[emb1991]

hi, i am looking for either a free/low price/adoptable horse. i am a begginer and first time horse owner, so i would need a pretty calm horse. any age/breed/size/color considered. let me know if you have a horse that fits this description. located in the san fernando valley in southern california. email or post on here. ericabrough91@hotmail.com

[Jess!]

I'm sorry to say, that even though the economy is low it is not that low especially here in SoCal. Beginner horses are worth their weight in gold, and aren't usually given away unless they have health/soundness issues.

[punkerchick111]

I agree with Jess. I just moved from Ramona, CA out here to alabama and it's amazing the differences in prices according to where you are. Out here it might be possible to get a cheap begginers horse but in so cal they're hard to come by

[swansonspaints]

I live in Southern california and my vet told me a month or two ago that a lot of people are asking her to put down their perfectly healthy horses because they simply can't afford them any longer. They have tried to sell them or give them away. She said some of them were extremely nice riding animal.s I would call the local equine vets and ask them if this is the case in your area and maybe he/she could connect you with someone that is looking for a good home for their horse.

[rileyboy]

I would look into leasing, its a great way to "own" a horse.

[Jess!]

I do have a horse that might be suited for you, but he is $600. He is a completely broke, beginner friendly gelding. PM me if you want more information.

[sarajoy07]

I have to respectfully disagree. I think the economy is that bad. I've been offered a handful of horses in the past few months. All very well trained and healthy, sound, sane, etc...

But...I've been contacted by people who know me and know that I'm a very loving and responsible horse owner.

My best advice would be to get into some lessons or a partial lease and start making some friends in the horse community. Once people know you are a good horse person and that you are looking for a horse you may be surprised by what sort of opportunities present themselves

[SpiderHorseLady]

I have to agree. I live in California and people are turning their perfectly nice horses loose in the riverbed. I know someone who is going down in the riverbed to collect the horses (to train and then resell) and the animal control supports him.

While prices and boarding seem to be higher in California, we are in an economic strife around the country and people are having to unload their horses because no one can afford the upkeep. In some cases, people are having their homes foreclosed on and the horses have to go immediately. Rescues are becoming full and can hardly accomdate one more horse.

While there are horses still commanding a decent price, there are several nice horses either going to slaughter, being turned loose or given away just to get out of their board bill.

I agree witht he suggestion of leasing a horse. Go to your local stable, take some lessons and hang around. You will find that people are giving away horses all the time. I have seen some dead broke, sound and wonderful horses being given away so just keep your eyes peeled.

Originally Posted by sarajoy07

I have to respectfully disagree. I think the economy is that bad. I've been offered a handful of horses in the past few months. All very well trained and healthy, sound, sane, etc...

But...I've been contacted by people who know me and know that I'm a very loving and responsible horse owner.

My best advice would be to get into some lessons or a partial lease and start making some friends in the horse community. Once people know you are a good horse person and that you are looking for a horse you may be surprised by what sort of opportunities present themselves

[Appylvr]

If you're still looking I actually know of one... it's a (maybe Paint) 24 year old mare, totally kid safe and bombproof and very healthy. I haven't seen her myself, but one of the driver's I work with approached me the other day and asked if I knew anyone looking for a horse because her parents are loosing their house and need to get rid of their horses.