How long to wait or to walk away

[SharonA]

Found a lovely equine, right age, right size, favorite breed, right experience, very comfy to ride, all the buttons in place, very willing, smart, darling personality. Very beautiful dark liquid eyes. Advertised as 100% sound, but vet found some lameness on PPE. No big deal; horse is older, has likely been sitting in a field for a year, is out of shape, with not-very-educated hoof care. X-rays not perfect, but not dealbreakers for a pleasure pony to be used for light noncompetitive work. Offered to take horse on one month trial, get her feet done differently, get her some basic arthritis meds, get her into gentle work, see how she does. All good and agreed upon. Owners say they are very anxious to re-home; other horse on property sold, getting out of horses, etc.

Owners delayed pick up tentatively planned for Tuesday, with message about not having time due to work pressures, and have not gotten back to me since Monday (my last text to them was yesterday morning). I am getting a weird vibe. If I am going to give a chance to their very sweet but semi-lame senior pony whom they have been doing nothing with for a year, I kind of feel like they could find time for me to sign a form and load her onto my trailer. Plus, horse is one who probably should not be on grass 24/7, as her feet have signs of long-standing low-grade “keep me away from sugar!”-ness, and I’m worried the new Spring grass might affect her already compromised feet enough to change her prognosis for soundness. The weather is getting nice, I’m paying for an empty stall at my barn, and I want to ride!

But, maybe I am being unreasonably pushy?

Going back and forth between the fact that if pony were sound, she’d likely be perfect, and the fact that maybe there is more going on here than is worth it, despite the many boxes she does tick — or they have another interested party who isn’t as picky.

[MissAriel]

I would call (not text) again and explain how much you like pony and are excited to try her out. You have a stall waiting with fluffy brand new shavings and can’t wait to spoil her with attention. (Leave out the parts about getting her better care and off the spring grass.) Ask to set another pick up time.

They very well may have another interested party, or maybe life really is getting in the way, or maybe they are feeling nostalgic about getting out of horses and dragging their feet now that reality is setting in. Maybe if you can talk with them you can suss this out and address the issue directly. It sounds like you could give her a great home, and she could be worth waiting for a bit.

[fordtraktor]

it has only been a couple of days and they seem to have a pressing work issue. It happens. I know you are excited about the horse but I wouldn’t consider this a red flag at all. maybe if it had been a week or more I would feel differently.

[Abbie.S]

One the one hand, it’s only been a couple of days.

On the other hand, OP is paying for a stall for the horse, and the owners say they are “very anxious” to rehome her quickly.

OP, I agree about calling them: say you are paying for a stall and would like to have a plan to move the horse by the weekend. Throw in how excited you are if you feel like it. I’ve always tried to stay pretty neutral when it comes to buying horses: it is a business transaction, as cold as that sounds. Sometimes best to leave emotions out of it, especially given you have no idea what this mare will be like at the end of the trial and may end up returning her.

[MCF1991]

I agree with Abbie. I certainly would call and leave a message about picking another time for pickup. I wouldn’t complain about paying for a stall, but I would let them know you are still very interested. Definitely do not get emotional since you may need to return her. That could go very badly if feelings get hurt or annoyed.

[js]

@SharonA

Found a lovely equine, right age, right size, favorite breed, right experience, very comfy to ride, all the buttons in place, very willing, smart, darling personality. Very beautiful dark liquid eyes. Advertised as 100% sound, but vet found some lameness on PPE. No big deal; horse is older, has likely been sitting in a field for a year, is out of shape, with not-very-educated hoof care. X-rays not perfect, but not dealbreakers for a pleasure pony to be used for light noncompetitive work. Offered to take horse on one month trial, get her feet done differently, get her some basic arthritis meds, get her into gentle work, see how she does. All good and agreed upon. Owners say they are very anxious to re-home; other horse on property sold, getting out of horses, etc.

Owners delayed pick up tentatively planned for Tuesday, with message about not having time due to work pressures, and have not gotten back to me since Monday (my last text to them was yesterday morning). I am getting a weird vibe. If I am going to give a chance to their very sweet but semi-lame senior pony whom they have been doing nothing with for a year, I kind of feel like they could find time for me to sign a form and load her onto my trailer. Plus, horse is one who probably should not be on grass 24/7, as her feet have signs of long-standing low-grade “keep me away from sugar!”-ness, and I’m worried the new Spring grass might affect her already compromised feet enough to change her prognosis for soundness. The weather is getting nice, I’m paying for an empty stall at my barn, and I want to ride!

But, maybe I am being unreasonably pushy?

Going back and forth between the fact that if pony were sound, she’d likely be perfect, and the fact that maybe there is more going on here than is worth it, despite the many boxes she does tick — or they have another interested party who isn’t as picky.

Based on what you have stated about the pony’s issues, potential laminitis, arthritis, etc, and you wanting to ride, I’d suggest you pass on this horse. While perfect in many ways, you may well be buying a horse that may not have a riding future. As wonderful as the horse is.

[SharonA]

Thank you all for your opinions (all of them). I am going to respect whatever the current owners are dealing with and let it sit for a few days, then call them. Right now, we’re hoping that pony’s issues can be easily addressed with a previcox a day and proper mani-pedi, and getting off 24/7 grass. If not, contract states she will go back. Previous much-beloved horse was a pasture pet for alittle over a year and while horse was absolutely worth it and we found plenty of ways to have quality time, when it comes to a new horse, I do want to ride.

