Would you buy this horse?

[Niv2]

Oldenburg 16.2 9yr gelding. Good breeding. Looks beautiful. Nice temperament. Good paces. Well schooled. Good to hack. No vices and good in all ways.

Only problem is that he is slightly tricky to load....apparently it took a couple of years for current owner to get him to load and it now takes her about 5mins to encourage him into the trailer....once in he is happy, its just getting him there. My concern is that I will get him to a show and not be able to get him home.

Our yard owner, who has significant experience of different horses, tells me that if I like the horse, I should get it. He reckons that he can train any horse to load (I have seen him load horses that owners were struggling to get near a trailer without any fuss or drama....no whips, smacking etc)

Any views on this?

[Pony1]

BUY BUY BUY :D I think if you really like the horse and he's suitable for you, then dont let his loading put you off! Sounds like the owners done a lot of work with him and you could definately continue this work - sounds like you'd have some help too which is great. No horse is perfect, they all have their bad points. You could do lots of work loading at home so you're confident you can get him home when you're at shows... Take advantage of any help and good luck! Have you seen him being loaded? Or tryed to load him yourself yet?

[lobeliaoverhill]

Wouldn't bother me!

[Niv2]

Took trailer to current owners yard yesterday and saw him being loaded...took 5 mins for current owner to load him....then she gave him to me and I loaded him a couple of times....each time with me he almost walked straight on, but I guess that he had overcome his "fear" of the trailer this time when the owner loaded him.

[Lauzy]

If he is the right horse, then you should buy him. His loading issues can be worked on and I am sure that it will not be a problem.

Keep us posted!

We also need some pics!:D

[xfarnorthx]

I think I'd buy him too if he was absolutely right in all other areas. Doesn't sound like the loading thing is all that bad - 5 mins persuasion and him being fine once one isn't awful by any means, especially if you have some help and back-up where you are. Go for it!!

[fjordlady]

Doesn't sound too much of a problem from your visit.

No horse or pony is perfect there is always room for improvement - I always think there are things you can live with and things you can't;). For me that issue would be a live with:)

[Niv2]

Thanks for reassuring me...am taking my trainer to give him the once over Thursday as I am not a great expert on horses....hopefully she will think he suits me....then Vetting!!

[Daisy_Roots]

If he reverts back to being awkward to load a half day visit from someone like Richard Maxwell should solve the problem permanently.

[babyzoe]

GO FOR IT!!!!! He sounds great hun never let anything stop you:)

[Karenmc]

Go for it!!

At least current owner is being totaly honest and even demonstrating to you how he loads, i was told Jasper loaded to find out he didnt regardless of trailer or lorry, after 8 months of hard work we are getting there, we now go for lessons fortnightly, i have been to dressage, show jumping, forest hacks and have a fun day this weekend, he still isnt 100% but we have a method and it works for us both and each time we go out he is getting better and better. :)

[Melting Moments]

Of course I bloody would! sounds like he shouldn't be missed :) loading is nothing!

[Niv2]

Thanks for all your replies.....I get the message...go get him!!