fitting bridle without cavesson and a narrow rusty loose-ring snaffle.

Was glad we held out as we then got a rather fab little chestnut mare who was a superstar.
 
I didn't have a trial period with mine but I visited dozens of times to make sure I liked him.

My boy has tested me so much and we've come a long way. I would've considered sending him back if I had loaned with view to buy. IMO though if you can manage with them at their worst then you have nothing to fear!
 
Yes I had a 15.1hh 7 year old TB type mare on 2 week trail. Absolutely stunning mare fab to jump, not too strong to hack etc. Had her vetted only to find out that the saddle was poorly fitted and even if we changed the saddle the vet gave her 2 years before she would have major back probs and have to be retired. Told owners about saddle probs but they didn't want to know :(
 
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