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  Discussion on I'm thinking of buying a foal....help!
Author Message
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 2004 - 10:08 am:

Since my guy (who will have a forever home with me - no matter what) has DJD...and will be sound as long as I don't push him to engage, but will only be able to do western pleasure and training level dressage... I'm thinking of buying a three week buckskin foal. He's beautiful, out of a cremello mare by an arabian stallion.

Someone please tell me what I need to do for him. I need to be sure I'll be able to handle it. I have a friend who used to train, and she's promised she'd help me...but you know how that goes...I really want to be sure I can do this myself. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated. I dreamt about him last night and I REALLY want to buy him. But I just want some ideas of what I'm getting into
Member:
Christos

Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 2004 - 5:33 pm:

Dear Aileen,
It only depends on the time and work you are honestly willing to invest. Work with him, day after day and year after year, and what you're getting into will be nothing but a dream.

All the best,
Christos
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 2004 - 5:44 pm:

Oh thank you Christos...but I've already been talked out of him and talked into the sweetest 2 year old arab/morgan gelding I have ever met. I know I can handle a 2 year old --- well I hope I can

He's going to Nor Cal futurities next week, so I need to buy him this week

Member:
Christos

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 8:25 am:

You hope you can?
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 10:04 am:

Now Christos, you of all people know that having a horse is one big adventure/challenge/surprise

He's really very laid back, even more so than my horse (who's 11)

Here he is:
https://www.arabianhorses.org/marketplace/classified/pas_detail2.asp?id=24021

Member:
Chrism

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 10:40 am:

Well, I bought a 3 week old, based on breeding and parents with eyes wide open. So far, so good, for me. I continued to board her with the breeder and she had foals for companions, very important in my book. I also know her sire very well, so was betting on his temperament.

Where I comprised is that her leg conformation as she matured, became less than perfect (she toes in a bit and has a slight off set knee). This was not visible as a young one - I've photos. My guess is that I may have thought twice on her as a coming 2 yo if I was looking then. I also think that people are "selling dreams" with young and unstarted stock - perhaps a better "deal" is one that is started and perhaps one that matured into not what the person was looking for - i.e. not a jumper, too hot, too small/big, or whatever.

The cost of raising a young one to riding age is not insignificant - you need to look beyond initial purchase and sum it up. Then consider what you could buy for that chunk of change that is already grown up and undersaddle.

Plus, what is your plan for starting the youngster when it is rideable? If you aren't able to "do it yourself" that adds to the cost.

So, I would buy a younster with "eyes wide open." I don't regret what I did as the horse is going very well and is a nice mover in spite of conformation. I've learned a lot. She has been easy to start, and while less than perfect (nor am I), is a good match for me and my purposes.

I'd never make a purchase if I felt pressured by events outside of my control - but that is my conservative nature.

Finally, what can you afford to lose? If things don't work out, can you 1) let the foal go later, and 2) live with a financial loss. This is something you have to consider based on your nature.

There are a lot of horses for sale out there. I'm learning that there is always another one to consider.

Cheers. Let us know what you decide.

Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 1:25 pm:

Hi Chris!

Thanks for your input. I've decided against the foal and am going for a two year old. I'll still be able to do the pre-backing (;) but I won't have to wait as long. He's had plenty of ground work and I have yet to see him have a vice. He's just the sweetest thing! Nothing seems to phase him.

The vet's coming on Friday for a pre purchase ....so we shall see!!
Member:
Christos

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 3:16 pm:

Aileen,
A 3 week foal and a two year old are two completely different endeavors.
You switch between them in the blink of an eye, and then you say you hope things will work.
Isn't that a bit of a too lighthearted approach?
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 3:26 pm:

Sounds like a woman's prerogative to me....
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 3:33 pm:

I see how it would appear that way Christos...I found him two weeks ago and fell in love with him. But thought what they wanted for him was too much.

Then I found the colt -- $1500 less than the 2 year old. It didn't take long for me to realize I would spend more than $1500 on the colt in 2 years. So I talked to some people about the pros and cons of a foal vs. a 2 year old...Posted on a couple of horse sites to get more opinions...you get the picture. Not to mention he's from a Serafix line -- I just found that out...my favorite arabian stallion -- and I just can't wait for pre purchase

I have handled warmblood babies successfully, not trained them mind you, but handled, turnout, grooming, etc. So I do have SOME experience. I must say that I am pretty good in getting manners....My horse can attest to this.

Anyways...I was just basically trying to get some input...and thank you for yours!!

Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 3:35 pm:

Thanks for the support Terri!
Member:
Christos

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 4:06 pm:

He does look irresistable, Aileen.
I cross my fingers for the pre-purchase and I wish you two the best and longest relationship ever.
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 4:15 pm:

Thank you Christos...he IS irresistable.

Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Monday, Apr 12, 2004 - 10:03 am:

Well....he didn't pass his front right flexion...really bad...plus he has a club foot, one heel is higher than the other on the front. So I most likely will not buy him...too much money for a two year old with problems and the owner wouldn't come down on her price.

I had xrays taken and will find out for sure what was wrong today.
Member:
Alden

Posted on Monday, Apr 12, 2004 - 12:13 pm:

Aileen,

I included a link below on clubbed feet and trimming/shoeing them. Un-even heels are an indicator of a clubbed foot, but if that is the only indicator then it probably isn’t clubbed. At least that is what I’m reading; the un-even heels could be just poor shoeing.

I have had poor shoeing cause my horse to limp, and I suspect he would have failed a flexion test at that time if we had done it. The heels on the affected leg were a good 1/4” different but the farrier insisted there wasn’t anything wrong. My friend and I ended up resetting the shoe after leveling the foot and he stopped limping within the hour! I got my money back and haven’t seen that farrier since. Boy was he mad when he left though, sometimes this horse thing can be so much fun!

Your prospect may indeed have a clubbed foot, but the quality of the shoeing is something to keep in the back of your mind.

https://www.wiwfarm.com/cub_foot.htm

Good luck and good day,
Alden
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Monday, Apr 12, 2004 - 12:33 pm:

Great Info Alden. Thank you. I'll definately keep that in mind.

However, I think I'm still going to look around. $10K for an animal with problems already...It was a significantly bad flexion test, not just off...Plus, he's not going to grow as tall as I want....There are a host of other reasons...but you get the picture (;)

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