[Paint_luver]

You guys all need to help me! Buddy was awesome today (well, after the first part). I brought him in, brushed him, but I had brought a little whip with me this time. Sure enough, he tried to kick at me, WHAM! I hit him as hard as I could on his rump while shouting "No!" and he swung his back end away, quite surprised indeed. After that, he stood perfectly still and just hung his head like "I'm sorry! Please don't hit me with that stick thingy again!"

I also rode with a crop today to see what difference that made. Wow, THERE's that hidden energy! He worked really hard for me though, and by the end I could just use my leg to get him into a trot right away! I got complimented while riding even (by 3 or 4 people) saying how good Buddy and I looked in his big fancy trot and how well I was handling him! He stayed perfectly between my hands and legs the entire time (something he is bad at typically) and gave his shoulder to me with ease!!

Now's the kicker, I want to keep him. There's a lady coming out on Wednesday to most likely buy him (let's put it this way, she's coming from 6 hours away and bringing a trailer) and here I am saying I want him now. Please don't let me do this guys. Talk me out of it. Granted it seems like I've seen his bad side quite a bit often and am dealing great with it (and still wanting him), but what if I decide in a few weeks after keeping him that I want to sell him again? Then this opportunity with this lady, who will give him a good home, will be gone.

Please help me guys. I don't know what to do! My heart and head even say keep him, but I also keep thinking "what if!?" Not to mention this lady has already arranged to come see him on Wednesday and is excited about him...
Also, I have no idea what I would tell my parents. Just stop me guys, make me hate him. Please!

[SammyDoodle]

Hmmm this is a hard one. You will need a bit of time really to decide if things are working out for the pair of you.

If you are really not sure now, tell the lady the truth and say you want another month or 6 weeks and ask her if you can phone her to let her know in (set your time limit) and tell her one way or the other.

[CJ]

You have Seller's Remorse. See how he does on Wednesday. Meanwhile, wouldn't it be nice to have a horse you don't have to do battle with, in the ring, washrack, and stall? Aw, you'll figure it out.

[Paint_luver]

SammyDoodle-that's a good idea! I just don't know though. And what if she finds another horse she likes better and than doesn't even want to come look at Buddy?

CJ- I'm just really not sure that's what it is. I've been having those thoughts a bit before the lady even came into the picture..... so I don't think it's even seller's remorse. You said see how he does on Wednesday, but what if she decides she wants him and then I tell the lady who drove 6 hours to come get this horse "no."?

[devilishjumper]

Don't make her drive out of her way if you are having second thoughts. I agree with sammydoodle just call her up and tell her you just want a little extra time with him. I am sure she can wait. Good luck!

[KZWestern]

Yeah, I'd just ask for some extra time too. See how he does... if his attitude really does shape up and you decide that you really like what you have, then keep him!

[John]

I realy feel from your posts that you are geting somwhere with your horse! You will nt get the results that you would like from harsh bits and spurs that use pain alone to train . You can not use fear (you are not nearly scary enough) and force the old cowboy way. What is needed is to be firm enough that he will accept you into his little herd in a position just above him. He has to know that you are strong enough to hold that position just as he would test another horse in his world. It is how herd animals survive. I think you are doing just that!!! How is that for an arguement to keep him?

[HorseCraze120]

This is a very very hard decision. Hes doing VERY well and you are gaining alot more conifendce with him. Hes really cute, i would talk to your parents and see waht they say.

[i_luv_moth]

i would keep her for a few more months.

hes turning around hannah because YOU'VE become brave and more confident around him. Its showing byt he way you act and talk about it!

Ask your parents tonight because u guys have started to work thru his problems!

[Toby&Arie]

Truthfully I think that any new horse you get is going to test you. It's been my experience with horses that once you buy them the first few weeks are the 'honeymoon period' where everything seems perfect. Then after the horse has settled in, it starts to test its boundaries and the road gets rocky for a while until you establish your authority.

Fromr reading your updates, I personally feel like you've come a very long way with Buddy. Since you're doing so well with him, and seem to be happy with him I would seriously reconsider throwing in the towel. If you were afraid of him, then that would be another story but the way you've been handling him is exactly what he needs. You're really helping him to become a better horse, and the challenges he's giving you are making you a better horse-person. That's pretty much an ideal relationship.

On the other hand, you have to think about if he is what you want in the long term. Do you want a more experienced horse that you could start showing with quicker? I mean deep down you probably already know if Buddy is the horse you would be happy with. I think you just have to spend some more time thinking on it, and you'll make the right call.