[NeighNeigh]

Some of you might remember a year ago when I was horse shopping. I had found this PERFECT chestnut TB gelding with lots of chrome. He already had dressage and jumping training, and was the quietest TB I'd ever seen. I went out to ride him 3 different times, and even trailered him out to a state park for a trail ride. I fell in love with him. The seller was really hard to get a hold of--she wouldn't return my emails or phone calls for days, and I had to be very persistent. Finally, after my 3rd visit, she agreed I could take him on a 2-week trial before purchase. She was scheduled to deliver him at 1pm on a Saturday and I waited eagerly for his arrival. When she still hadn't arrived at 2pm, I called her cell phone to make sure everything was okay. Luckily, she picked up. She told me that after much thought, she "didn't feel the horse and I were a good match." I was absolutely crushed, and couldn't imagine why she would have "lead me on" like she did.

Fastforward. I ended up buying a completely different horse, Stetson, last year. He's been a challenge to say the least, and 3 months ago, he pulled a zinger that was the last straw. I put up sale ads for him because he was just more horse than I could handle. I swear he knew I put him up for sale, because within a week, he really shaped up. The last 3 months, we have made more progress than in the 9 months prior, and I'm actually ENJOYING riding him. We're even looking forward to our first show next month.

I've had dozens of calls and email inquiries about him, but at least 95% of them were not appropriate (i.e., beginners or someone looking for a quiet trail horse, etc.). People don't READ those ads--they just call on the horse if it's handsome. So I pretty much resigned myself to letting the sale ads expire next week since the right buyer wasn't out there. No big deal since I'm having fun with Stetty now anyway.

Well, the "right buyer" called me this week. I've been waiting for this person all along, right? So then why do I feel so posessive of Stetson now ? Why do I NOT want to show him to this perfect person?

I think I realized what that seller went through with that chestnut gelding last year. Selling a horse takes more than just advertising. Your heart has to want to sell it, too, and I don't think mine is ready to let Stetson go.

[*Psylocke*]

Oh boy I know what you mean...been there. With me, he wasnt too much horse for me but sort of too little? He was too small and temperment was ideal to be a kids horse, however I loved him so much. At the time I couldnt afford two horses and I need one to compete (since my goal is to be involved with the show industry and all) so I had to sell, I had a couple semi serious and then the perfect people came along....it was a hard thing to do and I spent quite a bit of time with puffy eyes, but he has an amazing home now....and only days later I bought my mare who has been a better match for me.

I still miss him and cry over him sometimes, he will be in my heart forever. You just have to decide what you really want, if he is too much horse, then sell. It is hard to find the perfect buyer....

Psy

[NeighNeigh]

Originally Posted by *Psylocke*

You just have to decide what you really want, if he is too much horse, then sell. It is hard to find the perfect buyer....

Psy

I agree. My head says "sell," my heart says "keep." Although for what I'm asking, my trainer says I won't be able to find another sound, well-trained, well-built horse. She said if I sell Stet, I'd be better off leasing until I have more funds to buy.

So yes, it IS hard to find the perfect buyer. It is also hard to find the perfect horse! What a predicament.

[*Psylocke*]

Originally Posted by NeighNeigh

I agree. My head says "sell," my heart says "keep." Although for what I'm asking, my trainer says I won't be able to find another sound, well-trained, well-built horse. She said if I sell Stet, I'd be better off leasing until I have more funds to buy.

So yes, it IS hard to find the perfect buyer. It is also hard to find the perfect horse! What a predicament.

The horse I bought after cost me more than I sold him for. I sold him for the price I paid for him as an 8 month old, and I sold him at four, broke and sound....had hauled him cross country and showed him (only halter though as a yrling), so I was worried about the money thing. Thought I just wouldnt buy a horse for a while but a friend heard about one who would be perfect so I bought her (borrowed the other money)....it has worked out for me.....

You could just take your time horse shopping and save money while you do it, you will find one that works out for you. Just think about if you turn them down and then you have problems with him again? If it is someone truly perfect and they can handle a bit of a project then it sounds like a great home for him and that is the focus. Good luck with your decision, its a toughie I know...

Psy

[mistylover]

Im going to have the same problem with Misty.. Now im thinking its best i sell her because if i dont ride her and keep her in better shape she will founder again and maybe have to be put down! So i know that i ahve to sell her to some experienced girl who will love her and ride her.. She is my first horse and i went through SO MUCH but i know its for the best and if its the right person its better than saying no and accidently selling him/her to someone who could be potentially ummm cruel. I grew out of misty and were trying a new one out for a week here and he seems perfect thoroughbred gelding gorgeous quiet. But then i feel crushed when i look at Misty its like she knows and I feel like im the only one that can actually see sadness on her eyes (call me crazy) but shes been with her bf chester for 7 yrs im scared she will not be happy..
I hope things go well for you though.

[honeydoozy]

Ouch...this has to be really hard for you. I don't know what to say, but I hope that you can find clarity and make a decision that you feel good about. Even though you love Stetson, he might not be the right horse for you *now*...but the perfect horse for someone else now. This is a toughie.

(but, if you *do* find that you need a horse to lease - let me know. I know of an *awesome* one that will be available in a month or two.)

[NeighNeigh]

Thanks, Erin. I've been struggling with this all weekend, but now I think I've come to my conclusion after PM-ing back and forth with Mel on here (DressageGirl) and talking on the phone with my mom.

I'm pulling him off the market. I have been looking forward to taking him to a show since last year. I need to meet that goal to feel like I truly gave "us" a fair shot. In the meantime, it's not fair of me to have someone come out and look at a horse that in my heart, I'm not ready to part with. So I'm going to contact "the perfect buyer" tomorrow and tell her. Yes, I might end up regretting this down the road, but I also might not.

Back in 1987, 6 months after I got Image, my trainer told my parents "This is NOT the right horse for your daughter," and she insisted we sell her and buy something else. 20 years later, Image is my best friend because of all our challenges and subsequent successes. I can't imagine what my life would have been like without her. Not to say Stetson is going to turn out the same, but now that we're finally gaining momentum, I think I need to see where it takes us...

[DressageGirl]

Kharma is a wonderful thing...LOL

Im am so glad with your decision, it feels very right.

I wish more people would stick with their horses like you, through good times and bad.

It is a gutsy decision, so a pat on the back for you!

I wish you the best of luck with Stetty, where ever your journey with him may take you.

[NeighNeigh]

Thanks for the support, Mel.

It does feel right. I believe in trusting my gut, and my stomach has been in knots all day over this. I now feel relieved.

[Zypheir's Ring]

I am having to sell my gelding cause i am not expericenced enough for him. When i put him up for sale he started nickering to me hugging me all of that cute stuff you know? but then i took the ads down and he proved to be to much again so now he is for sale and we even bought another mare. I feel bad about him having to go but i will sell him to a good home and know he will be truly happy with some one that knows what there doing rather then some one who is confuseing him. Please stioll shop for another horse don't give up you WILL find your dream horse i was still looking for a horse even after i bought my gelding so i was looking for 5 months every day for at least 4 hours a day looking for the "right" horse i mailed a few they didn't respond plus my price range wasn't very expandable but then i stumbled apon this really cheap mare (850) and thought what's wrong with her? There was nothing in the ad so i went to see her,rode her,and she was great! Turned out the owner just needed to sell as soon as possible. I ended up buying her and she's been great! The owner agreed to do a 30 day lease on her so if it doesn't work out we can give her back for our full (850) you should ask with your next horse if you can do that.