|
|
Discussion on Appropriate price?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 8:45 pm:
Okay everyone, it is my turn to need some objective opinions. I am looking at a paint gelding turning six next month. He supposedly has done some trail riding and has been "broken" with natural horsemanship methods. He is VERY green. He is very wormy, and is constantly popping his shoulders. He seems to be a VERY good boy though. He seems sound and put together pretty well. His feet seem to be trimmed and shod with funky angles which make me worried about what is up with the alignment inside. The woman doesn't want to take less than 3500.
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 8:54 pm:
I guess you can't open the pictures. He is 15.2 hands, and a black and white boy.
|
Member:
Juliem
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 9:20 pm:
Well, can't see the photo, but I have a black and white 6 year old paint. He's not really green, but doesn't have a lot of riding time and I would not consider him "solid broke", but he's done lots of trail riding, a little work with cattle and was trained with natural horsemanship principles. No funky feet angles or wormy problems and he is very well bred (Mr. Gunsmoke, Gallant Ghost and Bally Hobo). I paid $3800 for him as a yearling and wouldn't sell him for less than $6000.00. See him on my profile. Where are you and the horse located? That seems to make a huge difference in price. Thanks, Julie
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 9:31 pm:
Holy *%#$, Julie. How tall is your gelding? My friend and I had this conversation on the way home. I think for a person who sticks to only trails would think he was fantastic. (If he turns out to be what she says he is.) The greenness in the ringwork is what made me really question him. Otherwise, he seems like a super horse for me. He is very nonreactive, and mellow. But really green with steering and transitions. I am in New England.
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 9:40 pm:
Gwen,
I'm no expert, however if I was looking at that horse I would want to know:
'Very green' am I the rider for a green horse?
What are his ground manners like?
What do you mean by his 'constantly popping shoulders' Is this a soundness issue or a traveling issue?
You mention funky hoof angles, does he have sound feet or is there damage?
Is he papered?
If he is very wormy, what kind of other health issues might there be as worming is very basic health care to ignore.
Do the current owners have a vet record of health on that horse.
I would definitely have a vet do a pre-purchase exam. I never even consider purchase with-out one and have been saved 2 certain disasters because of that very exam.
Just to give you price guide-lines: I have a registered black paint quarterhorse in foal, well under saddle, lots of trail experience calm as can be, 15.1h and $4,500. I'm not trying to sell her to you at all, (I really mean that!) just so you know there are well trained horses in good health available in your price-range. (she would be less if not bred). One of the big mistakes we often make is 'falling in love' with a horse and then living with the unplanned-for results. I've done it myself.
I'm sure you will get much feed-back. Just my 2 cents worth.
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 9:46 pm:
I have to clarify--when I said "wormy", I meant squiggly under saddle. Sorry about that! He definitely goes this way and that when trying to go in a straight line. Keep in mind, this is in a field with his "turnout buddies" roaming within eyesight. He would pop and try to drift toward them, but never was "naughty". Ilona, I know what you mean about falling in love. That is why I am posting, because I am so weak... He does possess the characteristics I am looking for-quiet, seemingly sound and cute.
|
Member:
Juliem
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 9:59 pm:
My gelding is 15-1 or 15-2. Much more broke than you describe, just less than the 500 hours I consider minimum for "broke"! Just to clarify--he is NOT for sale! I know this sounded like an ad--I was just trying to give you a comparison. I still think you have to consider the prices locally. I do have a filly and a gelding for sale, both paints, coming two. One is on the classified section of this site. $1750.00.
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 10:05 pm:
Julie,
That is one beautiful horse.
Good luck Gwen,
I hope it works out for you, he sounds like a nice horse. Just look before you leap. Show-up un-announced, that will give you a lot of info as to his behaviour etc.
See if you can do some ground work with him. Distraction in a field with his buddies is a tough test.
How is he in an arena, you don't want an arena phobic horse, that is a real nightmare and can be extremely dangerous.
Perhaps they will let you ride him in different environments over a period of time so that you can make a solid decision.
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 10:12 pm:
Julie, I did not take that as an ad. No worries! I tried to look at the classies on here, but couldn't access them. I can't remember this guy's bloodlines (I am not knowledgeable about paints). I think one of the parents had something to do with Summer...
