Would you take on this horse?

Well if I was the owner, I would want to see how you rode and handled my horse before considering loaning him to anyone! If she is genuine, I am sure she won't mind you going and trying him out, after all it would be in her best interests too - especially if she doesn't want the hassle of him coming back again. Good luck, hope he is 'the one'.
 
About 10yrs ago I bought a HUGE liver chestnut hunter that had been out of work for 2yrs. I paid £500 for him and was told by the owner that if he broke down within 3mths he would give me my money back (although I never had proof of this promise :p )

I took the history on face value (it was a good horse that had gone lame hunting, suspected tendon injury, too nice to shoot so the owner had put it in the field and left it there). I didn't see a single piece of tack on him and only saw him trot across the field to greet up when we arrived. There was absolutely no trial at all, actually :o ... once he was back under saddle (the following day as I recall, as I was reluctant to lunge him because of his injury) we had the MOST wonderful time together!! William was a total sweetheart, and given time I'm sure he would have been my 'once in a lifetime' horse (we got hit by a wreckless car driver on a narrow country lane and he was PTS 3mths after I bought him) but I treasure the memories of him and have never regretted my 'gamble' for a single moment.

I don't mean to get sentimental over this, I just wanted you to know that these opportunities do sometimes present themselves and you shouldn't disregard the offer just because it seems 'to good to be true'.
 
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LauraElise said:
If I take him and find out he is not right once ridden I cannot hand him straight back as owner is giving up her yard when she loans out him and her pony.
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The horse would only be on loan so you are perfectly within your rights to hand him back. She couldn't refuse really! If she doesn't want the horse back then she needs to sell it.
 
Well I did this, had only seen the horse from a distance and it was only supposed to be for a few months but 5 yrs later still have him, he is difficult and I knew he hadn't worked out as a loan for two others but he's a sweetie if challenging ride - but has taught me a lot.

You win some you loose some!
 
I wouldnt and it shouldnt make any difference if hes been off work for 1.5 years. My loan horse has been out of work for over a year, i watched him lunged and ridden and i had a go on him and he seemed fine. Amonth later and hes so spooky i can barely do anything with him and thinking about giving notice on him and giving him back :(
 
If he is decent and as much as a gent as she says he is then I can't see a problem in tacking him up and getting a feel for him. My mare was unridden for 8 months due to my injury and I got on her and had a wee walk round the arena etc and she was good as gold. Not so sure she would have like that for a stranger though, so probably best that owner sits on him first.
A horse doesn't forget its training or its job after 18 months. Be a shame to miss out on a good horse.
 
Thank you all for your replies.

I am going to see him tomorrow. It transpires that his hooves need trimming as they have been allowed to get rather long (booked for next week) so I can't see him ridden or ride him tomorrow. If I like him I can go back next weekend, his owner has said she will have no qualms at all about showing me him ridden. BTW I received some photos of him yesterday, really lovely, glad I'm at least going to see him!
 
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