Would you walk away .....

[Tyssandi]

If tyssandi does not PM you and let you know who they are, then I think you should assume they are either the sellers or connected to the sellers.

Either way, you should ignore the advice not to look at other horses, how can it possibly hurt? You can still buy Dylan if you still want him at the beginning of April.

Lmao no I am not I will pm her so she will know

 

[Orca]

what if what if are all very well but time is running out isn't it Dougal9

Just remember Dougal9 Good things come to those who wait .


yes there are many good horses out there - yes we may have many horses of a life time ( I have had 2). That does not mean you can't fight for what you want and make him your first. Do everything you can to make this happen, even bite your tongue a bit till the yard gets ( you know dougal9 ) wont say on here but the yard prob does not have anyone else as the deadline is drawing near they don't want to be stuck with horses they cannot house will they. Hang in there

Thank you i'm not done yet .... Just frustrated
Wish I could figure out who you are though - I really appreciate your encouragement, sure you won't PM me .... ?

It doesn't read like encouragement to me but coercion. All very odd!

 

[Dougal9]

Gosh ever wish you hadn't started something i can understand all points of view regarding Tyssandi - I hope the negative ones are wrong though ! I will write that letter, and hand it over - I'll let everyone know how it goes .....

 

[Tyssandi]

Gosh ever wish you hadn't started something i can understand all points of view regarding Tyssandi - I hope the negative ones are wrong though ! I will write that letter, and hand it over - I'll let everyone know how it goes .....

have pm you

 

[ester]

Most people don't have to fight for a horse they are trying to buy!

Once a deposit is paid you are entering into a contract. What if something happens to him between now and then? When will you have him vetted? It is completely negligent if he has not been vaccinated for tetanus- has he been wormed regularly and what other things have they then cut corners on!?
3k is quite a lot of money in the current market for what it sounds like the OP wants.

If the yard was keen to rehome their horses sensibly once money has been offered they should let them go, not hang on to them until the very last minute, that is a ridiculous situation!

 

[ycbm]

Lmao no I am not I will pm her so she will know

Good, can you answer my question what you think is so special about this horse that Dougal9 shouldn't go and look at some others to reassure herself she's getting value for money?

 

[Tyssandi]

It doesn't read like encouragement to me but coercion. All very odd!

From the outside maybe it looks like it. Don't judge unless you know all the facts, which you don't..... I have been there. I know what OP is going through and since most are telling her to forget this horse and move on, she needs someone to talk from the other side.

Not much help if everyone is against this now is it or is there only one side to this IYO??
Now if you have nothing nice to say!!!

 

[ycbm]

From the outside maybe it looks like it. Don't judge unless you know all the facts which you don't I have been there. I know what OP is going through and since most are telling her to forget this horse and move on, she needs someone to talk from the other side.

not much help if everyone is against this now is it or is there only one side to this IYO??

No-one is telling her to forget this horse. Going and looking at others doesn't mean forgetting this horse.

 

[Tyssandi]

If tyssandi does not PM you and let you know who they are, then I think you should assume they are either the sellers or connected to the sellers.

Either way, you should ignore the advice not to look at other horses, how can it possibly hurt? You can still buy Dylan if you still want him at the beginning of April.

Oh my gosh that is so far from the truth it is funny. Thank you but I am a livery the other side of the county to OP and the horse. Wont hurt to look at others no!! but viewing will just waste a sellers time if their heart is not in it.
Now I have pm her and she will know everything

 

[EQUIDAE]

OP you could find your perfect horse tomorrow -by April you could have bonded and then have the summer to have fun. If you wait till April, you could be just finding your feet when summer is almost over...

 

[C1airey]

she needs someone to talk from the other side.

Surely the point of posting this type of problem on a public forum and asking for opinions from a bunch of strangers is to gain a little objectivity?

If all those opinions are leaning in the same direction, well...

 

[ycbm]

Oh my gosh that is so far from the truth it is funny. Thank you but I am a livery the other side of the county to OP and the horse. Wont hurt to look at others no!! but viewing will just waste a sellers time if their heart is not in it.
Now I have pm her and she will know everything

From the other side of the country you think you know whether this persons heart is in looking for another horse or not, and you know enough to tell her that he is the only horse for her and to wait for him? Really???

