[MyViggie]

So ive been noticing alot lately kids now a days go through horses like they go through shoes. I meen to me my horse is my life i wouldnt trade her for anything. And getting a horse is a mazzive comitment it cant be somin u think u like and later on sell it to gosh knows who. I know someone that gone through at least 4 horses in the not even past year. And where they go to is a farm where they could be sold to slaughter and abusive owner or if lucky a caring one. I see people now only wanting perfect and the best, has to know the ropes and ends or the disipline they want and if not out they go. To me that wont ever get u to a good rider. And it certainly wont put a good impression. I know in some cases you can tell when the horse isnt right or you got to much for your plate but im just asking and for everyone to spread the word to just take time in buying a horse. Dont rush it and dont try to get the best horse. it just wont happen finding the perfect horse. You 2 have to be a team and work together! thatsall lol.

[stina3246]

Well, when I was young (I got my first horse at 13 with my own money, my parents have never paid a dime for any of my horses) I went through a few horses before I found my Arab Kai Zeyn who I had for 18 years until he passed away. I did have people around who helped me choose the horses I was purchasing so I didn't buy anything dangerous or unhealthy. It was a great experience...I learned a lot about how to ride and what to look for when buying a horse. I learned how to make the horse more valuable, for example: I purchased a young filly off the track for $400. I put some breaks on her and taught her some manners and a few months later sold her for $1000 to a girl who wanted her as a hunter. She was a great mare but we just never clicked. I learned that I don't really click with mares. I gained confidence in my self and my abilities as a rider AND "business women" LOL I also learned what I really couldn't handle. I probably had about 4-5 horses in 2 years before I got Kaz and by the time I got him I KNEW he was the right horse. I enjoyed and learned from the others and they all went to good homes where they had someone who DID click with them.
I do see what you are saying.........buying and selling horses just because you want bigger better and don't really care about the individual but in some cases it can be a good thing. For me, buying a "cheaper" horse and selling for a higher price enabled me to earn enough money to be picky about what horse I bought next.

[mustang_dodger]

i know what you mean. i know a kid that shows horse, and they got him one sight unseen and got it home and he rode it maybe twice and didn't like it, so they turned around and baught a nicer one. i've seen some kids have one horse at one show and then a few weeks later they have a new one.

[UnDun*]

Totally understand. I know a few 'show kids' who go through them like shoes. One girl, rode for a month, and mommy bought her a horse. Rode him, couldnt get him to bridle up, so they bought her another one. They ended up selling those two because she couldnt work with them properly. She now owns a beautiful, expensive show horse who she rides once a week and her trainer lets her get on at the gate of each show to win.

My horse, no matter how neurotic and challenging he can be, will always be mine. Till his death. If he can't accept a certain disicpline we will switch. I dont see a horse as useless if it doesnt preform to your standards...ninety percent of the problem is use and its sad to see kids not being able to accept rider error and learn from it.

[Gee]

MyViggie,
I feel the same way as you.I have 3 horses and they are life'ers.Lately i have been thinking of selling my 3rd horse as i just cant seem to get her broke.But every morning i wake up and try again with even more patience.I will bring her to Denis Reis if i have to lol ! i know its just talk when i say i am going to sell her as if it came down to it , i love her and just can't...To me buying a horse is a big committment, its 25 plus yrs.I do believe though, that if you made a mistake and a horse is just not right for you it can be sold.But only to an absolutely garenteed good home.The right home.My mom goes through horses and dogs like its going out of style.I could never understand it.As an adult i can see looking from a breeders perspective which my mom is, animals are live stock.They come and go for different reasons.What i do respect about my mother is she goes the extra mile to sell to a good home.I dont know how many times my mother has turned a buyer down, telling them this isnt the right dog for you or horse.Its the people that take the money from the first buyer that comes along that erk's me...Anyway, glad to hear there are other true animal lovers in the world.
G