One of the worst viewings ever today. 15'1 cob, 13 years old, on paper perfect. Was only one of the three booked for today that happened. 2 hours away. Was surprised that the owner wasn't present. She did not mention that the yard he was at was not where she was and that she would not be there.
On arrival, almost turned around and drove off again. Typical Durham based trotter dealer. Breeder of cobs etc. Big man and 5 kids/friends of around all a bit intimidating. Bit hostile. Oh well nothing to lose stand your ground. Said he had another one i could see, 17 years old vanner been off work 4 years, I politely declined. Very interested in coloured stallion standing at stud where we live and wanted to do the common riding as it was the most extreme. Yes I know that and I hate it but kept quiet.
Had had the horse 3 weeks, knew nothing about him. Poor horse was tied up very tight with a Monty Roberts control halter. Eyes bulging, rigid, he was scared. I had been told he could be a bit bargy/pull on the ground so I asked if I could do some work with him. Gave him lots of scratches and spoke gently to him, then put on my rope halter took the other one off as don't like them and it was too low down and very tight. Played with him in the school, he was sweet, nuzzled me, licked and chewed. Had a connection with him instantly, we liked each other. Took him onto the yard and backed him in and out of obstacles. Did everything easily. Could see nothing wrong with his ground manners.
Mallenders all 4 legs, but what concerned me was his breathing, he was flaring his nostrils a lot, not a hot day, only normal when standing. Suspected something wrong with his wind, or allergy. Commented about his mallenders, told all cobs have them, said well I have had three and none of them have them. His nostrils were very flared at slow walk only normal when standing still.
Tried my saddle on, was not bad but would need adjustment. Had a made to measure saddle which didn't fit all that well. He had broken the bridle he came with, hard to bridle. Brought mine over and put it on him on top of my halter, no problems, fitted well. Big man rode him in school, a bit as expected stirrups far too short. His breathing was much worse when ridden. His nostrils flared and inflamed as if done a stiff gallop. Didn't cough. Asked if I wanted to ride him. Swapped my stirrups over and got on a picnic table to climb on board with everyone watching. Asked if i wanted to ride him in the school, said no, he has to hack so will hack him out if ok. OH says there was a bit taken aback but didn't want to ride in front of them really and he seemed ok.
Rode him all of 10 minutes, very foot sore behind, worse than the one last week. Not shod behind - not allowed as they have a mixed herd. He had a quick whinny as we left and I thought oh shit but no he went on. He pooed twice the breathing was worse, making a gut noise as well. I turned him around and we were coming up a tiny hill and he was really labouring. Got off him as I honestly thought he was going to collapse. Made a fuss of him, hugged him and felt rubbish. Needs shoes on behind and needs a bloody vet. Compared to Freckles and his copd/roaring, this horse was so much worse he could hardly get a breath.
Their reaction give him a good kick and off you go. Horses in the wild manage without shoes - well he isn't in the wild and he isn't on grass. It was a really rough stony track, they have been trotting him up it of course. Claimed he had been ridden for an hour day before.
Owner rang me later to ask how i had got on. I explained about the breathing and being footsore, never even got as far as the legs which were bad. None of this existed as far as she was concerned. Poor poor boy. If i could have got him cheap, and I mean cheap, I would have sent a lorry for him unvetted and got him the hell out of there. On for £5,500.
He and I connected. And I feel horrible walking away but he had so many issues.