I would say that the fact that she posted this thread at all showed that she was completely prepared to go and look at others.

OP, go look at some others. If you fall in love with one you won't be wasting the sellers time. All sellers are happy to take that risk.

 

[Orca]

From the outside maybe it looks like it. Don't judge unless you know all the facts, which you don't..... I have been there. I know what OP is going through and since most are telling her to forget this horse and move on, she needs someone to talk from the other side.

Not much help if everyone is against this now is it or is there only one side to this IYO??
Now if you have nothing nice to say!!!

I don't need to 'know all the facts' to know that your input reads as coercion. Really, I don't

 

[ycbm]

Not much help if everyone is against this now is it or is there only one side to this IYO??
Now if you have nothing nice to say!!!

Now let's see. One person on this forum is telling her not to look at other horses and to wait and buy this one in APRIL, taking a risk that the price, which has already been raised by 25% once, won't be raised again and that the horse will still be available for sale and sound by then.

Everyone else is recommending her to look around while she is waiting for the owner to be prepared to sell the horse and buy him if she does not find anything she prefers. By which time she will have a clear idea what he is worth to her.

Has one person got it wrong, or everyone else?

 

[be positive]

From the outside maybe it looks like it. Don't judge unless you know all the facts, which you don't..... I have been there. I know what OP is going through and since most are telling her to forget this horse and move on, she needs someone to talk from the other side.

Not much help if everyone is against this now is it or is there only one side to this IYO??
Now if you have nothing nice to say!!!

I don't think everyone who has replied is against the OP buying the horse, I certainly wasn't but the YO is acting fairly unreasonably in refusing to speak to the OP about the purchase and the OP is finding out where they stand through a third party, this is not the normal way to buy a horse, I appreciate the circumstances are also not normal and there is good reason for the delay in finalising everything but it still needs to be clarified by the YO not by word of mouth.

Your posts are bordering on aggressive, pushing the OP into going through with a purchase which is to outsiders who do not know the horse or people involved rather questionable to say the least, there is always more than one side to a story but we have to judge from what we read, all most of us have done is offer suggestions as to how to move forward with buying a horse, it may be Dougal but if the YO will not allow the OP to make direct contact and get the wheels in motion it makes sense for her to start to look elsewhere, it may be what is required to get the YO to start to act in a decent way and take the offer, a deposit and set a date for vetting, all this stalling suggests to many of us that they are doing so for a reason and that may not be in the best interests of the OP.

 

[Dougal9]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I can confirm that Tyssandi doesn't have anything to do with the yard or owner. I will continue to fight for him - he is special to me and whilst maybe not the right way to buy a horse i.e with your heart and not your head, it is the only way I can make such a commitment as he will (hopefully) be my first and last horse - its just the way I am made ! It did help to write it all down though, and I didn't mean my post to cause any arguments.

 

[Dougal9]

Having said that if I don't get a response to my letter then I do have to consider that there is something else afoot and will begin to look around - which will be difficult to do....

 

[LovesCobs]

I haven't read all the replies yet but just wanted to say, having bought a riding school horse then just got for it. I've never regretted paying g more then I knew my lad was worth. I knew him well and yes we had a few blips when his work load decreased but as I say I haven't regretted it go for the 30th get a vetting done that day and release the funds once you have spoken to the vet at the vetting. I'd try to get the price in writing now though
Go for it

 

[Tyssandi]

From the other side of the country you think you know whether this persons heart is in looking for another horse or not, and you know enough to tell her that he is the only horse for her and to wait for him? Really???

I would say that the fact that she posted this thread at all showed that she was completely prepared to go and look at others.

OP, go look at some others. If you fall in love with one you won't be wasting the sellers time. All sellers are happy to take that risk.

County dear County not Country

Maybe I am too opinionated on this subject because I have first hand experience fighting for my friend who was in this same boat. With a riding school horse- she got the mare and had many years with her.

OP I hope you get some answers and get some good news or a positive outcome on your horse of a lifetime. Keep us posted if you get any good news and if you manage too please post some pictures here.

