wobblydeb... how did it go for you?

[Imp]

:confused: :confused: :confused: any news hun?

[Imp]

Bump :D

[Jenni]

is anyone else getting worried. :(
I hope she hasnt been hurt :(

[Imp]

is anyone else getting worried.
I hope she hasnt been hurt

Actually, it crossed my mind (natural worrywart) and I made the thought go away :(

Perhaps she's been out celebrating finding her perfect neddy and was late back and too tired to post... hoping to hear later today :D

[Jenni]

im a worrier too!!

Or maybe she has hit the shops to get supplies for the arrival of the new horsey :D

[cazrider]

Not especially worried. I'm sure everything's fine but would really like to know...:)

[Peanut]

Just giving this a Monday morning BUMP.

[Wobblydeb]

Awwwwwwww :D I feel loved and cared for :D I don't have internet access at home, so weekend updates have to wait for Monday morning!

Gosh, there is SO much to tell. I have learnt so much this weekend. :o

Starting with Saturday, went to see the 16hh IDx who turned out to look mostly TB and needed some condition, but was really sweet natured. He was responsive but calm in the school, although was in another bloomin dutch gag and running martingale combination. He was so easy going, I got brave and asked for the reins to be moved to make the dutch gag a snaffle, and he didn't go much differently :rolleyes: Head carriage a bit lower and his nose was poking more, but that was an educational moment! Dutch gags aren't necessarily there to control unruly horses, they just make the front end look pretty. :rolleyes:

Anyways..... I liked him so set off on a hack with one of the owner's friends. He was absolutely smashing - even got him to trot away from home and the other horse until he was out of sight and he was no bother. He was an absolute sweetheart :)

Saw a few more at dealers, but nothing I liked compared to the little 16hh, so I arranged to see him again on Sunday and take someone else along :)

[nicolaj]

Sounds promising, good luck.:)

[Peanut]

Sounds VERY promising. :D Good idea to still look at the ones at the dealer as comparison always helps.

[Sooty]

I liked compared to the little 16hh

Blimey - how tall are you then?? :D

He sounds lovely :) I guess what you have to remember is that as they gain condition they also gain energy and sometimes attitude. Not trying to put you off by any means, just something to bear in mind.

[Wobblydeb]

There's more.....

So..... Sunday morning i decided to bite the bullet and ask for help from one of the more experienced people I know. I ended up phoning the YO my horse will be staying at who had very kindly offered to view and give me guidance on anything I look at. (I had only met her once, and she was so friendly - one of the reasons I want to keep a horse at that yard :) ).

They didn't have the 3 hours for the trip free that afternoon :p but suggested that we video the horse in every way possible, and they would take a look that afternoon. Well me and OH went down, video'd him standing, walking, trotting, close-ups of the legs and finally with me riding him. I took the dutch gag and martingale off totally and he was fine :)

Then as we were about to leave the horse started weaving as he was waiting for his feed..... :(

I ASKED when I phoned up if he had any stable vices! ... and the seller didn't see fit to mention that he weaves when left alone - both in the stable and the field :eek:

So..... with heavy heart I phoned the YO to see what she said.

[Wobblydeb]

.....YO didn't scream and say keep that horse away from my yard, and that we could discuss how to manage it. I had already pretty much been put off, but I decided I would wait to see what she thought of him on video.

Well! :eek: Watching the video back was the biggest eye opener I have ever had! :eek:

The YO's husband actually sat and watched it with us, and boy, does he have an eye for horses. He immediately started pointing out how the front end didn't match the back, and the various lines he was looking for. Shoeing where too much toe had been taken off, and was hiding a broken pastern axis, and very poor shoeing (possibly not by a farrier) on one hind. It was fascinating to listen and learn.

Then we saw it - the first sign of a problem with the near hind (possibly as a result of that ***** shoeing). In walk he was crossing over! I never saw it when I was there - I guess there is too much going on when you're viewing a horse. Both me and OH felt pretty embarrassed for not spotting it sooner.

Then when finally watching the ridden video you could see clear as day that he was in pain when asked to canter on the left rein. :( He was leaning in a little more on that rein, and was reluctant to canter, and watching the video I can understand why. I felt SO guilty. I had kept asking that poor horse to canter, and he was trying to lead with the correct leg, but it was hurting him too much. :( Our guess was that he was on bute for the viewing.

So..... I will not be buying that particular horse....

[Imp]

*phew* glad you ok WD!

What a pity, but you are sensible in getting an experienced eye cast over him. Good luck as you continue in your quest hun :D

[domane]

Well I think there is a lesson to be learned there Wobblydeb and possibly a new trend.... video your potential new horse and view back at your leisure a couple of times. Think you hit the nail on the head with your comments about "so much going on at the viewing" - often we are distracted by a pretty face to see the faults and when you are home and calm, you can really get stuck into scrutinising the nitty gritty!!

Any genuine sellers would surely not object to a video being taken???

Perhaps your YO & OH could set up a little cottage industry - "Horse viewing - Opinions from the Armchair!!" :D

[carrimclaren]

Bad luck, just when he sounded lovely as well. Have to say though, shame on the people selling him. Poor horse :(

At least you have people there who can help and guide you and will make sure you get the right neddy in the end :)

[Clare-22]

Sorry he didn't turn out to be what you hoped.

Videoing is a fantastic way to get lots of views from other people, or even just to look back in the comfort of your home with a much more objective eye. I never found anyone had any objection to my OH videoing, even the dodgey sellers ;)

Don't feel embarressed by not noticing things before, I found horse hunting to be a huuuuge learning curve, I remember one horse I viewing and fell in love with, got back bursting to show everyone and they all said the same thing "ermm the horse is too small for you" now I was embarrassed that I failed to notice that :D

Onward and upward, your horse is out there somewhere!

[NoviceNic]

How awful for you and the horse WD. Dont be too disappointed it is a sign that the right horse is still waiting for you out there somewhere. Thank goodness you YO was good enough to have a look at the video for you.

[chewitmonster]

that is so nice of your YO to watch the video with you. :) Such a shame that it didn't work out but at least the things were pointed out to you before you bought him :) Hope he finds a nice home with someone who can give him the time and experience he needs.

I remember when I was horse searching, found a lovely bay gelding at a dealers. Took RI up to see him and dealer couldn't be there so left a stable girl to deal with us. RI found a big problem in the horses back, so much so that he threw the stable girl and himself on the floor when she mounted. We had to walk away, he'd obviously been buted up when I last saw him. It was hard walking away thinking about where he might have ended up - he was such a loving horse in need of some TLC or a retirement home. :(

I also remember videoing Silver for RI to watch (horse in Kent so a bit of a long drive to take RI). I was convinced he'd say there was something wrong with him. RI came into my house and watched the video silently, then asked the price, looked at my face and said 'go for it' :D Never once regretted it. :)

Your horse is out there patiently waiting xxx