Ridecamp: Re: [RC] "Auction" horses?

An update to my own post....

Went to see the "auction" gelding last night.  I'm not interested.  He is
a pretty boy in his own way, but not my type, and needs lots more
training.

First, he is way too tall for what I want.  He is actually about 15.2
hh.  He is very narrow-chested and slender-built.  I tend to like the
more "built" type of arabians - ones that look like they can do some
work...maybe those aren't the best for endurance, but I still like them
more.  Crabbet types, and some Polish horses.  My current mare is polish,
and is built like a brick house.  Nice wide chest, and is muscular, even
when not in work.

This gelding is also slightly ewe-necked and it is set on low.  He fights
the bit constantly, with nose in the air and goes hollow-backed, unless
you really work at it to get him collected.  He does not know how to back
yet at all.  He will probably make a nice mount for somebody willing to
put in the training effort and who likes his body type...but in my
opinion, he's not worth what they're asking for him as he definitely
needs work.

Legs were nice and straight, and he seemed to have a sweet disposition.
Was very much on the thin side, with his spine poking up out of his
back.  :(   That worries me - the whole worm thing.

So, I'm passing him up.

Thanks all!
Jennifer

Jennifer Thompson wrote:

> Okay....may be going to go look at a horse tomorrow and need
> some advice.
>
> Turns out he came from the auctions and is unregistered.  A
> trainer from the LA Equestrian Center bought him a year ago
> after spotting him at the sales and couldn't bear to see him
> go to the killers.  He has put 8 months of training on him,
> and now wants to sell him to someone who will do something
> useful with him.  Good conformation, good withers, straight
> legs, great feet - currently barefoot.
>
> The horse is almost 5 years old and was never ridden before
> this trainer got him.  A vet check will put any lameness
> issues to rest, I hope.
>
> However, the seller did say that the horse was very wormy
> when he first got him, but he has been worming him regularly
> since then.  He then mentioned that right now he is a little
> concerned about the horse because he has not been finishing
> his hay lately, and is worried something may be wrong (boy,
> is this honest or what?).  He also said it could just be the
> 105+ degree heat we've been having (my own mare did not
> finish her hay yesterday either)....I am still afraid of
> intestinal damage from the worms he had before....is there
> anyway to know if there is any?  The seller said that the
> horse has not been off his feed for the past year that he's
> had him, only the last few days - although he is not the
> type of horse that bolts his food anyway...kinda takes his
> time.  I'm still feeling leery though...I've seen a horse
> die of damage from past worm infestation and don't want to
> see it again.
>
> Are there any other caveats to buying a horse with an
> unknown past?  Even if it's a young horse?  Anything to
> check for?  Anything a vet should check for above and beyond
> a normal vet check?
>
> Should I steer clear of this horse?
>
> The seller sounds very honest - I asked every question I was
> given advice here to ask (we were on the phone for 45
> minutes), and the seller told me all of the horse's faults
> right up front.  He is scared of puddles (but will cross
> streams no problem) and had a bad tooth that led to some
> bitting issues.  Wolf tooth was pulled by the vet one month
> ago, and horse is now doing better, although still tenses up
> and gets behind the bit when turned to the right (the side
> the wolf tooth was on).  He said that this is gradually
> getting better, as the horse is learning that the pain is
> gone and not to fear the bit.  He rides him in a french link
> snaffle.
>
> The horse has been trained mainly on busy trails in the Los
> Angeles area (Griffith Park), knows all the basics - turns
> off fore and hind, sidepasses, collects and extends, knows
> his transistions.  He said the horse is very willing, loves
> people, and likes to move out.
>
> Horse prefers to be in front while on trail, but doesn't
> pitch a huge fit if held back.
>
> He sounds so tempting to go see.....but an auction horse?
> Sounds so risky!
>
> Advice for me?
>
> Jennifer
>
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 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
 Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

 If you are an AERC member - PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming By-Laws 
 Election!!!! (it takes 2/3rds to tango!!)

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