 

[Tyssandi]

I don't think everyone who has replied is against the OP buying the horse, I certainly wasn't but the YO is acting fairly unreasonably in refusing to speak to the OP about the purchase and the OP is finding out where they stand through a third party, this is not the normal way to buy a horse, I appreciate the circumstances are also not normal and there is good reason for the delay in finalising everything but it still needs to be clarified by the YO not by word of mouth.

Your posts are bordering on aggressive, pushing the OP into going through with a purchase which is to outsiders who do not know the horse or people involved rather questionable to say the least, there is always more than one side to a story but we have to judge from what we read, all most of us have done is offer suggestions as to how to move forward with buying a horse, it may be Dougal but if the YO will not allow the OP to make direct contact and get the wheels in motion it makes sense for her to start to look elsewhere, it may be what is required to get the YO to start to act in a decent way and take the offer, a deposit and set a date for vetting, all this stalling suggests to many of us that they are doing so for a reason and that may not be in the best interests of the OP.

Yes the YO is acting unreasonably I don't dispute that. No it's not the *normal way to buy a horse* but hey there are worst ways too as well.

yes the Op needs to speak to the Yo directly and again I agree but none of us know why she wont speak directly to Op do we! Which is why I said go ring on her door or call her. If that fails maybe putting it in writing could clarify things. I know where your coming from and Dougal needs to get some straight answers to her questions.

I know others think too that she should not not to put all her eggs in one basket but sometimes it is easier said than done.

Op don't worry this forum would not be the same without at least one argument a day.

 

[alainax]

In answer to your question - Yes, I would walk away.

I can completely 100% understand how you are feeling. I often get my heart set on something, and the thought of it not happening isn't good. However, you sometimes need to give yourself a reality check. You are practically trying to throw your money at these people, and they are taking the piss.


If you want him you need ensure you speak to the true seller in person this week ( no letter or any of that rubbish - if they want to sell, they can meet you), that you will get him vetted and pay the agreed £2.5k amount. Otherwise, you are walking away from the deal.

It seems they are just taking the mikey, seeing how far they can push you, and you not taking a stand. If you truly want to "fight" for him - then do it. You have the money, you want the horse, tell them you are going to buy him and go get him! None of this faffing around.

If they say no, then fine - I promise you, you will find one just as good if not better for your budget and soon. It is a buyers market, any seller is a fool to knock back the full asking price to a good home ( as long as that is true).

There is a huge chance they will call your bluff. Stand by your guns. Re-itterate - you have the money, right now, you will take him on x date after his vetting.

Lets look a bit into the future...

This is hypothetical, and I sincerely hope it doesn't happen ( I have been there) but this does happen very very often, so please consider it.

They piss you about for another few weeks or so, eventually you pay for him much more than agreed, but you don't care, he is yours. You spend another few thousand of tack fitting, livery, accessories, vetting, vaccines, teeth, physio etc - but Dougal just isn't himself. He misses his herd, and isn't coping too well with the majorly reduced workload. You try all options to get him back to the horse you knew, but nothing is working, you lose your confidence and stop riding. You approach the seller for help, do you think now, now that they have zero to gain from you - they are going to be more or less helpful than before?

It is true that many sellers will tell you where to go if a horse seemingly "Mis-sold", but there are so many genuine kind and caring sellers who will happily give you advice, come see the horse and help you out.

You do not want to be setting yourself up for a fall from the start.

Don't go looking at other horses thinking about Dougal as he is now. Think about what if. Go look at horses who are currently in the environment and work load that they will be going to be in with you, or ones where you feel the seller is genuine.

I obviously dont know dougal, or the seller. He might truly be better than every other horse out there, be completely unphased by dramatic life and career changes. The sellers might be rubbish at selling, but have amazing after sales care... But please, please - go into this with a clear and open mind.

 

[Jnhuk]

I haven't read the previous thread etc so not sure exactly the situation with the RS but I get the drift that they are closing down at Easter or selling up? So they wish to keep Dougal until that time.

