Well, I ve done it, - today!

Storminateacup

Storminateacup

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Today for the first time I sat on, then rode my (supposedly ill-bred) ISH Appaloosa 4 year old that I bought from Ireland (for a pittance) 6 months ago and I am ecstatic!!!!!
He cost me £1400 plus £300 for transport and so far about another £500 to get him to the stage he's at now, where I can safely get on board.
He has had his moments (1 or 2, as would all youngsters) , but he is pretty much just a "nice normal horse" now and I am so grateful to the team that have been working with him over the past 5 weeks.
I could never have afforded his equivelant in this country, I have had quotes from one well known breeder/producer of £6000!! for a newly backed 4 year old!!!
Anyway I for one am so glad I trusted my judgement and bought a horse unseen in Ireland.
I think I have what I was looking for at under half the price. Additional he does have a DNA passport and no WB in there either.
So for all the comments and snide remarks being made in the news section of HHO about the Irish breeder and dealer problems I for one am very glad I bought Irish and would definately do it again.

Hope to post some photos soon.
 
I can see he is turning into a big lazy irish horse with a lovely laid back attitude just because he has been given the chance to trust humans and to know that we are acting in his best interests. Its been a rollercoaster journey full of mixed emotions but I feel like I ve really reached a very special point in time with him and quite frankly I just burst into tears when I got off him.
I am now drinking the champers!
 
Many of you dont know this but a few years ago I first lost my lovely ID/TB due to a serious accident that left me disabled for almost 6 months, so I had to sell him, then I lost my granddaughter and daughter when they vanished, without a trace to Auz some five years ago and I ve never heard from them or seen them since. I have had a lot of sadness in the past five years and getting my new boy was a defiante gesture in getting something back in my life that really gave me some hope for the future.
To be able to get on him today was just one of those hugely uplifting moments we experience in life, and I guess I just wanted to share it with someone.
 
Storminateacup said:
Many of you dont know this but a few years ago I first lost my lovely ID/TB due to a serious accident that left me disabled for almost 6 months, so I had to sell him, then I lost my granddaughter and daughter when they vanished, without a trace to Auz some five years ago and I ve never heard from them or seen them since. I have had a lot of sadness in the past five years and getting my new boy was a defiante gesture in getting something back in my life that really gave me some hope for the future.
To be able to get on him today was just one of those hugely uplifting moments we experience in life, and I guess I just wanted to share it with someone.
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Gosh, you've had a really tough time. :( Even though it seems a really simple thing (to ride your young horse for the first time) it is really rewarding and such a big and fantastic step forwards for you and the horse. :) I'm sure that he will give you lots of happiness in the future.
 
I'm so glad you are now at a point where you feel you did the right thing.....You have come a long way in the last few weeks, since you were thinking of selling him!

I hope he continues to be laid back and you can have years of enjoyment with him!
 
That's wonderful to have something so good in your life, especially as it sounds like you've been dealt a few tough hands over the years. I know it's a sweeping generalisation, and it won't be wholly true, but having grown up and rode in Ireland and now living and riding on the mainland, I find that the Irish breed uncomplicated horses: simple and trusting. Even at my current yard, the best natured mounts and all rounders are Irish bred and often broken. Best of luck on the beginning of your journey: looking forward to seeing a few photos!
 
EdensideEnthusiast said:
That's wonderful to have something so good in your life, especially as it sounds like you've been dealt a few tough hands over the years. I know it's a sweeping generalisation, and it won't be wholly true, but having grown up and rode in Ireland and now living and riding on the mainland, I find that the Irish breed uncomplicated horses: simple and trusting. Even at my current yard, the best natured mounts and all rounders are Irish bred and often broken. Best of luck on the beginning of your journey: looking forward to seeing a few photos!
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And thats basically what he is, and what I wanted when I tried to source him.
Just a nice general allrounder, though just by chance, he does move (floats) exceptionally well and has an extended agile trot to die for, plus an easy balanced canter. He has only been ridden 3 weeks and he is going better than so many horses three times his age. He can even do lateral work, part way to a turn on the haunches and forehand, and a bit of renvers and travers along the side of the school.
Not that we are trying to do this but he finds it easy enough, so that can't be bad.
Done a little bit of jumping but the legs are dangling a bit for now...........
 
I am very pleased for you, having been through a couple of traumas this year in search of new horse fully understand where you're coming from and am so pleased you've been so brave and made such good decisions. Very best wishes for a happy future together and continued good progress - keep us posted
 
some posts make me smile happily cos i can practically see the grin on the posters face. Yours is one of them :D grats on this memorable day and i hope you continue to progress and enjoy him :)
 
what a brave step to buy a horse you had never seen,so glad it has worked out for both of you.i wish you many happy years rideing together,i would also love to see some photos:)
 
Well done SIAC, I've been waiting for this post.
So glad it has all worked out for you, when all hope seemed to be lost.

Onwards and upwards :)
 
dont know you but well done, i got given my mare, for free, branded a loon, and she's turned out fab, still has her moments, but originally i was getting, put her on loan, sell her, give her away etc, u wont cope kinda comments, but i kept going, so well done to u x
 
After the traumas of his early breaking and the massive confidence waver, I'm hardly surprised you feel on top of the world. It's going to be a doddle from here on in! I have been wondering how he was getting on and think probably, the upheaval and unhappy time you've had recently compounded to make this all simply too overwhelming. We'll be wanting pics of course..
 
EdensideEnthusiast said:
Lateral work already? Impressive! Sounds like you two have a lifetime of learning and fun ahead of you 80)
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We werent really trying lateral, its just the girl who is riding him tries a little of everything, just lightly to see if he understands - and he did!
Hope to get some pics next time. I will be riding him off after his schooling sessions , gradually extending the time I am on him and lessening the time she rides him, although she is very good so intend him to still be doing a fair bit with her.

Yes it was a hugely emotional moment for me, as part of my psyche thought it would never happen, but I followed my own sense of logic and my heart and that gave me the courage to get on him!
I think everything else will just start to fall into place now.
For me it is the biggest hurdle, - just the getting on.
Thanks for all your kind words and encouragement.
There is so much support to be found on this forum and I think you/we are amazing.....

HHO was the first folk I wanted to contact!
 
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