Need help finding the right horse

draftrider227 · 03-13-2008, 07:08 PM

Hi fellow HTopians,

I know there are a few wonderful horsefinders in here and I am hoping to enlist your help. I've unsucessfully been horse hunting for awhile now ad spend a TON of time everyday looking and feeling frustrated. I have made a ton of calls, written a book of emails and have gone to see ZERO horses. Of course, it doesn't help that I am a distance away from most of them and really want to be EXCITED that this is the right horse. That, and I don't have extra money to spend to drive 500 miles to look at horses on a whim. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind going to look and ride, but I need to be pretty sure that the horse is a really good candidate for what I need.

What I am looking for is a LARGE experienced trail horse that initially would be a confidence builder. When I say large, I mean 15.3 hands and 1300pds or larger. I am not intimidated by size, but need non-spooky non-fruity type horse to get me back in the saddle. Not really looking for a dead-head, as I like get up and go when asked. Just not a spooky type horse. I rode daily when I was a teen and had a SUPER 16.3 hd TWH stallion that I adored. I'd kill to have that horse today

Given that I rode trail then, it has been 20 yrs since I have ridden on any regular basis. Hence I have lost my nerve so to speak. Alot of things have happened since then, mainly I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Sndrome and MS, so I guess there are other reasons for my loss of confidence. I'm sure you can also apprecaite my need for a safe sound horse, as I just can't afford to get hurt.

So to sum it up, older unhealthy fat lady with a 4 yr old pony riding child is looking for a wonderful HUGE trail horse that she can ride. Soundness is essential, as well as trail experience. Color does not matter, non-mareish mare or gelding would be fine. Prefer age range of 6-14, as I want to ride for a loooonnnggg time. Gaited would be a plus, but big QH, big Appy, draft cross, would all be fine. No offense, but I am not a TB person. I have met some wonderful ones, just not what makes my wheels go round if you know what I mean. Not looking for a 100% draft either, have one and love her.. just not easy to trailer and trail ride with other folks.

Price range... well I would like to stay under $2500, especially considering I would have to pay for vet check and transportation to New York.

Thanks so much in advance to all who can help me!!

Sheila

JoAnne · 03-13-2008, 07:13 PM

hope you get back in the saddle soon!! Imo, you need to look closer to home , a driveable distance, and perhaps look at smaller horses that can still carry weight...I know you have great memories of your large horse, but it makes it too limited imo to just go for over a certain number of hands.

cook1745 · 03-13-2008, 07:18 PM

Look here on horsetopia in ga there are good and cheap horses!!!

draftrider227 · 03-13-2008, 07:21 PM

Hi JoAnne,
I have tried that, but everything is 3500 and up and I just don't have that much to spend in the budget. I know if I got smaller than 15.3 that I wouldn't ride it. Mentally, if for no other reason, I would feel guilty that I was too big for it and there it would sit.

I never claimed to be 100% rational...

Thanks

Sheila

tallyho · 03-13-2008, 07:32 PM

hiya..........you certainly asked the right group of folks to help you find your dream horse........lol.....not including myself......I had a hard enough time making my own mistakes when it came to getting horses.....
however, one of the "right" purchases I made was a Haflinger....she is my confidence builder after being out of shape and out of the saddle for many years, then having an accident shortly after I did begin to ride again.......
the breed is generally very "can do", sane, affectionate, and built like tanks, so even if you got one 14 hands or over, you might not feel "guilty" about riding it.....there always seems to be a numberr of Haffies in ohio, and I know there are a few in Pa currently.........just my 2 cents
happy hunting

Dusty's girl · 03-13-2008, 07:34 PM

I looked at a few in PA, not a bad place to look... prices aren't extremely low down here but they aren't 3500 either... here's a few

Geldings, both from the same place, might be worth a call...

http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad281704

http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad279621

JosieGirl · 03-13-2008, 07:36 PM

Just a couple of ideas...

Might be worth a look, but needs some better pictures...
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad285731

Sounds like the size you are looking for... but not sure about the "get up and go"/age...
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad281123

Sounds like a great idea but a couple years older...
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad276384

I, as well, had a hard time finding a few that fit what you are looking for/in your area. I hope this helps.. but hang in there, you will find your dream!