[SuckerForHorses]

@SharonA

Found a lovely equine, right age, right size, favorite breed, right experience, very comfy to ride, all the buttons in place, very willing, smart, darling personality. Very beautiful dark liquid eyes. Advertised as 100% sound, but vet found some lameness on PPE. No big deal; horse is older, has likely been sitting in a field for a year, is out of shape, with not-very-educated hoof care. X-rays not perfect, but not dealbreakers for a pleasure pony to be used for light noncompetitive work. Offered to take horse on one month trial, get her feet done differently, get her some basic arthritis meds, get her into gentle work, see how she does. All good and agreed upon. Owners say they are very anxious to re-home; other horse on property sold, getting out of horses, etc.

Owners delayed pick up tentatively planned for Tuesday, with message about not having time due to work pressures, and have not gotten back to me since Monday (my last text to them was yesterday morning). I am getting a weird vibe. If I am going to give a chance to their very sweet but semi-lame senior pony whom they have been doing nothing with for a year, I kind of feel like they could find time for me to sign a form and load her onto my trailer. Plus, horse is one who probably should not be on grass 24/7, as her feet have signs of long-standing low-grade “keep me away from sugar!”-ness, and I’m worried the new Spring grass might affect her already compromised feet enough to change her prognosis for soundness. The weather is getting nice, I’m paying for an empty stall at my barn, and I want to ride!

But, maybe I am being unreasonably pushy?

Going back and forth between the fact that if pony were sound, she’d likely be perfect, and the fact that maybe there is more going on here than is worth it, despite the many boxes she does tick — or they have another interested party who isn’t as picky.

@js

Based on what you have stated about the pony’s issues, potential laminitis, arthritis, etc, and you wanting to ride, I’d suggest you pass on this horse. While perfect in many ways, you may well be buying a horse that may not have a riding future. As wonderful as the horse is.

The OP has done her due diligence in even getting a PPE, is well aware of the pony’s potential limitations, and is planning to use the pony for light noncompetitive work. If she feels the pony is suitable, who are we to question that, especially since that wasn’t the question to begin with.

[Scribbler]

OP, if the delay was on your end, the truck broke down or you had a work or family emergency or the flu, how would you want the seller to respond? Treat them as you would like to be treated, if there was a delay on your part.

[Palm_Beach]

I would not in a million years buy a lame horse and hope that I can make it sound. What you see is what you get. OP, what is your plan with this horse if it does not come sound??

[nu2u]

Neither wait nor walk away…RUN away yelling for someone else who does want a (can’t really be on the) pasture pet to take her. Based on you saying you just did right by one you could NOT ride and now you want to RIDE restart your search with being fit and sound currently in the type of work you want to do, or alot closer to it than this one. I get she is sweet and you are sweet for wanting to give her a better life, but there are other ways you can both get what will really make you happy & healthy.

[SuzieQNutter]

If they are getting out of horses I cannot see them taking her back if you decide you don’t want her.

[demidq]

Do NOT buy a horse that is currently unsound and don’t say that you will return her if you cannot get her sound. You think they will accept her back, especially if they are getting out of horses??? I think you have dodged a bullet. Have a glass of cold water and rethink this without the emotion attached to those eyes. They are waiting for someone who takes her w/o PPE .

[CHT]

Seller might be fishing for a better option, or might just be busy.

Do make sure that seller is able to take horse back if it doesn’t work! Make sure your contract is worded carefully. Not sure the best way to do it contract wise. I am assuming horse isn’t big bucks.

Consider too, that a foot sore horse can sometimes be a much quieter horse.

I hope it all works out for you and the pony though! Sounds like what you want to do, and the level of care you are willing to provide, is perfect for the pony’s situation.

[BUSY]

Best to
keep
looking.

• this horse does not sound ‘fun’
  sounds like meds and monitoring. IMHO

[OneTwoMany]

Most sellers are looking for a “good match” between a potential buyer and the pony that is being sold.

It is entirely possible the seller could be having second thoughts about the fit. Maybe there is another interested party that isn’t asking for a month trial. Perhaps the seller was hoping to find a buyer that wanted to use the pony for a lighter work load. Maybe the seller senses your hesitation that this pony may not “tick” all your boxes. There are a thousand possibilities. If the seller is having second thoughts about the fit, perhaps this is the source of the weird vibe.

On the other hand, the seller may truly have had a work conflict and the “weird vibe” is nothing more than that.

In either case, the advice an earlier poster gave regarding putting yourself in the sellers shoes, is one I would echo.

Mentioning you are paying for an empty stall or that the horse should have a different turnout situation, are unlikely to further your goals and are probably best left unsaid; at least for now.

[Palm_Beach]

My bet is that the horse is now even more lame than it was during the PPE.

[SonnysMom]

@Scribbler

OP, if the delay was on your end, the truck broke down or you had a work or family emergency or the flu, how would you want the seller to respond? Treat them as you would like to be treated, if there was a delay on your part.

I think at this point she is expecting a little communication and to not be left hanging.
It doesn’t take long to send a text saying due to work commitments it doesn’t look like we would be able to do the transfer before Thursday or Friday or Saturday.
Or in your example- the mechanic hopes to have the truck done by Thursday but it may be Friday if the parts don’t come in as expected on Wednesday. I will touch base with you on Wednesday to let you know how the repair is going.

[SharonA]

And… Miss Ariel wins the prize! Owner texted today to say that they are keeping the horse. I texted back that I understood.

Back to the search!

[atr]

My cynical side says that they got a free diagnosis for their horse from the Ppe you paid for…