But I'm kind of nervous about this. The last... three horses I've bought/acquired really didn't work out very well. In the case of Ducky and Romey, I bought them knowing basically nothing about them, so that was just taking a chance. I've never been particularly lucky, so it shouldn't be surprising that those didn't go well. But Badger was a pretty big blow to the horse shopping ego. So I'm apprehensive. And in this case, it needs to be right for someone else, not for me. No pressure there right?! Eek.
So what are we looking for? I think we should find something around 9 or 10, but a little older is ok. I don't want anything that's too old, because I want one that will be around awhile. It needs to be quiet, but Step mom likes when they have a little motor. She's not a nervous rider, but I don't want anything spooky. She is a thinking rider and I want her to be able to concentrate on her own position and aids and what not, and not so much on if the horse is paying attention to her. She's just about to start learning to jump (she rode western as a kid and had her own horses, but English is relatively new to her) so it needs to know that job. Ideally something that could jump around 3' would be nice for ME, but since it's really her horse, a 2'6" horse would probably be fine too.
The horse doesn't need to be a show stopper. I'd like one that jumps well because those are the safest, but it doesn't need to win a hack. It would be nice if it had a lead change. Probably not a deal breaker if it doesn't.
And the trivial stuff? I giggled a little when she told me she doesn't really like horses with four socks or bald faces. I giggled because I've never been one to drool over the four socks and big blaze. I've had a few horses with big blazes and they were all a little tapped to be honest. I'm sure there's no actual correlation, but that's been my experience. Of course if we found the perfect horse and it had those attributes, we would probably still buy it. But we're not on the hunt for that.
So anyway, today's confession is that I'm horse shopping and a little angsty about it. But also pretty excited!
Have you ever horse shopped for someone else? How did it go?
Exciting! Good luck on the search!! I’ve ridden sales horses for my old trainer when she was looking for either clients or herself, but never picked them out. She just told me to go look at them. It was a little odd trying to separate how I liked the horse vs how I thought the buyer would like the horse.
ReplyDeleteRight? That's the hardest part I think. Trying to look for what she needs vs what I might want. Hopefully we'll find something that meets both.
DeleteThat sounds like it could be fun! I tried to help a lady at the office find a horse and we never found anything. I feel like she maybe did have a color preference but didn't want to share it with me, because I found her several horses that were exactly what she wanted and she didn't try any of them. :( I hope you will share your horse shopping adventure. Can I just put in a small vote for horses with a bit of draft or QH blood? :P Those cold blooded types that have a motor but aren't hot (plus they seem to like to have a job to do) are so nice for ammies and would definitely be on my list if I was ever shopping again. Good luck on the hunt :)
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DeleteThat's annoying! I have a friend that used to always ask for my advice and then never take it. Although a few years ago, she said, "I really should have listened to you, you were always more right than me!"
DeleteI've actually ridden a few draft crosses, and every one had a mean buck in it! But they were all percheron crosses. Maybe something with a different draft breed might work. Definitely not opposed to a qh or qh cross! My junior hunter was an appendix!
YES QUARTER HORSE ALL THE WAY!! another vote :) And Buckskin (OH wait you arent buying for me?? LOLLOL) Good luck. :) Can't wait to follow along with this adventure!
DeleteHaha! She would probably love a Buckskin!
DeleteI've never horse shopped for anyone but myself and only with a project horse budget. I don't think I could successfully shop for someone else. I'd be too focused on what I like to ride. Best of luck shopping!
ReplyDeleteI feel like that might be a problem for me too... Although in this case, I will be riding it a bunch too, so I guess we both need to like him!
DeleteIf I see anything that fits your criteria I'll tag you on facebook. But that is so awesome you can ride and show it too!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI'm excited about that part too!
How exciting!! Best of luck and if I stumble across anything, I'll let you know!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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