I found a true gem on the local craigs list which is really throwing me through a loop. I found a 10 year old registered Holsteiner gelding- sound, trained(dressage and jumping) and healthy for $800 dollars!
What it the catch right?
Well he was taken in by his current owner when he was abandoned and starved. He is now rehabilitated and has been working again under saddle for 6 weeks. He is also really short-- 15.3. This doesn't bother me as Bodhi is 14.2 and I am only 5'4. It is just a bit odd.She is also having financial problems and selling all of her prospects as she has to go back to work and has no more time for training.
I feel like this horse would be a perfect balance for me. Against Bodhi's calm and consistent nature I could have a horse to ride with more athletic pizazz. A horse that already knows the basics so I can better understand how to approach teaching it to Bodhi. Unfortunately there is graduate school.... it is sad that an opportunity like this makes me not want to go anymore. I should just let this horse pass but something is yanking on me telling me that I need this guy!
Here is his picture.... What do you guys think!
Bodhi News
Huston We have liftoff! Bodhi put in an amazing effort our last schooling session over fences! He felt great and my husband could even tell how much improved his form was. We recently purchased some more substantial poles for jumping so I think having a more solid obstacle along with all of our schooling has finally paid off. He may have a jumping career yet! I was impressed. On the opposite end of the spectrum I hopped on him yesterday in the pasture with jus a halter and lead. He walked trotted and cantered for me with no fuss. He is really maturing into one of those trust worthy steeds that I have allways wanted. Way to go Bodhster!
I totally understand the conflict you face. I want to give up grad school (dead lines, research, studying, mental exhaustion) and instead just enjoy life, rescue horses, and relax. Sometimes I wonder if I really need a graduate degree to do that!
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion, of course, but I'd say don't give up on grad school! It really is worth it in the end! Of course, this depends partly on the opportunities available to you without it. I think, pretty much without exception, grad school will always give you more (and better!) options. Trust me, the time flies by, even when it's awful :-/
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have a horse through grad school. I had to wait until after to get back to riding. I'm clearly biased but I think more good horse opportunities WILL come along but grad school really might not as it's much easier to make the sacrifice sooner. Just my two cents...
Tail picking is where you literally pick the tail apart from knots and tangles by hand. It's in lieu of brushing which can thin a tail out. It takes forever, but, for me it's a quiet moment thing.
ReplyDeleteUnderstand about grad school. With two it's hard meeting ends somedays. I'm lucky I only have one in training and one developing behind her. I delayed breeding plans, travel plans and a few other things so I can go and get MPA/MEd finished out and potentially have a better life and salary.
I also do the same thing with the sales horses. It's hard, but the way I look at it is from a time perspective. As a horse goes through the levels, becomes more fit-- the more time it takes to ride, train and there's more stuff to work on.
If I add another horse that's going under saddle already, I take away from the training time I have with my mare.
It would be spreading time thin between two horses and not time to finish my other obligations. In the end wouldn't (and didn't) have enough time. While I'm itching for another, I understand my commitments and obligations.
Kathy- great to see you on here! It is always super tempting to just stick to what actually makes me happy-animals, farm work gardening etc... I guess graduate school is just a better way to afford it. We should focus on that! :)
ReplyDeleteRuckus- No my logical side(better side) completely agrees with you. Even a Masters will make me so much more competitive in my field and make me eligible for the jobs I think I would really enjoy-instead of technician positions. I am really lucky to be able to keep a horse through grad school though honestly that is not even set in stone. It is going to be really hard to wing the finances for the endeavor as you may have experience with :)
Kelly- Thanks for that! I had never heard that term though I have partaken in the activity many a time. Haflingers(you have a haffie right now right?) Have amazing tails but I am constantly picking knots out. Thank you for the insight on the training level aspect to consider when acquiring a new horse. This one would need a lot more conditioning and riding then my 4 year old Haflinger. I would also have less time to spend with Bodhi. It would be a trade off for the education I would receive from a different horse, and the training of the horses themselves. What I need to find is more rides not more horses :)
Doesn't mean you can't still look, dream, and plan for the future though :) I look at various sales nearly every day and have no intention of buying for at least a few more years!
ReplyDeleteIt's pony club origin. Not in your typical vernacular, most people call it sorting.
ReplyDeleteNope, I don't have a haflinger. I used to ride for a farm. But after two years of spreading myself too thin between horses, I began concentrating on the ones that matter the most. But I understand haflinger tails all too well. Scrubbing blonde was a PITA.
I understand how it feels to be stuck in green horse mode and not be able to see the forest for the trees.
I agree with your thought, if you feel the need to expand yourself, do so educationally. Find a coach who has upper level schoolmasters and apply lessons to the youngster.
And while you're window shopping remember: green and young horses are a dime a dozen, especially in this market. The time you spend on correcting and bringing along a second horse properly, it could be at least an extra lesson a week, a clinic session or my favorite past time: sleeping in.
You and Bodhi look good together. He is adorable. When asked for my opinion I always ask right back, "What do you really want to do" and "Can you do it". Because in the end it's really up to you what makes you happy.
ReplyDeleteThe only advice on a horse like this would be, if you do decide to take a look at him in person, bring a trainer with you. Never buy a horse without knowledgeable people who are there for your benefit. And NEVER buy a horse without getting it vetted out. That's about it. Good luck with your final decision.
Well the decision was made for me- The horse was sold to the first person that wrote the seller an email. He sure did not last long!
ReplyDeleteGreat advise Kelly and Grey Horse on buying horses. Young horses are a dime a dozen though they are usually the only thing in my price range! :) Also I agree that someone should always take another party with them to look at a horse. A trainer is best, but if not, a knowledgeable horse person friend is s good substitute. Thanks for the compliment for Bodhi and I. I really enjoy the little guy! He has a heart of gold to match that coat.