Going to look at a horse today..

[Lora]

Yikes, more risky than picking out a used car! :) All I'm doing is going for a ride with the sellers today. If I like the horse I will have my trainer look at him, then if I still want him with her excellent guidance will vet.

I feel the potential soooooooo strong to get screwed here but am going anyway. There are two things that bother me.

1) they bought him 3 weeks ago and feel that is not bombproof. How can you tell after moving a horse and only three weeks he is not? Yet no events make them feel he is not? (they say no kicking bucking, rearing, stallmanners good and sweet under saddle. I'm not looking for bombproof, not sure that is a feasible request knowing what I now know.

2) the owner (along with his lady partner) own this horse. She wants to sell it, he doesn't. I asked for the street number he didn't know what it was and had to go look it up. uh ok. My husband said that is normal, he couldn't tell you what my house number is of the house I used to living in before marrying him. He just knew where to go.

I asked what kind of bit they are using. (feeling if the bit is harsh, I'm walking away now) but he described an english snaffle, which is good. I guess I am wondering why such a desireable horse is so inexpensive in primetime horse selling season. He's 11, reg arab, imported from UK and some low level show experience. He has english and western skills and beautiful as the day is long. 2000 dollars????? could this be true?! I am NOT getting my hopes up here. LOL

What questions should I ask them when I go?

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[Lora]

LOL I havent' been to NR in a while, it's obvious! :)

[chewitmonster]

Well like you are doing, I'd go and have a look. In what way isn't he bombproof? Is there a reason he needs to be bombproof in that particular way and do you need him to be good in that area too (if that makes sense!)?

You're going into it with an open mind which is the best way but with the incling that something doesn't sound right. :)

Hope it works out - he is lovely! xxx

[Wings]

I hope it goes well for you. I can't hurt to have a look. Ifit doesn't feel right, you can always walk away.

Just thought it was a bit strange they say the horse is in a snaffle. I'm not sure what the bit in the picture is, but it is not a snaffle. It looks like a fairly harsh bit, with long shanks. It is probably a western bit, but the rider seems to have a fair amount of contact on it.

He looks lovely, by the way!

[BeachRiding]

That's a curb bit, and you are NOT supposed to direct rein with it, or use that much pressure! ANyway, hope it goes well...

[CMR]

There's no harm in going to see him. You sound as though you're taking all the precautions, so you'll have a minimal risk of getting screwed over. If you are interested in him, make sure to get a blood test, if you're really paranoid test for EPM. Just the hard stuff that doesn't usually get done in a vet check, that they could be selling for. Also make sure you sign a contract, and have them give you the transfer and registration papers in person, not via mail.

If they are novices, they could just be scared of him, or they bought him for cheap and are just selling to make a profit. Or, if one doesn't want to sell and one does, it could be a 'It's me or the horse' situation.

He is very lovely, and the build that I like to see on Arabians. However, he does not fit in with the super refined trend that is going on now(I just got back from a three day pre-regionals arabian show, the horses there were sticks!) And if he is selling as just a trail horse, his price is about right(if not a little high.)

I can't wait to hear how it turns out, please keep us updated!

[Lora]

We took them to a busy bridle trail for a long ride. Cars honked hellos, a few dogs came up for a sniff, we met runners, we were near flapping bags tractors, etc. Nothing scared these three horses. They were like super smart about new things. He is every bit as beautiful in his pic as in person.

In a large clearing I got to try out his gaits and was pleased to feel his collected cantor was very nice. His sitting trot was exceptionally comfortable and would ease up or down in speeds with happy interest. They were right that he really does like to be ridden and likes people.

His worst vice was to be rather pushy in tackup. He kind of pushed me aside to go look at something more interesting than me but I need to get more pushy back. Now that I know, can deal with this better.

What a likeable horse! Trainer must meet him. Wll call her tomorrow.

[Lora]

Just thought it was a bit strange they say the horse is in a snaffle. I'm not sure what the bit in the picture is, but it is not a snaffle. It looks like a fairly harsh bit, with long shanks. It is probably a western bit, but the rider seems to have a fair amount of contact on it.

He looks lovely, by the way!

I asked what kind of bit they used because I knew they only had him three weeks and wondered if that pic was previous owner. I have only used a snaffle myself. When I showed up they had a different bridle entirely than shown in picture. It was a single break snaffle that had round ends. (like an eggbutt but small round ends)

they said he throws his head but he didn't with me and he likes light contact, so I kept it light. on a two hour hack I had no problems at all with that.

[Wings]

That sounds very promising. I hope your trainer likes him too!

[Lora]

[QUOTE=cvreagzayn]
If they are novices, they could just be scared of him, or they bought him for cheap and are just selling to make a profit. Or, if one doesn't want to sell and one does, it could be a 'It's me or the horse' situation.

He is very lovely, and the build that I like to see on Arabians. However, he does not fit in with the super refined trend that is going on now(I just got back from a three day pre-regionals arabian show, the horses there were sticks!) And if he is selling as just a trail horse, his price is about right(if not a little high.)
QUOTE]

I am somewhat paranoid I suppose so i'm going to look into these blood tests you mention. EPM can you tell me what that is?

You're so right about his build. I would not call him a typical arab at all. But since he's pet quality to me, that doesn't matter. Since he travels so well I can't imagine we won't wind up down at my old schooling barn for a walk trot or two once he's polished.

In person he's like really ummm powerful looking. He looks like far more horse than I need but then he also will not bat an eye when my husband gets on him either. (hubby needs some lessons first though!)

They said the previous owners are trying to locate his papers. Would you advise not buying unless I have them in hand? I've seen many times where papers are lost but who's to say this horse was realy registered with no paperwork and only a nickname?

[CMR]

Just read this post after reading your other post :p

EPM is a neurological disease that can be picked up from opossums/birds. There are two blood tests they can do and they can also do a spinal tap. It's not really a "hidden" disease, ususally people don't test for it unless the horse is showing odd symptoms.

As for the papers, if you're wanting a registered Arabian, I wouldn't pay for him until you get the papers(are they selling him as registered or not?). If not, then I guess it doesn't matter. :p I would certainly try to find out if he is registered even if you don't care about the papers, just so you can do a ownership transfer.