This message is from: Ingrid Ivic <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> As far as letting people try out for two weeks before they buy. I don't do
> it. The reason is, everytime I have done it the horse has come back lame.
Oh dear...yes, I've experienced this too Misha. Have had some awful
results
by trying to be "nice" like this...never again. The first and ONLY time I did
this, the particular gelding out on loan was tied by his reins in an arena
(DUH!!) and ended up ripping his mouth after being startled and flying back.
These people were actually madder about their ruined bridle, than his poor
mouth and the fact he would not tie well for a long while after that.
Aaaarrrgghhh!
To soothe people's "buying jitters", I do offer a "first right of
refusal"
clause in my contract...that way, if things don't go well for the new buyer, I
can be the first in line to purchase the horse back. Afterall, I know the
animal and how it was raised, cared for, etc. No one feels "taken" and the
animal doesn't end up where it shouldn't. This is mostly for the horse's sake,
really.
YUP! The fjord market is ripe for mature, trained geldings. I can't
tell you
how many folks have contacted me looking for them. Recently sold my last one.
Have some nice fillies left though.....heh-heh-heh! ;o)
It is annoying to have people inquire if you have any fjords in the
$500 to
$1000 range or so. Yes, I've actually had this asked of me, as I'm sure have
others. I chalk it up to lack of research on the buyers part and merrily send
them off to other breeders and sellers to discover the truth...once again.
We do put quite alot into our horses, don't we? And this doesn't mean
only
feed and basic care. The time spent training is something else all together.
Folks looking to purchase don't seem to understand the involvement here.
Sometimes, just to teach a simple thing can eat up more time than we could
ever imagine...especially if we want to be SURE it has sunk in. There is no
substitute for extensive handling, teaching and TIME. It's unfortunate some
sellers don't do this, and it reflects badly on the breed, in some cases. But
then...word gets around, doesn't it?
Fjords may be extra-sweet and forgiving, but they don't train
themselves...contrary to how how some folks try to portray/sell them.
> I have a hard time seeing my horses as just commodities and not living
> thinking breathing beautiful souls. I guess that is why I appreciate the
> list so much. Most people on it really love their horses and I just
> appreciate all the stories and triumphs and tales people tell.
Once again, I agree...it's a pity when a creature as special as a
fjord, is
seen as something you've only acquired in dollars and cents. Not a pretty
picture.
OK, I've yakked enough! Ingrid in Ohio