PaintsQH · 03-13-2008, 07:54 PM

You sound alot like me Draftrider. CFS, Fibromyalgia and all kinds of ache's and pains and surgery's. I lost ALL my confidence on a horses' back from a couple fall's on my TWH and didnt ride for 5 years at least. I have no fear of a horse on the ground, but took forever to ride without being nervous. Now I have to worry if my butt is going to hurt after an hour ride. Have you tried some auction's in your area?

AQHBarrelRacer · 03-13-2008, 08:09 PM

i'm hunting for you now, help a fellow NYer lol.
where in upstate ny are ya?

jamied99 · 03-13-2008, 08:13 PM

Where exactly in New York are you? There is a nice Bay Quarter/Clyde cross at my barn who fits the bill for you. He is only 8 years old or so. I think 15'1 or 15'2 and built like a tank. He is like riding a big comfy couch! They put beginners on him for trail rides. Nice layed-back guy. I'm pretty sure they haven't sold him yet, but we're probably too far away though anyhow.

draftrider227 · 03-13-2008, 08:16 PM

Thanks everyone.

I did like the draft/walker cross, if only she had some "giddy up" to her. Everything else sounded great. Have not ruled her out just yet..

I don't do well with auctions, I'd come home with everything that had sad eyes and looked like it needed me..

and then I'd have more to add to my geriatric in retirement herd. Thanks for suggesting though!

I'm south central NY, 30 min north of Corning. We are fairly cole to PA, so horses there are more than reasonable to get to.

Thanks everyone <still has fingers crossed>

Sheila

draftrider227 · 03-13-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamied99

Where exactly in New York are you? There is a nice Bay Quarter/Clyde cross at my barn who fits the bill for you. He is only 8 years old or so. I think 15'1 or 15'2 and built like a tank. He is like riding a big comfy couch! They put beginners on him for trail rides. Nice layed-back guy. I'm pretty sure they haven't sold him yet, but we're probably too far away though anyhow.

That looks like a nice boy! I hope that guy next to him is really tall...

Can you get more info on him? Does he ride out alone? What are they asking for him? etc etc etc...

We are only 20 miles or so from Sayre PA, so most of PA is open to travel. Heck, I was looking at horses in Missouri!!!

Sheila

jamied99 · 03-13-2008, 08:25 PM

I sent you a PM. Yes, that guy is TALL! Maybe 6'4-6'5! We are near Pittsburgh, so I'm not sure how far we are from you.

Dusty's girl · 03-13-2008, 08:37 PM

Hmmm ok I don't know if we can post ads from another site, mods if you need to remove I understand....

but here is a good one ,

http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse...rse_id=1152608

**Applejack** · 03-13-2008, 08:39 PM

I moved this thread to the NY regional chat since solicitations aren't allowed in the general forum (only in the regionals).

draftrider227 · 03-13-2008, 08:40 PM

Only 242 miles away

very do-able!!!!

I'll wait with anticipation for more info.

Thanks a bunch!!
Sheila

draftrider227 · 03-13-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Applejack

I moved this thread to the NY regional chat since solicitations aren't allowed in the general forum (only in the regionals).

Oops. So sorry!!!! My mistake

ahlihaff · 03-14-2008, 08:20 AM

I'm with tallyho. My Haflinger was a HUGE confidence builder for me. He is friendly, sane, brave, willing, comfortable to ride and fun. He is 14.2, but very sturdy and can carry up to 240# comfortably. My 6', 200# husband can ride him. If you decide to check out this wonderful breed, contact Francine at <removed e-mail, please use PM> She and her husband own Sugar Creek Haflinger Farm in Northern Cambria, PA. They have mares and geldings for sale.

It is about 210 miles from Corning. We traveled 8 hours to visit their farm, and it was the best choice ever.

That is my Haffie, Ahliver Twist, in my avatar.

I wish you well in your search.

Jess6092 · 03-17-2008, 09:13 AM

I know the lady who has this horse - may be worth a call - she is very honest and will tell you if he would fit - looks to be about right.
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad282313

Also a good place to look:
http://www.wantaddigest.com/view/cat...orse/Livestock

There is a missouri fox trotter on the second page that seems like he may work for you. A few QH that may work. And a really cute Tennessee walker on the last page!

