Sarah And the Several Trials of the Equine Market

Let's discuss shopping for horses for just a second. (Yes, I know I haven't updated in forever. I am also not actively shopping for another horse, this ad was emailed to me and I thought the horse might work for friends to ride. And I wanted to talk about the experience.)

One: When you answer an ad, and show up on time to see a horse, be aware that there are potential problems since the horse is already saddled and bridled and waiting. Be concerned that only the trainer rides him and not the owner, no matter what the reason. Do not let their effusive praise about your riding skill on the horse or how much he liked you go to your head. Do not ever buy on the first trip out.

Two: On the second trip to see the horse, if you liked him, show up EARLY. When the horse is already being saddled a half hour before you are due to arrive and the owner and trainer look concerned about you being early, your internal alarm bells should go off. When said horse is more hyper in the round pen being lunged before riding than he was the first time, is more work under saddle for the trainer than before and the trainer hesitates in complying with your request to see him largo (a fast paso fino gait) and then canter under saddle, it is perfectly acceptable to walk away at this point.

Three: If you choose instead to ride the horse again, realizing once mounted that he is indeed too much horse for you and then decline to purchase him for that reason, do not let your (my) lack of self-esteem make you feel bad when the owner claims to never have a problem with the horse getting too excited, or feeling out of control and difficult to stop. After all, you rode him, she didn't. Just thank them, wish them luck, and leave.

Four: Try not to spend the rest of your day beating yourself up for not buying a horse that you didn't need in the first place and isn't as nice a Paso Fino as the ones you already have.