Difficult decision...

[Ransoms Rider]

Another thing to consider is you've seen the good and bad of this horse over the last 3 months...that's a trial period most people don't get to experience before they buy a horse so consider yourself lucky.  One thing to do, is make sure you have taken him in all the environments you plan to (outisde, to other barns) so you can make sure he can do what you want to do.  Other than that, good luck!

[obvious hot scotch]

Id go with a younger horse. When you are able to move up to a different horse to compete more, this horse probably wont beable to do it. In the long run it will save you money and stress of having to get a new horse that is younger.

[deedee]

The heartbreak is what to do if he does break down.    Can you afford to retire him and keep a younger horse as well?

Re-homing a non usable horse is not easy, and it is really hard on the emotions.   (To say nothing about the wallet.)

I have had a retired mare for 6 years.    I would not deny her this  life of leisure, but she is in a really great situation and is not a financial hardship.   I am extremely fortunate that way.

However, I could not keep her at my previous place if she wasn't being used, it wouldn't be economically feasible.   

[KB QuarterHorses]

Lease him or share board for the season and take it from there - I doubt she'll actually part with him.
He is a wonderful trail horse, successful barrel horse who has been completey sound through his entire career, always well cared for as well. By the way guys the sale price is close to free, and the seller has also expessed that he'd be able to retire at her farm when he needs to.

Crash's Aunt Kelly:)

[Barrel_Babe]

Lease him or share board for the season and take it from there - I doubt she'll actually part with him.
He is a wonderful trail horse, successful barrel horse who has been completey sound through his entire career, always well cared for as well. By the way guys the sale price is close to free, and the seller has also expessed that he'd be able to retire at her farm when he needs to.

Crash's Aunt Kelly:)

I heard (not from Suprise) she was thinking of asking $3000-5000 for him.

[Harley]

the sale price is close to free, and the seller has also expessed that he'd be able to retire at her farm when he needs to.

sounds like a good deal to me..

[Rachel]

Regardles of what the REAL asking price is, you should continue to lease him.  If that fits into your budget now, then why mess with it?
It doesn't seem like you have hit a brick wall with the limits of the lease---so I suggest you leave "well enough" alone.

I am just guessing: but your young age, likely small bank account, and inability/lack of desire to care for a puppy do not scream "horse owner" to me.

[Surprise]

Yeah i def. think he'd be great to have, or just even keep leasing . The owner said she would always take him back if anything happened .


Racheal- I don't know what my dog has to do with any of this.. & my small bank account ? Why does it always seem like you're out to get me .

[Lisa]

Racheal- I don't know what my dog has to do with any of this.. & my small bank account ? Why does it always seem like you're out to get me .

Maybe because you add an A to her name?  ***attempt at levity out***

[Surprise]

Ooops . 

[Rachel]

I am not out to get you, but I am trying to save you from making a huge mistake without thinking it through.

I said I was GUESSING about your bank account.  If it is not fat and healthy.....buying a horse would potentially ruin you.  You are so young...try not to destroy your credit/life/options/etc before you even get started. 

Seriously, revel in the fact that you have a good horse-match for you right now.  If you are happy with the cost, horse, owner, and barn, count yourself lucky and keep on keepin' on.  Some people never find that.     

[Surprise]

Ohhh, ok . I'm sorry, but thank you for that advice .  That does make some sense . I just need to talk to my boyfriend about everything & see what he wants to do . He's going to come to the horse show at Shannon's if he gets his leave on the 18th, i'm really hoping . I want him to meet Crash .

[cherokee]

I would buy him.  You already know the horse and seem comfortable with him
you have said you have alot more to learn so why not buy him and learn
what you can on something you are already comfortable with?

An older horse can run the occasional pattern as long as he is willing and sound
then run him.  Enjoy him, learn as much as you can together and then down the
road start looking for a horse you can become competitive on.

[asuits]

I'm going to go a different way with this.  You're 17 and "in love".  Are you buying a horse or is your boyfriend buying a horse or are you buying a horse together?

What happens if you and the boyfriend break up?  You had better have something in legal writing about that.

[AdellaSun]

I'm going to go a different way with this.  You're 17 and "in love".  Are you buying a horse or is your boyfriend buying a horse or are you buying a horse together?

What happens if you and the boyfriend break up?  You had better have something in legal writing about that.

I agree! Me and Matt went through a bit of a rough time and he has the horse trailer in his name! Well, after we got over the stupid fight I bought it from him.  All's well now because I have the horses AND the trailer. It's really something to think about for in the future, make sure you guys have a firm understanding of what's what and who's who. If your boyfriend is interested in him as well and wants to help out with paying for him, let him pay half of board or something. Don't split the ownership of the horse. If he has papers, get them in your name ASAP to show proof that the horse is yours. Good luck though, I hope it all works out for you.