Ilona, the girl did ride him in a ring and he was pretty tolerant. The footing was poor, it was uneven and it was small. He walked, trotted and cantered for her. I liked the footing better in the field and wanted to challenge him, so I rode him out there. She said I can do a week trial and she would keep 10% if I sent him back.
|
Member:
Juliem
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 10:34 pm:
Gwen, go to Classifieds and Ads, then Commercial Advertising and Links. Dr. O had to shut down the public classifieds as some Non HA people were abusing them. Someone else has a paint mare advertised there and she is $4500 I think. A trial is a great idea, but be sure everything is well spelled out as to terms. There are lots of horses out there!
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 10:43 pm:
Okay, I saw your mare and unfortunately I can't do mares. She sounds awesome though. Did you say there was a gelding???
|
Member:
Juliem
|
Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 - 11:04 pm:
Yes, I have a gelding too. He will be two in March. He actually looks a lot like Desi although they are only second cousins or something! If you're interested, email me at my address in my profile and I'll tell you more. He has a wonderful disposition and is very trainable. He has the most incredible hip! Thanks, Julie
|
Member:
Dove2
|
Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 7:24 am:
Gwen, my daughter lost her mare in a barn fire and we too quickly bought her another mare. This mare was quite green in that she requires a lot of work to keep her walking straight and keep her shoulder from popping out, and her head too. My daughter is probably a strong/advanced intermediate rider and all she wants to do is enjoy riding trails, occasionally do hunter shows, and some competitive trail rides.
She is not having fun with her mare. This mare would be better off with a person who would like to do some cutting, trail riding, or eventing.
She needs someone who has the time and desire to train her in a slow, consistent manner. She's a great mare but not being applied in the areas where she would excel.
I reveal my embarrassing situation to accentuate the need to really examine what you want out of a horse first, then really study the horse to see if that horse fits the bill. With this Paint gelding, your burning desire should be to train first and foremost, and know a farrier knowledgeable and reasonable enough to work with hoof angles and corrective shoeing.
Sincerely,
Voice of Experience 
|
Member:
Ajudson1
|
Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 8:12 am:
I think every time I buy a horse it based on all the wrong reasons,and they are mostly emotional. Or the price is so low, I can't pass it up. The last time we went horse shopping, we came home with 3!!! 2 yearlings, and a green 4 year old. One of the yearlings was nothing but bones, and daddy bought her to stop our daughters tears. That horse is now the most neglected out of all of our horses. My daughter is somewhat afraid of her I believe and very seldom even brushes her.
Now I love all of our horses, but also know that 2 outa the 4 shouldn't be here. They are not the right matches for anyone in the family, and the one above, who is a nice little mare now, really doesn't interest me for my own use. (no, she's not for sale, I want to keep training her, 2 of the others are though)
I think Dove has hit it about right. Don't get caught up in the cool color of the horse, or blood lines, or "oh, he/she just looked at me and I have to buy him/her." (that's why I have my goofy gelding Tango)Or the worst, IMO, a friend who needs to sell their horse!
I like to start horses and enjoy learning from each one. Unless that is important to you, keep looking until you find a nicely trained horse that you know you can get on 100% of the time, and the horse will act the same each time. You can't put a price on a horse like that. I HAD one like that in my life time, and can only hope to find another like her.
BTW, I think the price is way high, but that's just me. Heck, I'd sell you 3 horses for that price!
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 8:42 am:
Thanks girls. I have been thinking about what my ideal horse is for a WHILE. I have even gone through two that weren't just right for me. I am actually very picky. I have come to the realization that I am a one horse person. I (hopefully) have found my qh with EPSM a long term lease and am now really ready to buy what I have been longing for for YEARS. I have really narrowed down my criteria and it is quiet/nonreactive, sound, and cute! There are times when I would like something trained, but not only can I not afford that, but I also think I would appreciate bringing something along in training. I also think (after looking at some schooled horses) that many schooled ones don't have a tolerance level. Part of me really thinks that if he is sound and what she is representing him as-unflappable on the trails-he is what I am looking for.
This part sounds silly, but it is what it is... My husband has allotted me 3000 (TOPS) to buy a new one and this lady won't budge because supposedly the owner bought him for 3500 when he was a weanling (I know, I know-that is what she SAYS)...
|
Member:
Erika
|
Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 9:08 am:
Gwen, there have been a lot of discussions on pricing here, so I won't give my opinion on your particular prospect.
One thing I know for SURE is that the purchase price is usually the cheapest part of having any horse.
Add up years of feed/board, shoeing, vet checks, emergencies, equipment, blah, blah, blah...and you really want to make sure you've got the right horse!
