I think I need a reality check?

Question

I am looking to officially adopt my very first horse from a rescue I have been working at for the past year and a half (and volunteered at for eight months prior to that).  I've cared for these horses on an almost-daily basis, and am fully aware of what I'm getting myself into in regards to their health and training (which is why my decision is so tough).

One is a gelding, with whom I have a very strong bond.  However, he has Stringhalt and at only 8 he already has hock arthritis.  He will probably not be sound for more than easy trail rides and the occasional gaming show and halter classes.  I have resigned myself to the fact that I cannot afford a pasture ornament, and that taking him to a boarding facility will starve him of all the attention he gets from going to exhibitions, shows, and day-to-day at the farm.  I love him to pieces, but I know in all fairness he would be better off staying at the rescue and having his ego inflated.

I am torn between two mares at the farm, one is a daughter of the other.

The daughter arrived stunted, and at age three, she is still growing after being put on the right diet.  I have worked with her to get her over her extreme phobia of having her feet handled, to being almost ready to have her first ride (we're waiting for her to mature a bit more physically, she probably won't be backed until summer).  She is very smart (like her dam), and I have a close bond with her as well (probably more of a trust and respect relationship than "love").  Seeing as she isn't under saddle yet, we don't know what her limitations may be.

The dam, however, has been under saddle for approx. six months, and I am taking Dressage lessons with her to get her "finished."  She, too, had big feet issues, and in gaining her trust I was able to get her over that fear of having her feet touched. But... we discovered she has stifle issues, where if she turns too quickly or is asked to canter, her stifles lock and she panics (which usually ends up with the rider becoming a lawn dart).  There is the distant possibility that as she gets more in shape (whew, it's been a battle getting her off her forehand!), she will no longer have those issues, but it certainly is NOT a guarantee. I forgot to mention, she would need to be trimmed at least every four weeks, as she gets trippy easily (my farrier would be interested in teaching me to rasp in between); she might have to go in  front shoes to move back her breakover, so that would definitely be a huge added expense every month.

So I guess the big dilemma is this: Would it make sense to choose the horse who may in the future be able to go W/T/C and I can show dressage on, etc.?  Or should I go with the filly I have worked with from the ground up, who we have no idea what her riding capabilities might be?  It sounds like a no-brainer, but I have a greater relationshiop with the filly than her dam.

I should probably wait until the filly is actually under saddle, but there are others interested in her, and I'd have to make my decision relatively quickly.  The mare is turning out to be a good lesson horse for the rescue, but I don't think anyone else would be able to continue her dressage education the way we have been progressing.

Ugh, I know I just ramble, but I just need some guidance as to what YOU would do in this situation.  I feel the time is right to get a horse, and those are the ones I would be most comfortable getting.

PeaBee · Accepted Answer

Your only option would be the filly due to the physical limitations of the other two.   But you stated that it isn't "love".

So wait.   If you want one from your rescue, the right one will come along.   Especially since the filly has a chance at adoption, you can just bide your time for the sound one that clicks with you.    When one door closes, another door opens.   That horse will then walk through when you allow it to.

Driver · Answer

Personally, I'd go with the filly.  She is the most likely of them all to be a sound, long lasting horse for whatever you want to do.  If she is sound now and has no problems, and you can watch her gaits when she moves around the pasture, then it's extremely likely that she'll be able to WTC and do jumping, gaming or whatever else you want to do with her in the future.  I have a lot of experience training young horses, so I'd be very comfortable taking on a training project like this.  If this is something you're not ready to take on, then you might want to pick an older one (or get professional help when it's time to train her).  You could also have this filly vetted to look for any potential problems that might impact her use in the future.

The gelding is definitely no good for you, and I would be wary of the mare with stifle problems.

