[dakota's_sable]

Okay I guess I need to vent. This week I started my search for a companion for my 7 year old mare. I decided to look for a pony rather than another horse or a goat. On my way to and from work everyday I pass this pasture that has a lone pony residing in it. I got to thinking, 'That pony is alone, my horse is alone; they both need a companion.' So on Tuesday I decided to see if the pony was for sale. The husband is all for selling him but the wife isn't so sure. This couple has seven kids (one of which is a newborn baby) plus various other livestock to care for which basically means the horse is receiving no attention. The husband said that before the baby was born he was working with the pony and got his used to being handled and led pretty well with a halter and lead rope. After the baby was born he admitted that he has not been working with the pony much, plus over the winter he was not work with at all - just put in a paddock and fed twice a day (this was the only human contact he had all winter). The wife and husband have also admitted that they know nothing about horses what so ever. At least they know enough to water, feed, vaccinate and have him gelded. But that's about it.

The first night I stopped to look at the pony, the husband tried to get the pony to come up to the fence. His way of doing this was to walk half way out to the pasture, whistle to the pony and call him by name and then turn around and run towards the gate. I guess he thought the pony was going to come bounding after him like a puppy. Naturally the pony just stood out there watching the guy like, 'Huh I just stand here and I can get this person to run from me, I must be top horse around here.' Of course the pony never came to the fence. This pony has not been taught the finer points of respect and he is losing trust in humans. So tonight after work I stopped again and asked the wife if it would be alright if I went out to the pasture to see if I could get hime to come to me. She said that was fine with her. So I went out there and started walking towards the pony and whistling for him. The pony moved off at a trot and kept a safe distance from me. I calmly walked around the pasture and then started smooching to him. I pony stopped, looked at me, and the walked right up to me and sniffed. He wouldn't let me pet him much and soon trotted off to graze. I left thinking that was a good first step.

This couple really doesn't know ANYTHING about equines. Everytime I talk to them, they amaze me with something about how lacking in knowledge they are. The woman even admitted to me tonight that she is afraid of this pony and so are the kids. A 2 year old pony with not much training, in my opinion is not a good starter horse for kids anyway. I told her she needs to find a well trained 15 year old trail horse. And not for the fact that he's mean because he's not. She said she's afraid of all horses but she wants one so bad. I wanted to scream at her that she has no business owning a equine of any kind and to sell me the pony so I could work with him and get him used to humans and also give him a companion.

The woman told me that the pony was given to her by a friend. I don't think this woman has any clue about how to sell a horse either. I think she believes she needs to get all the costs back that she has put into this pony as far as feed, vaccinations, gelding, etc goes. I don't think she is basing a price off of the fact that the pony is a 2 year old, nonregistered (she's not even sure on the breed), and has little to no training put into him. The pony is sound and in good health.

I would really like to buy this pony because I really think that with some good quality time spent working with him, he would be worth it. I offered her a price so I guess the ball's in their court now.

Is it just me? Am I overreacting, or should these people not be horse owners? Am I pursuing the wrong companion and just give up and look elsewhere? What do you think? Give me your honest opinions.

[HappyJoy]

since this is something you are pationate about i think it is worth going after. if they show no interest or refuse to sell then i would drop it, but this could be a good thing if it works out. i wouldn't go too far out of your way for, such as if they ask a crazy high price then it might not be worth it, but if they are willing then i would go for it. good luck and keep us updated!

[horse_luvr83]

i don't htink you are over-reacting. if she is scared of the pony, and the husband isn't working with him anymore, then i agree, they need to sell this pony!!! what was she asking for him??? i bet he's only worth about $300, IF that with no training, and unsure of his background and all.

[pnh]

i totally agree with you! they dont deserve to own a horse and i really hope you get this pony and give him the chance to be happy and loved how he should be. good luck - and maybe even offer leasing him off them - that way they dont have to sell... and you can just say youll look after him for free for them! everybody wins.

good luck and i hope you get him

[dakota's_sable]

Originally Posted by horse_luvr83

i don't htink you are over-reacting. if she is scared of the pony, and the husband isn't working with him anymore, then i agree, they need to sell this pony!!! what was she asking for him??? i bet he's only worth about $300, IF that with no training, and unsure of his background and all.

She doesn't have an asking price. She has no clue what he is worth. I've asked my vet who has vaccinated him and been around him and he said $200-$300. My friend who is very knowledgable about horses said $150-$300. I started off with an offer of $200. I'm waiting to hear back from them - they wanted to think about it. I'll go as high as $250, possibly $300. I would really, really like to get this pony just to be able to work with him and to get him into a happier situation.

[dakota's_sable]

Originally Posted by pnh

i totally agree with you! they dont deserve to own a horse and i really hope you get this pony and give him the chance to be happy and loved how he should be. good luck - and maybe even offer leasing him off them - that way they dont have to sell... and you can just say youll look after him for free for them! everybody wins.

good luck and i hope you get him

Thanks pnh! I never thought of the leasing option.

[dakota's_sable]

Originally Posted by HappyJoy

since this is something you are pationate about i think it is worth going after. if they show no interest or refuse to sell then i would drop it, but this could be a good thing if it works out. i wouldn't go too far out of your way for, such as if they ask a crazy high price then it might not be worth it, but if they are willing then i would go for it. good luck and keep us updated!

Thanks HappyJoy for the good advice and encouraging words. I'll definitely keep everyone updated.

[PaintedRocket]

I bet you felt a tug at your heart for that poor guy! You're not overreacting at all. People who don't know the first thing about horses have absolutely no business owning one. They have 7 children other livestock and a pony that is left by himself with no attention! That's not loving and caring for animals who give so much to a friend. I think they pony should be with you, someone who actually cares about his well being and reaching his pony potential. Good luck and I hope they sell!!

[horse_luvr83]

Originally Posted by dakota's_sable

She doesn't have an asking price. She has no clue what he is worth. I've asked my vet who has vaccinated him and been around him and he said $200-$300. My friend who is very knowledgable about horses said $150-$300. I started off with an offer of $200. I'm waiting to hear back from them - they wanted to think about it. I'll go as high as $250, possibly $300. I would really, really like to get this pony just to be able to work with him and to get him into a happier situation.

Look at it this way, even if you pay $300, he is only a 2y/o you will have plenty of time to train him and get a bond with him. if he were much older, i would say no way. but i wouldn't go more than $300

[Appylvr]

I'm with you all! It sounds like these people have no business owning any horse.... I hope you get him and can turn him around! Keep us updated and if you do get him, I want to see pictures!