Good luck in your search.

Jenny20 · 03-18-2008, 10:59 AM

good luck with your search!

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03-13-2008, 07:08 PM
draftrider227 Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 210	Need help finding the right horse Hi fellow HTopians, I know there are a few wonderful horsefinders in here and I am hoping to enlist your help. I've unsucessfully been horse hunting for awhile now ad spend a TON of time everyday looking and feeling frustrated. I have made a ton of calls, written a book of emails and have gone to see ZERO horses. Of course, it doesn't help that I am a distance away from most of them and really want to be EXCITED that this is the right horse. That, and I don't have extra money to spend to drive 500 miles to look at horses on a whim. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind going to look and ride, but I need to be pretty sure that the horse is a really good candidate for what I need. What I am looking for is a LARGE experienced trail horse that initially would be a confidence builder. When I say large, I mean 15.3 hands and 1300pds or larger. I am not intimidated by size, but need non-spooky non-fruity type horse to get me back in the saddle. Not really looking for a dead-head, as I like get up and go when asked. Just not a spooky type horse. I rode daily when I was a teen and had a SUPER 16.3 hd TWH stallion that I adored. I'd kill to have that horse today Given that I rode trail then, it has been 20 yrs since I have ridden on any regular basis. Hence I have lost my nerve so to speak. Alot of things have happened since then, mainly I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Sndrome and MS, so I guess there are other reasons for my loss of confidence. I'm sure you can also apprecaite my need for a safe sound horse, as I just can't afford to get hurt. So to sum it up, older unhealthy fat lady with a 4 yr old pony riding child is looking for a wonderful HUGE trail horse that she can ride. Soundness is essential, as well as trail experience. Color does not matter, non-mareish mare or gelding would be fine. Prefer age range of 6-14, as I want to ride for a loooonnnggg time. Gaited would be a plus, but big QH, big Appy, draft cross, would all be fine. No offense, but I am not a TB person. I have met some wonderful ones, just not what makes my wheels go round if you know what I mean. Not looking for a 100% draft either, have one and love her.. just not easy to trailer and trail ride with other folks. Price range... well I would like to stay under $2500, especially considering I would have to pay for vet check and transportation to New York. Thanks so much in advance to all who can help me!! Sheila Last edited by draftrider227 : 03-13-2008 at 07:12 PM.

03-13-2008, 07:13 PM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	hope you get back in the saddle soon!! Imo, you need to look closer to home , a driveable distance, and perhaps look at smaller horses that can still carry weight...I know you have great memories of your large horse, but it makes it too limited imo to just go for over a certain number of hands.

03-13-2008, 07:18 PM
cook1745 Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 3,335	Look here on horsetopia in ga there are good and cheap horses!!! __________________ Home of my sweet girl Cinnamon. Not fancy but she is mine!!!

03-13-2008, 07:21 PM
draftrider227 Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 210	Hi JoAnne, I have tried that, but everything is 3500 and up and I just don't have that much to spend in the budget. I know if I got smaller than 15.3 that I wouldn't ride it. Mentally, if for no other reason, I would feel guilty that I was too big for it and there it would sit. I never claimed to be 100% rational... Thanks Sheila

03-13-2008, 07:32 PM
tallyho Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Trappe, PA Posts: 1,105	hiya..........you certainly asked the right group of folks to help you find your dream horse........lol.....not including myself......I had a hard enough time making my own mistakes when it came to getting horses..... however, one of the "right" purchases I made was a Haflinger....she is my confidence builder after being out of shape and out of the saddle for many years, then having an accident shortly after I did begin to ride again....... the breed is generally very "can do", sane, affectionate, and built like tanks, so even if you got one 14 hands or over, you might not feel "guilty" about riding it.....there always seems to be a numberr of Haffies in ohio, and I know there are a few in Pa currently.........just my 2 cents happy hunting

03-13-2008, 07:34 PM
Dusty's girl Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 269	I looked at a few in PA, not a bad place to look... prices aren't extremely low down here but they aren't 3500 either... here's a few Geldings, both from the same place, might be worth a call... http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad281704 http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad279621 __________________ All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he\'ll listen to me any day. ~Author Unknown

03-13-2008, 07:36 PM
JosieGirl Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 824	Just a couple of ideas... Might be worth a look, but needs some better pictures... http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad285731 Sounds like the size you are looking for... but not sure about the "get up and go"/age... http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad281123 Sounds like a great idea but a couple years older... http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad276384 I, as well, had a hard time finding a few that fit what you are looking for/in your area. I hope this helps.. but hang in there, you will find your dream!