I got a young pony from a rescue a few years ago (possibly the same rescue as you since I think you live sort of near me).  He was 18 months old, unhandled, wormy, etc.  He was scared of people at first but came around pretty quickly.  He is now 6 years old, and doing great.  I started him at 3, then my son started riding him when he was 8 and the pony was 4.  Now, at 10 and 6, they are working great together and the pony has done everything from eventing, to Pony Club games, to polocrosse, to trail rides.  He really turned out to be a great find.

Four Up · Answer

I am really impressed with your detail and clear vision of what you are looking at.  Some people get carried away and all "in love" an can't see that there are definate concerns for each of the mares that you need to have resolved before you can make your decision.  I think the first choice would be to see how the filly goes (just like you said), i know your feeling pressed for time, but those other folks may back out or change their minds too - which would actually help your situation. If you do take her or any other horse on at any point you should set up a trail or test time period (3 or 6 months) so that you are protected.  Sounds like you have had lots of good experiences with both these mares and they are very lucky to have found you & this rescue. Good luck, you have a good head on your shoulders you'll make a great decision and it will all be wonderful!

Riley · Answer

I think that you already have your answer - you've mostly answered yourself.
Out of the three I would take the filly. You obviously know these horses well and know the limitations of each. You also know how to train and work with these horses so I don't think the filly's inexperience would be an issue although she may not have the aptitude for dressage that her mother has. Most colts and fillys tend to be a lot like their parents when it comes to learning and how they will be under saddle. This filly sounds like she trusts you and so starting her under saddle shouldn't be a problem. Get her vet check first to make sure there are no other issues related to the stunted growth and then go with what makes sense.
Good luck

Queen of &#39;Tude · Answer

You don't say what your future plans are for your horse, so it is hard to answer your question. The gelding sounds good to me assuming he is broke to ride already....but I got my competitive drive out of me long ago and now I only trail ride. If you have the time and inclination, go with the filly assuming she has the capacity to do the kind of career you want for her. If you want to do dressage and the mare is suited, take her and work on her stifle problems, but only if her daughter is not suited for dressage. If you want to ride dressage it is better to get a youngster without any problems as long as she is physically and mentally suited to do the job, and, you have the ability to put the training into her. Remember that it will mean delaying your gratification for awhile as the filly learns and matures.

? · Answer

None of them. The mare and the gelding have bad health problems, which means that they will probably be unsound for ages, and will cost you heaps in vet bills. The filly is too young. 

Look for an older well trained horse. At least 8 years old, and sound.

hagmegsis · Answer

The filly is old enough to lunge so, I would lunge her and see how she moves. Stunted growth shouldn't effect her from w/t/c so long as the bones aren't deformed or at least majorly. If she has issues on the lunge then that's a clear indicator of issues under saddle. Watch how she moves, how she carries her self, etc. If she stumbles, bobs her head, throws it up high, etc then chances are she's over compensating for some sort of conformation issue. If she is sound then I would choose her she's ripe and ready for picking, train your way and you have a in your pocket show horse ready to go.

Anonymous · Answer

Well since the mare has a problem that can't be fixed I would go with the filly because you can lope her ( as mentioned a bobs I KNOW :) ) And get her over her foot problem and if  her mother is fantastic the fully should fall in line ! Have fun :)

Anonymous · Answer

You've gotten a lot of good advice already so I'll keep it short.

If I were in your shoes, for my first horse I would take none of the three horses.  I would save my money and buy a well-trained and sound mount who could do the things I wanted to do - trails, small shows, gaming, or what have you.

It's better to buy a horse who is already undersaddle and doing the disciplines you want to be involved in, and one who doesn't have to worry about constant health problems right off the bat.  You can get unstarted horses to train yourself, or rescue needy old horses, when you're well-established, more experienced with owning your own horses, and with your own place (or good boarding stable).  

A lot of people buy an unstarted horse, or green-broke horse, for their first horse and it backfires badly.  I wouldn't want you to get into the same situation.

That's just what I would do if I were in your shoes.  :)  Good luck!

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I think I need a reality check?

9 Answers