Ulcers could be part of the problem. That would not shock me!
I’ll post the results when I get them.
I would put the word out with any horse people you know, especially professionals (farrier, vet, etc) that you are looking. Often the best horses are found by word of mouth and aren’t advertised.
I’m in the SF Bay area, live next to Mt. Diablo, and know how hard it is finding a good trail horse, especially one who will go out alone. I have a friend who is overstocked with some very good Arabs and Arab crosses who have a lot of trail experience. If you are willing to come to the Bay Area, PM me and I’ll give you her contact information. Most of these horses are teen agers, and sturdy, good minded types.
No ulcers. Clean and beautiful in the gut. so that rules that out…
It took me about 18 months to find a safe, sound, advanced beginner (walk/trot/canter/sit relatively balanced/ride out a small spook) appropriate horse. I communicated via email with at least 100 sellers, if the responses were right, I would talk via phone. After that was videos. After that was more videos, questions, talk, talk and more talk. Once I was relatively sure that the seller was transparent and honest in her description of the horse, I did an in person visit and vet test. I ended up vetting two. Purchased one. Ended up with a great horse but it was a lot of work and required being willing to wait until the right horse came along and knowing with certainty what you were willing to accept and what you won’t compromise on.
Good luck!
