Last Friday morning I went to look at a potential new gelding. I have been looking for the past couple of months for an older gelding that is small and might work better for me out on the trails. There are very few older, small (under 15.1hh) well trained geldings (of any breed) around here. I guess people hold on to them like crazy when they find a good one!
The guy I went to see is a 13yr old arab gelding that is owned and ridden by a teenager, so he has lots of mileage. He has been to shows and pony club events, hacked out in fields and trails and can jump 2'3" without much trouble. I was pleasantly surprised to meet his owner, who is about 20 now and heading off to college. She is smart, funny and knows alot about her horse.
I spent about 2 hours with her and the gelding, Liam. He is a cute little guy and was very well behaved. He is a bit plain for an arab, which is ok by me. I rode him in the arena and we then went out for a 20 min hack. He was fine and didn't put a foot wrong. I have to say that I'm super hesitant to even consider getting another horse, since I haven't made the best decisions in the past...
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| Liam and his girl |
After my ride, I rushed home, had a quick lunch and then went out to Dolly's soon-to-be new home to visit my friend E, who has 3 horses there. E is an older rider and started riding later in life. We saddled up her mare and went out to the sand ring. Poor E has pretty low confidence and a bad case of nerves. She isn't connecting so well with her mare, so I was trying to give her some pointers, seeing as how I struggle with similar issues sometimes.
I was willing to get on her mare and see if I could figure her out a bit. E wasn't comfortable with that in the end, as she was worried I might get bucked off. So, we just groomed her horses and hung out with some the other barn people for a couple of hours. It was a beautiful sunny day and in addition to meeting some nice people and horses, I have also found the perfect hay source!
This new barn (I'll have to think up a nickname) has more hay than they use, so they are willing to sell me as much as I need. They will even deliver it each month or two as I require it...all for $4.00/bale. Some quotes I've had have been up to $4.50/bale, so that isn't too bad at all!
I'm getting down to the wire for the big move. We move on June 1st and Dolly will be going to the new barn on May 31st! Packing is going well, but I think I need to pick up the pace a bit for the final 2 weeks. I have also been working a lot of overtime, so I will be looking forward to the move and the 1 week vacation I have booked for the week after!
8 comments:
OH MY GOD $4 a bale
even if those are tiny bales, what a steal. The last (very small) load of hay I got was $13.50 per 100 lb bale.
The gelding sounds awesome!
13.50 per bale? Youch!! I think these bales are probably more in the 50lb range... I don't think I would have a horse at home if hay was more than double the cost!
That's a good price for a bale of hay delivered to your barn. I pay more than that.
Anyway, Liam sounds very nice and it's good to be able to have a trial or lease, so if it doesn't work out he can be returned to his owner. You really have nothing to lose with that arrangement. I'd ride him a few more times and make a decision. Good luck with this and the move.
Yikes! You are working overtime AND packing? I hope you are getting help. I didn't have much, so packing became my overtime job. Out here in AZ it's anywhere from $13.50 to $21 a bale. Long live Canada!
Wow, that's a nice low price for hay! Right now we are paying 11-12 a bale but it can get as high as 22 a bale.
Liam looks and sounds like a nice horse and a trial would be great!! I also think it would be pretty cool if you got an Arab, I am a little partial to them cuz of Brandy and I worked for an Arab barn!!
Good luck with the move and I bet you can't wait til it's done!!
Totally understandable you'd want to be extra cautious this time around. I don't think you made bad decisions though, there simply isn't much info to go on when horse shopping, no matter how careful you are. I think a lease with possibility to buy would be a nice option with any horse. I think that's the only way I'd feel comfortable buying (but then I'm a bit chicken about the whole thing).
I hope E can get to a place where she can enjoy her horses with a bit more confidence. Too bad she couldn't or wouldn't listen to what you had to say. Not only have you worked through some similar (although I don't think as severe) issues yourself but your approach also makes a lot of sense.
1. I pay $8/bale for 50# bales here. That's just plain, boring, common Bermuda (the South's equivalent of Timothy). So, you're getting a heck of a deal!
2. You were willing to get on another horse that you've not ridden before to help your friend. That's a huge step for you, Laura! Maybe Dolly isn't the right horse. But maybe it's that you're afraid Dolly isn't right because you're unsure of yourself. But, you were willing to help your friend! That's HUGE! Be proud of yourself!
Sounds like your experiences with Dolly have given you more confidence even though you know you're wanting something a little less challenging. Way to go.
I'm impressed your already horse shopping. That Arabian deal sounds pretty good, especially the lease option.
I'm shocked at your price of hay. And envious! Here in New Mexico we're paying minimum $10.50 a bale for a 50# 2 string bale and up to $29 a bale for a 3-string 80-100lb bale.
And I can't even fathom anyone who has more hay than they can use. I don't think anyone here in New Mexico can say that!
~Lisa
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