Crazy or not, if you want to own the horse, take cash and a horse trailer and go get it pronto. That,s what works best. Good luck.
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They’re actually bringing her to me next Saturday… 
I offered to pay her half up front until she got here but they are just thrilled that she is going to a good home. If I had a trailer I would go this coming up week after it will be done pouring rain. Thats the one big horse purchase I have not had the time or money for yet.
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Good luck! Do not pay in advance for a cheap horse from someone you do not know personally. Trust no one. She looks like a decent looking horse to me, just needs some groceries and decent care.
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I mean they have an Airbnb and I know where they live I found their address online before I even talk to them in person just based on the phone number on Craigslist I am Inspector Gadget rolled into Sherlock Holmes
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Another enabler here. I took in a 17h TB rescue in 2017, and lost her pasturemate in 10/21 (I had had him for 26+ years). The TB was doing ok on her own, but I felt that she would be better/happier with a buddy. So, I took in another rescue . . . a TWH mare about 20 years old. In terms of condition, she looked a lot like your new girl - pretty ribby, obviously wormy, long rough coat, but with a sweet face and attitude that told me everything. I spent a lot of hours working on her coat, which had probably not been brushed or shed out in several years. She needed groceries and TLC. She and the TB are best buddies now, and her easy going nature has actually helped mellow the TB’s naturally high strung nature. As others have suggested, be cautious. But there is no better feeling than being able to be a part of rescuing a horse.
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OP, congratulations on your new mare. I hope her transition and travel to your place on Saturday goes without a hitch.
Regarding ulcers, I used the Abler “pop rocks” a couple times with success. A couple years ago, though, a thread started here on using Nexium instead of omeprazole to achieve the same, or similar, results. There’s a fascinating long thread about it. People on COTH are so smart and so wise and collaborative - such a wonderful resource.
The thing about Nexium is that you only give two or three pills daily for X weeks, then taper down. Don’t rely on my memory for that - you’ll have to read the thread to get the “right” protocol. I did this with a mare and again had great results. It was very, very low cost, since I could buy Nexium at the dollar store or Costco and the two/three pills a day were a breeze to feed.
Of course, I’m no vet, and I’m not directing you to do this with your horse. I am saying, however, that it was helpful in our case.
Keep us updated! Such a fun adventure to have with your daughter. My son is 21yo and 2200 miles away in college - boohoo! - and we would’ve loved to have done this same thing together.
Here’s the link: Esomeprazole (Nexium) for equine ulcers
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Thank you!!! It is on my read list for this weekend, I want to be able to devote an hr or so to reading it all lol .
You may find it is as easy as teeth issues and being the low horse the pecking order. I rescued an older TB Broodmare ( 21) thinner than that and that was all she needed.
Major dental work and a place to eat unmolested. In 4 -6 months my vet didn’t recognize her when he came out.
Fed appropriate amount of Strategy( vet recommended it) a few pounds to start and working up to what my vet advised and unlimited grass/ alfalfa. It sure was rewarding and I hope your new mare does as well.
She may be a QH/ TB cross and if you haven’t been riding for a while, you might want to have a pro do the first few rides if you get to that point.
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They “the current” owner’s tell me she neck reins and plods along like a pro, then again when she gets her spunk back it may be a different story, but I will for sure be careful. Probably lots of hand walking, getting used to tack again, I do everything english, she was always rode western I’m sure. Maybe some lunging, make sure she is sound and comfortable in tack before I even think about telling DH to hold her and walk me around let’s see what happens lol. Yes, I will have a helmet on… everytime.
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Nope, not crazy!
I would definitely have her teeth checked/done first thing when she arrives. At that age, she could either have a ton of points, or some very worn/wavy molars. Either one would prevent her from eating all that hay well, or getting much out of it.
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Oh yes that is on the top items on my list! My mare had abscessed teeth and went her last few years with only her front 4 teeth and still thrived
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Not crazy. Amazingly compassionate and kind-hearted, yes. The world needs more people like you 
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You came here and expected someone to tell you you are crazy? Not gonna happen 
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Bless you. She sure has a sweet eye and is a very pretty mare.
Jingles coming your way that you can easily get some meat on her bones.
Susan
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Awwwww bless your heart! I say let’s get a good dentist in her mouth with a speculum and headlamp and see if there are dental issues. Boy did she get lucky and look forward to a picture later of her all glossy and filled in.
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Lucky horse that you found her. From memory only on some Coth threads they spoke about Panacur not working anymore. Maybe start a thread on how to worm a new skinny horse.
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It’s not that effective, but for a horse with a high worm load, it’s a pretty safe place to start. It’s not totally ineffective (IMO some others are worse), and should lessen the count down to a more reasonably addressed state. Then after some weeks, follow up with something a bit more effective.
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A 30 year old horse here, whose owner didn’t want to pay for Ulcerguard, recovered from ulcers and a large weight loss by switching from Triple Crown Senior to Ultium Gastric Care plus Well Gel, which is a powder you buy from the vet. It comes in a large tub which lasts a couple of months and costs $250 or so. You might ask your vet if it’s appropriate for this horse.
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Thanks! Maybe just have to see what the vet says first. I would for sure rather treat for worms than the cost of ulcers, just have to see how it goes!
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If my vet does agree about treating for worms, I was thinkn panacur and then a couple weeks later zimectrim gold. Unless he has a better reccomendation after he looks at her.
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I was already thinking about the ultium type feeds at least for the first month