If he is your ideal horse then he is worth what you are willing/able to pay as £500 extra as that over the course of a horse's lifetime is little insignificant to the upkeep costs - however saying that I am surprised that if the RS is closing down etc..., you are not in a stronger place to dictate terms.

I would state that they wish to use him in the RS over the Easter weekend, then you will arrange for a 5 stage vetting in the week after at your convenience and ensure that you are present and speak to the vet for this. That you will pay £2500/£3k or whatever the agreed price is unless the vetting throws up anything. If the vetting goes through with flying colours then great etc... you could also ask the vet to do the first vaccs at the vetting - I have done this previously but ONLY if you are buying and have agreed the price!

However, tell them if they start to mess you about regarding terms or put the price up further, then you will walk away and start looking at other horses as it is a buyer's market. I would almost be tempted let them know that you are looking elsewhere as well and please do go to a reputable dealer and try a few other horses that fit your requirements and see what is also available for your money as it may help you come to a decision one way or the other as well as strengthening your position and negotiation terms!

 

[zigzag]

In answer to your question - Yes, I would walk away.

I can completely 100% understand how you are feeling. I often get my heart set on something, and the thought of it not happening isn't good. However, you sometimes need to give yourself a reality check. You are practically trying to throw your money at these people, and they are taking the piss.


If you want him you need ensure you speak to the true seller in person this week ( no letter or any of that rubbish - if they want to sell, they can meet you), that you will get him vetted and pay the agreed £2.5k amount. Otherwise, you are walking away from the deal.

It seems they are just taking the mikey, seeing how far they can push you, and you not taking a stand. If you truly want to "fight" for him - then do it. You have the money, you want the horse, tell them you are going to buy him and go get him! None of this faffing around.

If they say no, then fine - I promise you, you will find one just as good if not better for your budget and soon. It is a buyers market, any seller is a fool to knock back the full asking price to a good home ( as long as that is true).

There is a huge chance they will call your bluff. Stand by your guns. Re-itterate - you have the money, right now, you will take him on x date after his vetting.

Lets look a bit into the future...

This is hypothetical, and I sincerely hope it doesn't happen ( I have been there) but this does happen very very often, so please consider it.

They piss you about for another few weeks or so, eventually you pay for him much more than agreed, but you don't care, he is yours. You spend another few thousand of tack fitting, livery, accessories, vetting, vaccines, teeth, physio etc - but Dougal just isn't himself. He misses his herd, and isn't coping too well with the majorly reduced workload. You try all options to get him back to the horse you knew, but nothing is working, you lose your confidence and stop riding. You approach the seller for help, do you think now, now that they have zero to gain from you - they are going to be more or less helpful than before?

It is true that many sellers will tell you where to go if a horse seemingly "Mis-sold", but there are so many genuine kind and caring sellers who will happily give you advice, come see the horse and help you out.

You do not want to be setting yourself up for a fall from the start.

Don't go looking at other horses thinking about Dougal as he is now. Think about what if. Go look at horses who are currently in the environment and work load that they will be going to be in with you, or ones where you feel the seller is genuine.

I obviously dont know dougal, or the seller. He might truly be better than every other horse out there, be completely unphased by dramatic life and career changes. The sellers might be rubbish at selling, but have amazing after sales care... But please, please - go into this with a clear and open mind.

This ... Riding school horses usually become different characters when uprooted from the regimented life they lead, plus they are taking the mickey out of you

 

[Goldenstar]

This ... Riding school horses usually become different characters when uprooted from the regimented life they lead, plus they are taking the mickey out of you

Sometimes sometimes not .
OP does not appear unintelligent and I sold a lot of riding school horses at one point and while I think some school horse can be difficult away from the discipline and hard work of the school most are fine with the correct feeding ( not much at first ) correct work and turnout .
If OP has the correct support around her there's every chance it will fine .
I have mulled this over a while I hate people who do this raising price thing to buyers and part of me wants to tell you to tell them to stuff it bit another part of me says don't lose the horse you want over £500.
Op I would write the letter tell them how much you will pay subject to good vetting , when you will get the horse vetted and that you will pay as soon as the horse passes and remove the horse at once .
Good luck .

