Monday, September 19, 2016

Anyhoo. Keeping Ri

There are many horror stories about buying and selling horses. For the most part I encountered normal folks, nice folks, and if it was not exactly "fun" it was not miserable either.

We've all read Black Beauty and we know how quickly a horse's fortunes can turn in one sale.  When you sell, you lost control of your horse's future. I felt responsible, and afraid, for Riley changing hands.

Talking to Buyers
I figured the best way to ensure a good home was to find the best fit for Ri. When people called I was honest to the point of being confessional. Ri had been going great, but he's a horse that needs a particular program to thrive. Everyone got "my spiel" about his history and the kind of program he does best in -- turnout especially.

A complicating factor, at least the first month he was for sale, was that after 3 years without losing a single shoe, he lost a shoe and stepped on the clip in February. It took about a month for that to really resolve.

What happened...
  • About eight people came to try him. Most of the buyers were capable riders, but no one 'clicked' with him amazingly. I had really been banking on everyone riding better than I did -- didn't happen.
  • His right front x-ray concerned people -- they either walked, or they used it to bargain price. I know those radiographs, and I know Riley and his history, but the buyers don't have that knowledge -- can't really blame them for skepticism, but it gave me pause.
  • He was in training while he was for sale, and I didn't ride him most of the summer. Then I thought, what the hell -- I started riding him again after 3 months in training. He felt freakin' awesome.  A friend who had been goading me to sell him came out one day to watch a lesson. She took me aside afterward and said, "Don't you sell him now."

So Ri is not for sale. I'm now riding him 2-3 days a week myself, one lesson, and my trainer rides him one day.  I'm on a high after a super ride yesterday.

I don't know... The sales process may have just been the journey we needed to get to the next step. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted...


13 comments:

  1. It seems like you bought your own pony. :)
    Congratulations.

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  2. Can't wait to see some new video :)

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  3. I'm happy for you both!

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  4. i've definitely heard of making the decision to sell suddenly being the catalyst to having a breakthrough with the horse. glad things have been going so well with Ri and that you're opting to keep him!

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  5. I'm so glad things have worked out this way for both of you!

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  6. Yay! Even better! It is really scary selling horses, even really lovely well trained horses like Riley. I recently wrote a post about my rescue's known history (http://bodhitreefarms.blogspot.com/2016/08/fka-jerry-dirt-on-oaks-past.html). It was really sobering to me how fast he ended up in trouble. So happy that the selling process brought you closer together.

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  7. Great end to this story. Very happy I'll get to continue watching sweet Riley's progress!

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  8. Excellent!! Glad Ri is sticking around still :)

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  9. Phew that was a close call, absolutely fabulous news :)

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  10. I'm glad he's staying. He's just so handsome!

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  11. I'm so glad you are keeping Ri. He is just so lovely and I always enjoy your stories about him.

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  12. I am simply delighted for both of you. :) I think it's all gone exactly as it was supposed to. Welcome "back," Ri-Ri!

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  13. I'm glad to hear you're keeping Ri, especially in This post photo, he has such a kind eye, I think he really feels strongly you are his person herd

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