Thank you for sharing this information!! Getting an education…!
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Been following this thread:
OP, do not pass Go, do not collect $200, just go get your boy. 
It’s pretty rare that we run across a horse we can’t stop thinking about. Try him again, get the PPE, but don’t haggle on the price too much (or at all, if he’s truly what you want and you can afford him).
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You all have been giving me good thoughts and advice, but also you all have generally been enablers (lol). I’ve been second-guessing myself in every way, because:
- first time for me to try/buy a horse essentially on my own
- first time to ride a 4 y.o.
- first time to ride a Friesian of any sort, X/SH/PB…
- haven’t owned a horse for 25 years
- horses cost way, way more than the horse I bought 30 years ago (well, duh, but still…)
- I don’t know what I don’t know about owning/riding a youngster who is well-started but still has much to learn.
- Is it just that I’ve never ridden really good (springy) gaits before (Mr FSH has a lovely uphill canter) and am enamored of them? My Appendix QH was well-trained and willing, but certainly did not have gaits like these. (I’ve also ridden enough horses since then who were well-trained but not particularly willing, or somewhat trained but difficult, or…)
That said, I love this comment. Thank you!!
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Oh, you think we’re enablers on this thread? Come over to The Menagerie . . .
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Cant help it. I bought the too green, too expensive horse I could not stop thinking about!
So glad I did!
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Tell me more!
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I had been part leasing an older horse to get back into riding after my retired horse died. BO asked me to help look for a school horse for her. I saw an ad for a palomino Morgan and his movement really attracted me. I sent the video to the BO who said “get him!” So we took a road trip across two states to find this cute horse who was very green and seemed expensive for what he was. Owner was also a bit quirky. Since this was my retirement present to myself, I decided to look at more “suitable” horses. Looked through lots of ads, tried a few, but couldnt get the first horse out of my mind. Went back and tried him again. After some difficulties, I finally bought him.
I have enjoyed our learning together (for the most part!) He is now doing second level dressage.
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You two look lovely - so connected!
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Could you arrange a lease with option to buy? Pay for a year’s use to see if you can answer these very reasonable questions.
The seller is a dealer. A good one. They don’t do leases/trials. They have a VERY good eye, drive across the country to buy sport-types from the Amish, and sell them here in PNW. I know several people who have bought horses there, and they were as represented.
There is no motivation for them to do a lease. Someone else will just come and buy this horse.
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Our riding school saved a horse and the 4yo tb mare with her, they sent the 4yo off to be trained and sold because you can’t have a 4yo tb mare as a school horse.
The trainer sent the 4yo tb mare back and said that she was perfect for a school horse despite her age and she was. She stayed at the riding school until the end of her days.
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The seller likely can move the horse so it is the best decision for him or her.
For OP, could you pursue another lease option to let you stick your toe in the water? It doesn’t sound like your lesson horse is the best option. But it may not be time to buy yet. Certainly, only trying two horses doesn’t give you a wide exposure to what would suit you.
Could you contact a trainer in a bigger market and go take weekend lessons for awhile. You could ride other horses. The trainer would be familiar with your skills and could help source potential horses.
Well…this being western Montana, a ‘bigger market’ is likely to be 3 hours away in Spokane, and that drive becomes quite dicey as we move into winter (it’s over two passes, one of which can become very slow and hazardous when it snows). I asked the 2 trainers I’m currently working with (and a third I know) for any thoughts on available horses…nada. The downside of living in a place with so few people, but lots of wilderness, wildlife, and natural beauty…Now if I wanted a good ranch horse, OTOH, there are loads to be had.
Also, while current lesson horse is not a good fit, I have ridden several other horses, both lesson and non, over the last few years and do have at least a small basis for comparison.
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You have the advice of two trainers who like the horse. You are obviously in love with him. You have access to trainrers tohelp you. To find a horse with all these plusses at a price you can afford is hard to pass up.
Have him vetted and grab him before someone else does.
If you want to see a Friesian sprthorse in action, look up Jim Koford and Adiah HP.
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Also, I have no idea where horse values will be a year from now, but a 4 yo should be sale-able later if it doesn’t work out. You have plenty of time to sort that out. You might or might not get all of your money back, but it might be worth it regardless. If you sold at a loss there is a good chance that a lease would cost as much or more. If a lease could be arranged, and it sounds like it could not.
If you are going to buy don’t delay. He’ll be gone – and that might decide for you. Call tonight if you want him.
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I wish more people realized thst money doesnt fall out of the sky and this is how they earn a living.
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Yes. I contacted her about a horse that I felt might be suitable for me. I hesitated because he was older and the price was higher than I wanted to pay. She does have nice horses and some go to a trainer before they are offered for sale. She also rescues horses from the auction/feedlot and finds good homes for them.
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Then take it from those of us who have tried dozens of horses looking for the one that makes us smile (and passes a PPE 
), it doesn’t happen often so when it does run, don’t walk to book that PPE!
A youngster will have their baby moments for sure but that’s where the good professional help comes in. Or maybe think long and hard if you want to compromise gaits for something a little older and more proven on the reliability scale.
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I’m just sitting here waiting not so patiently for pictures of the Magical Unicorn FSH guy… 
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Still haven’t bought him? Proceed to next stage before someone else pulls the trigger
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