03-13-2008, 07:54 PM
PaintsQH Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,416	You sound alot like me Draftrider. CFS, Fibromyalgia and all kinds of ache's and pains and surgery's. I lost ALL my confidence on a horses' back from a couple fall's on my TWH and didnt ride for 5 years at least. I have no fear of a horse on the ground, but took forever to ride without being nervous. Now I have to worry if my butt is going to hurt after an hour ride. Have you tried some auction's in your area? __________________ My treasures do not clink, they gleam in the sunlight and neigh in the night

03-13-2008, 08:09 PM
AQHBarrelRacer Coming two Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,627	i'm hunting for you now, help a fellow NYer lol. where in upstate ny are ya?

03-13-2008, 08:13 PM
jamied99 Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Kensington PA Posts: 329	Where exactly in New York are you? There is a nice Bay Quarter/Clyde cross at my barn who fits the bill for you. He is only 8 years old or so. I think 15'1 or 15'2 and built like a tank. He is like riding a big comfy couch! They put beginners on him for trail rides. Nice layed-back guy. I'm pretty sure they haven't sold him yet, but we're probably too far away though anyhow.

03-13-2008, 08:16 PM
draftrider227 Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 210	Thanks everyone. I did like the draft/walker cross, if only she had some "giddy up" to her. Everything else sounded great. Have not ruled her out just yet.. I don't do well with auctions, I'd come home with everything that had sad eyes and looked like it needed me.. and then I'd have more to add to my geriatric in retirement herd. Thanks for suggesting though! I'm south central NY, 30 min north of Corning. We are fairly cole to PA, so horses there are more than reasonable to get to. Thanks everyone <still has fingers crossed> Sheila

03-13-2008, 08:25 PM
jamied99 Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Kensington PA Posts: 329	I sent you a PM. Yes, that guy is TALL! Maybe 6'4-6'5! We are near Pittsburgh, so I'm not sure how far we are from you.

03-13-2008, 08:37 PM
Dusty's girl Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 269	Hmmm ok I don't know if we can post ads from another site, mods if you need to remove I understand.... but here is a good one , http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse...rse_id=1152608 __________________ All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he\'ll listen to me any day. ~Author Unknown

03-13-2008, 08:39 PM
Applejack Administrator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,202	I moved this thread to the NY regional chat since solicitations aren't allowed in the general forum (only in the regionals). __________________

03-13-2008, 08:40 PM
draftrider227 Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 210	Only 242 miles away very do-able!!!! I'll wait with anticipation for more info. Thanks a bunch!! Sheila

03-14-2008, 08:20 AM
ahlihaff Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Western MA Posts: 3,584	I'm with tallyho. My Haflinger was a HUGE confidence builder for me. He is friendly, sane, brave, willing, comfortable to ride and fun. He is 14.2, but very sturdy and can carry up to 240# comfortably. My 6', 200# husband can ride him. If you decide to check out this wonderful breed, contact Francine at <removed e-mail, please use PM> She and her husband own Sugar Creek Haflinger Farm in Northern Cambria, PA. They have mares and geldings for sale. It is about 210 miles from Corning. We traveled 8 hours to visit their farm, and it was the best choice ever. That is my Haffie, Ahliver Twist, in my avatar. I wish you well in your search. Last edited by Applejack : 03-24-2008 at 10:26 AM. Reason: removed contact information for privacy

03-17-2008, 09:13 AM
Jess6092 Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Vermont Posts: 981	I know the lady who has this horse - may be worth a call - she is very honest and will tell you if he would fit - looks to be about right. http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad282313 Also a good place to look: http://www.wantaddigest.com/view/cat...orse/Livestock There is a missouri fox trotter on the second page that seems like he may work for you. A few QH that may work. And a really cute Tennessee walker on the last page! Good luck in your search.

03-18-2008, 10:59 AM
Jenny20 Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 318	good luck with your search!