What is it they say about a "gift horse"?

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moneypit1

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Ok, to cut a long story short............whilst competing last Sunday on Fly I was approached by someone who ran a local clear round in the summer that I attended a couple of times. She said she had the ideal horse for me that she wanted to "gift" me. He is a 17.2hh DWB ridden by Tim Stockdale for a season but unable to continue the circuit due to flat feet and an in-ability to jump on hard ground. He is fine on a "surface" and soft going. He's 10 (she had him imported as a 5 yo), immaculate manners and well schooled. Never refuses a jump, but wasted with her as she has no interest in competing as she has young children etc. etc. I feel I am just getting it together with Fly and worry that I will struggle with the two of them time wise. Money not such an issue as I have my own place. On the other hand, feel that this is too good an opportunity to pass by, as my husband says, Don't look a gift horse in the mouth". The horse has been "written off" as "loss of use" for £20,000. What do I do? I am 45 and am hooked on the jumping thing, have to do it now or never??
 
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Well I got given mine so cant say much but what about insurance? If he is LOU already what happens now?

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I don't know. Will have to look into it. Probably un-insurable?
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On that you would get him insured for accidents but not value i.e. there'd be no theft, death, etc. but for cuts, colic, vet's fees such as those you could get cover and for accident/liability, unless you already have that with your memberships.

If he goes permamently lame on those feet, what will you do?
 
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On that you would get him insured for accidents but not value i.e. there'd be no theft, death, etc. but for cuts, colic, vet's fees such as those you could get cover and for accident/liability, unless you already have that with your memberships.

If he goes permamently lame on those feet, what will you do?

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Don't know. Give him back? It's such a hard one. One one hadn I am thinking that there is no such thing as a "freebie" - you only get what you pay for, on the other, What if??????????
 
Am not too sure re. insurance, just thinking about the future with him. If you can insure him?? bare minimum or at least have a bank account with his name on just in case then hopefully youve got a little contingency plan. Now for what you would do if you cant cope/want/need two, would he be able to be gifted/ loaned on again as a schoolmaster? Would you give him back?
Make a list of the pros and cons, always helps.
You could always ask for a trial run to see if you can cope with two.
Have to say I am ruled by the mantra that if an opportunity arrises you should reach out and grab it but got to think of this lads welfare.
 
Do you have time to do both him and fly justice? If so then i see no problem. But if you have limited time and have to choose to ride or spend time with one or the other then that is a different matter.
 
Personally I wouldnt take it on cos Ive got enough old retirees already!!!. It costs as much to keep a dodgy one as it does to keep a good one. However if this one is a cut above average it might give you experience you wouldnt normally get. Dunno! Maybe give it a try. See if you can have a trial period or something...but not if it is going to cause an issue with fly as you have your work cut out with him already!!!
 


If you go for it, make sure you have a vet look at the horse and confirm he should be okay for what you want him for, because IMO, if she actually gives you the horse, rather than loan, then you can't just go giving him back if he breaks. That's not really fair I think.
 
Thanks everyone, brill advice as usual. I think I will ask her if I can try him and see how I cope for a month or so first. I need to know why she isn't selling him and if she would want him back if it does not work out. Fly is my priority and he is not a horse that I can pick up and put down, I HAVE to ride him 5 days out of 7. He is coming right for me and I don't want to spoil that. In the cold light of day my gut instinct is to pass this opportunity by, BUT then ......???????Am riding him next week, have got time to think on it a bit more.
 
He may be able to jump on soft ground & a surface but do you have a surface at home to ride him on. You can't rely on soft ground always being available. If you are unable to school/exercise him at home how can you expect him to be ready to jump at a show?
I'd have the vet look at him to see if he's up to the job, he may be ok with built up shoes, speak to your farrier about that after consulting with the vet.
As for insurance, after LOU I doubt if you'll get cover, so be prepared for paying any bills out of your own pocket.
I wouldn't advice you one way or the other about this one, just take in the info from everyone, weigh it up & then decide....Good Luck.
 
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