What do you think?

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rockysmum

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Opinions please, but be nice :p:D

Someone who has been out of horses for many years, rides a steady cob belonging to a friend, gets hooked again.

Decides to buy a horse, falls in love with a 4 year old. Has owned youngster before, but a lot of years ago. Takes 4 year old on loan with a view to buy. 4 year old is described as a plod. Lovely horse.

First week is fine, then a few problems start. Has a fall but gets back on, riding the horse is not an issue though.

Horse is taking forever to catch, plants and wont return to stable. On occasions actually pulls away and run off up lane a few times. Does this with yard staff as well as owner. Catching is taking up all horsey time not leaving much for anything else.

From day one horse is difficult to put bridle on (if you can catch him in stable) and wont stand to be mounted. Basically the person is not enjoying horse ownership at all with this horse


If you were this person would you give up and return the horse as you realised you had made a mistake. Possibly then find older more established horse.

Or carry on and try to work through the problems, possibility of more problems in the future as the horse is so young.
 
Return it before it's ruined more and find another one. [Not offensively.]


Or buy it and keep at if she wants to persevere, but don't deem it fair on the owner to have to deal with it another 2/6/8 weeks down the line with the horse progressively worse than it is now and returned.
 
Potential owner is not having any fun. Only reason I can think for this person to buy this horse an not another, is if the horse is cheap and the person is skint and they'd rather have any horse than no horse.

If it was me and horse was cheap I'd buy the horse if I liked its personality, even if I could afford a better horse, because I'm not bothered by needing to sort out problems.
 
Thanks, most of you are thinking the same as I am.

Sugar_and_Spice the horse was not cheap, she just fell in love with him from the moment she saw him.
 
The horse sounds a bit insecure to me. But clearly needs some expert handling to get back on track again. My new horse (and see my post 5 year old with no pep.......) and maybe I couldd find myself in slef same situation in a couple of weeks...... Was difficult to catch for its first couple of days - I say difficult, in as much as son (who has worked with horses for several years could not catch) but I did, but only becuase I have had masses of experience of catching diffficult horses, and this is one thing I have perfected over the years....(my secret is to head out to the field and pretend that the horse I want to catch, is the last horse on planet earht I want to catch, never fails!)
He too once caught would not lead for a moment or two - but again I pretened that I was quite happy going nowhere, until it got bored and followed me in. I suppose that there has to be a mutial confidence thing going on, which again why some expert help at this satge might nip some of the problems in the bud.
The problem with some horses, is that they can be angels with those who have broken / schooled them, and then be an absolute nightmare with others, until they get to know and trust you?
 
It depends on how many positives the horse has (mainly riding wise). Is it a good ride once its caught and mounted? If it is, personally I'd be inclined to give it a bit longer and get help in working with the issues, especially if the trial could be extended, but if returning it is a now or never deal, I suppose its got to be give it back and look for something else.
 
They have decided to return it.

But feeling guilty and wondering if they should have given it longer.

I think its the right thing but just wanted to know if you all agree
 
Best thing for the horse, it was only a baby and needed someone who could help it... Lets hope they use their heads next time when they decide on a horse!
 
As a loan, I would not proceed with purchase unless sorted out. Your friend needs help from NH or similar type instructor. These can be sorted, but as your friend not enjoying it, I would say find something she enjoys. Life too short, and plenty out there that can sort these problems. (That is have the experience and the inclination).
 
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