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To Make the World a Better Place for Horses

tAking on a new challenge horse

By:
LMSedgwick(Canada)
Date:
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

hI all, I am looking at purchasing a 6 year old horse who has some professional training already but is now being resold for the 3rd time in a year. sO far I have no straight answers from the owners except he needs you to be firm with him... He is not violent that I can tell and under the dually and longline last weekend responded well to my signs and signals etc., I cannot say why this horse pulls at me but somehow It seems he is simply not being given a chance to learn and enjoy his partnership with humans. I don't need to take him on but something keeps drawing me to his situation...what would you do?

JoHewittVINTA
Please upload your photo 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed 650 lessons completed

Hi. Life often takes an unplanned turn - in 2010 I was given Max, the Welsh A, who had a reputation for bucking riders off. He bucked twice & when my reaction was to stand in the stirrups & not touch the reins or clamp my legs on him he stopped, turned his head to me & looked puzzled. He's never bucked since! If you can offer this horse a permanent home & your conscience keeps pricking you perhaps you should follow your heart. Cheers, Jo.

Kicki -- Sweden
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

Hi.
I think if the horse has been resold for three times and the only answer you get is "he needs you to be firm with him.", that is really all the info you need right there...
.
No doubt this horse can turn out to have a handful of surprises in store for you (good and bad, I'm sure!)so if you decide to buy him, make sure you are prepared for a lot of hard work.
.
Sometimes, what calls to us is that we are susceptible to the "bad boy needs help-syndrome". Like women who contacts -and falls in love with - severe criminals, thinking they can change their ways just with their love.
NOT saying that is the case here, (nor saying it is always a foolish thing) and being a bit of an "hopetimist" and romantic myself, I am all for following your heart, and fat chances are that you and said horse is just a bit misunderstood and you will have a wonderful partnership ahead of you! :)
.
My advice, however, is that one should always let the voice of reason have the first say in these matters - rather than the last, when it is usually too late... ;)
.
So I would ask myself:
What are your reasons for taking on this horse?
Do you have the time, experience and resources for a horse in need of your help?
It's essential to know your expectations, the amount and kind of work that lies ahead, and what "reward" you hope for in the end.
.
AND, in the worst case scenario that you fail, what are your plans for the horse's future then?
Can you sell him on, can you keep him in an "unused" manner in a field for the rest of his days? Is the option of sending him into the hereafter something you must consider?
.
On the more practical side of things: (Since I sense you are already leaning towards taking on Mr. Mystery) ;)
Since information is less than vague from current owner, is there a way you can have him for a month or so "on loan" to try it out and get a chance to know him better before you decide?
.
Fingers crossed you find a decision that is the best for both you and the horse!

Kicki -- Sweden
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

Just wanted to clarify something that got missed out in the proof reading.
It says: "chances are that you and said horse is just a bit misunderstood"
The misunderstood part is for the *horse*; not you or you and it together!

vicci - UK (North Wales)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed

Kicki has said it all - wise words Kicki; I agree with you totally we must ALWAYS ask ourselves what our motivation is and what the implications and consequences are for doing something. As the saying goes "Just because you can doesn't mean you should!"
:
Whatever you decide you know you will have the support of the forum but above all please take extra care and look after yourself through this journey :-)

JoHewittVINTA
Please upload your photo 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed 650 lessons completed

Hi. Kicki & Vicci sum it up. If you follow your heart you may get a great result but you risk heartache. Be sure, before you follow your heart, you have the skills to offer this guy hope. If not, don't make it yet another failed owner. He deserves a friend, not forlorn hope. You decide - do you want to spend a couple of decades with him come what may? I'm stupidly lucky - I have a great Welsh A, Max, who sadly has Cushings but is a great character. Humphrey, a late gelded cob who is a honey & a Colt & a filly from Humphrey who are the most wonderful individuals, aged less than 3 & 17 months respecively. My life is full. I know there are ponies & horses I could rescue but at what cost to my guys? Know your limits be practical. If you're certain he's for you, that's fine. If in doubt - possibly more kind to leave him be. Cheers, Jo.

Mel - Ramsgate UK
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed

Agree with all of the above and even when your heart is saying yes, we have to listen to our heads and pull back sometimes.
I tend to think now, is there a way I can help the horse without owning it so that it can find a lifetime home with owners that will want to work as a partnership with it.
Mel
x

LMSedgwick(Canada)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed

tHanks everyone, interesting reading the responses... whenever I take in a horse it is for the remainder of its life...."warts" and all the bad habits or health issues and expenses involved ( 6 horses in 38 years... 3 gone now but Living here until 26,27 and 19 years of age) so yes, its a big lifelong investment and not simply an emotional thing although I give credence to our instincts if we listen carefully. I decided not to go ahead with it before I logged back in here but really appreciate everyone taking the time to provide such keen insights.

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