Looking for the right horse… Losing hope?
On the first of October, I had to put down my best friend and companion due to EPM. I’ve been looking for a new horse both online and at sales all across the state of Texas, but have had no luck. I’m looking for Thoroughbred, Appendix or nice paint gelding, younger than 9 but older than 3. Looking for something I could take Hunter Under Saddle and possibly over a few fences. Green broke is not an issue.
But so far, I’ve had no luck. The few horses I have seen and been interested in have either already been sold, aren’t sound, or are way too expensive. (I’m not paying more than $1500 for a horse, not in this market.)
Any suggestions that might give me more luck?
First of all – don’t give up hope! The right one is out there. I have found when I am horse shopping the best thing I can do is network like crazy. Go to shows (I know, wrong season), talk to small-time trainers and barn managers. Go to college rodeos, attend workshops (some people may decide that their “project” is just to hard to handle and will sell at the workshop). Create a want-ad on free websites. Talk to area vets (and post a flyer in their offices). Check with horse-riding therapy centers – not all of their donation horses are right for that kind of work. Try hiking on your local trail and talk with the riders you meet. Someone will know of a horse and you know how horse people are. We’ll talk for hours on our favorite subject. Don’t give up and stick to your outlines. They sound totally reasonable.