 

[Dougal9]

Thanks again for all your comments. Dougal's workload isn't huge - he does no more than 2 hours a day, most days less than that. In fact I am hoping for a bit more of a 'spark' from him once he is moved. The RS is closing at the end of March, however because he is such a good allrounder and can go up or down through the gears depending on who is riding him they, want to keep him until the last minute obviously to get more money from him (and me because as long as he is there they know I will continue to have lessons there). I was willing to wait and not push them until they started messing me around - the time also gave me the opportunity to get everything in place, which as a first time owner was important to me. One of my concern's is that if I don't at least get the price agreed in writing as we get nearer the time - maybe in a month or so - they will put it up again. Also, I need to get his vaccs sorted as the yard we are going to won't accept him until that has been done. If things didn't work out with Dougal after I got him, there is no way I would go back to the seller for help, not after this carry on. I would rather get professional help i.e. assistance from the yard etc. I am going to write a firm but fair letter to the RS Owner and hand deliver it later today, I am riding there tomorrow (doing a Dressage test with Dressage Anywhere on Dougal) so hopefully (though not really holding my breath on it) I may get a response.
On Saturday afternoon I am going to view another horse (he is a Dougal type i.e. cob x, but not an RS and not exercised every day) at Herts Horses livery yard in Ware - if anyone knows anything about them then please let me know ! They've had him 4 months, ex irish trekking centre horse and he is 6 years old, they reckon he is a safe hack in traffic, groups etc but still green on his school work. Must admit the 'green' bit worries me slightly - is this advertising speak for a complete nutter His teeth were really bad when they got him, and so he's had lots of work done and they say all is OK now. I've seen videos of him and he is quite sweet, and had a chat to them about my being a first timer and of course they said he would be suitable !

 

[tiga71]

I would have a look at other horses just so you have an idea of what else is available for your budget. But I totally get when you just feel something (i.e. horse not situation) is right. And don't walk away just because of the extra £500 on the price.It really isn't anything in the grand scheme of things if everything else is right.

I just bought a horse from a lady on our yard as she was going to send him to a dealer. I had been sharing him for a little bit and loved him. I couldn't see him go to a dealer. She pushed for £500 more than everyone said he was worth and I said no. Then he followed me round the field wanting cuddles and my trainer (not sentimental in the least) said 'Just give her the money. He has chosen you.' I felt a bit taken advantage of in a way as she knew I thought he was great. But 5 months later I am as happy as larry, he is a fantastic youngster and £500 means nothing.

 

[Dougal9]

HI tiga, it's not the money - in fact tbh I'd happily pay a further 500 if I could walk away with him next week (no doubt this statement will cause some consternation amongst people), its the constant toing and froing and not being able to get anything in writing. At one point they said I could pay for him at the end of Jan but under the condition I kept him on with them as a working livery - I knocked that on the head pretty quickly, especially as originally I was told that I could only buy him if he wasn't kept on a working livery !!!

 

[D66]

Go and see the other horse on Saturday, and whatever he is like, tell your instructor, in a chatty sort of way, that he is really nice, £1800 with saddle and 2 rugs, and you could have him in two weeks. But you do still quite like Dougal.

 

[tiga71]

No, I can see how all the hassle would be incredibly annoying and off-putting. Glad you are not stressing about the extra money - however obnoxious it is to put up the price at this stage.

I really hope you end up getting him and it all goes well. I do think a few comments to your instructor about horses you are seeing may get the owner to play ball.

 

[madlady]

You don't know the whole situation and why they are selling.

OP get your trainer to try set up a meeting with the owner. If that fails write a letter to the owner as I said before, or the trainer could try and organise it.

or go and knock on the door in person, surely they must open the door.

Are you the owner? You seem to be overly interested in convincing the OP to put up with being totally messed around.

Either the horse is for sale or he isn't. The owner has advertised him for sale, at a price and given a time when he would be available from. Owner is now completely moving the goalposts - do they really want to take the risk of totally peeing of a willing buyer and ending up with no agreed sale for this horse?

OP it sounds to me as if the owner is taking the mick to be totally honest. Yes it would put me off.

I don't know if I'd walk away but I'd be demanding a conversation with the owner and something agreed in writing.