Another thing I find--if there is anything negative about a horse, it is a lot tougher to sell than it is to buy.
As for this individual, I highly recommend you have your farrier look at him, as well as your vet. It may be the best money you've ever spent.
There are a lot of really nice horses out there. If your gut is bugging you a little, maybe you should keep looking. If the seller is that firm, it is unlikely that the horse will go fast with the majority of winter ahead of us.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Be sure to let us know if he comes home with you!
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 4:31 pm:
Thanx guys for saying kind things, that's my paint mare for sale in the classifieds and you are correct, she is awesome.
Erika is right its much easier to buy than to sell a horse, and the cheapest part is the horse itself. What I do know is that honesty and integrity as both the buyer and the seller is critical. I have sadly had miserable experiences as a buyer and am determined NOT to pass those on as the seller.
I am glad to hear that you have time to evaluate the horse on your own. Impulse isn't always good, deliberate, considered decisions tend to work out much better.
Do keep us posted.
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 4:44 pm:
I agree about the day to day expenses tied to horses. At this point though, that is just sort of a given with my husband. The money for their food, etc. is sort of figured into the budget. Having a big chunk of liquid money to spend though, is tough to comprehend. Especially for someone who is not a horse person!
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Saturday, Jan 13, 2007 - 7:41 pm:
Well, here is the latest prospect... I looked at a young grade gelding today that could not have been sweeter. He passed all of my tests! HOWEVER, the seller told me of how he DrOpped to his knees once when she was cinching his girth. SHe has had him since October and got him from a dealer who picked him up in Florida. I watched her girth him today, and he didn't do anything. He did stretch his front feet out a bit after she had tightened the girth, but nothing major. I have read the posts on this fairly common condition (I just learned that!) and my question is do you buy something that MAY have narcolepsy? Is this a condition I should avoid or take it as a "bugaboo"? Could it not be narcolepsy at all, and he was just startled?? Thanks! I don't want to GO INTO a situation with a problem after dealing with horrible things for the past seven years,but I also don't want to pass up a good thing if this is not a big deal.
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Sunday, Jan 14, 2007 - 2:15 pm:
Gwen you may want to start a new thread regarding this question as I don't know that you will get as many responses to this particular question on this thread as pricing is its topic. Your current question is quite different. Just a suggestion.
|
Member:
Erika
|
Posted on Sunday, Jan 14, 2007 - 10:23 pm:
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing...start a new thread. I don't have a clue what would make a horse DrOp like that. Perhaps some others might, but they won't see it unless they were following the pricing thread.
Maybe Dr. O will respond if he thinks its a vet issue.
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 - 6:35 am:
Thanks for the tip girls. It worked but the horse is a no go. Back to the drawing board...
|
Member:
Boomer
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 - 3:22 pm:
I think you made a wise decision.
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 - 8:09 pm:
Wow, I got a double bummer today. The woman who was going to take Jack backed out today because she wanted to buy him outright and bring him to Florida, when I am offering him for a free long term lease. I am so sad. I am scheduled to look at two horses tomorrow. I can certainly get another while I have Jack, but it is not good for him to sit, so that would be selfish of me. SOrry if I sound whiny. I am being a bit of a spoiled brat because I just got the news. Thanks to anyone who listened to me vent...
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 - 10:57 pm:
That is disappointing. The up side is that it will give you time to look more patiently for a good suitable horse. (Hate to be so pragmatic in the face of disappointment.)
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 - 7:33 am:
Everything happens for a reason, right?????
|
Member:
Qh4me
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 - 2:21 pm:
Thats too bad Gwen. But you know, maybe the new horse wasn't the one for you, and maybe the lady that was going to take Jack, wasn't going to be the right person for him either.
When things are right, you will know it, and it will work out for you. I know there is that perfect horse waiting for you, and there is a perfect person who is wanting Jack.
It is certainly dissappointing, but the way you care for your Jack, I am sure things will work out in the end for the best.
Good luck, and now you have a bit more time to find that Mr. Right, or Ms. Right!
|
Member:
Gwen
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 - 6:20 pm:
Well its funny because Jack has been going so well that my trainer and I have been wondering if we should give him another try with the dressage, hunter pace thing! My trainer has been the one who has the most concerns about his aptitudes based on how bad he can look at times. This horse has given me the most roller coaster-like times than any other experience in my life!
|
|
|
