I know this isnt really a horse question, but I thought you guys would know best. I have been riding this horse named Polly for 3 years now. I just started looking for a new horse to buy, and my trainer who owns the horse says I can buy Polly. Well, I dont really want to buy her ... I LOVE her ... but she isnt a show horse. I dont know how to tell her I dont want her, because when she told me I could buy Polly she was so excited, she probably thought I would be soo happy, but I really dont want the horse: (
I feel bad because I REALLY, REALLY love the horse, but she isnt what I am looking for! She has never been to a show, and probably never even been in a trailer, and I dont want to train her to do all that, I want a horse that already knows how to do all that. How do I tell my trainer I dont want the horse? Its going to be so hard, because she probably thinks I really want her, but I dont!: (
How do I tell her I dont really want her, and I am looking for a different one? Please help, I dont want to make her feel bad, and how can I make sure that I MEAN it, because usually she thinks im just joking , but I really am being serious. Help please, how would you handle this?
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(I dont want to train the horse to trailer because I once had a terrible experience in one, and I DONT want that to happen again, and I think it might with Polly)
I had a similar situation a year ago; - )
My daughter was having some lessons on my dressage instructors pony, as our old pony at home did not trot. She knew that we were going to buy another pony at some point, as I have had horses all my life and we live on a large property.
So after a lesson one day she said we could buy Soldier (the welsh lesson pony). Of course my daughter was excited and thought it was a good idea.
However she wanted $ 5000 for him, because he was so wonderful and had won classes at the All Welsh state show. My girl was only 5yo at the time and I have 4 girls in total, so we felt that paying so much for one pony was ridiculous. Especially as we would need to buy each of them one eventually.
I was up front and told her that I could not afford him, she continually made comments that he was for sale and how perfect he was. He was a lovely pony and would have been a great fellow if we were heavily into showing, but it was just not realistic.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com After waiting a bit longer I found a pony for $ 1000 who is full of character and my daughter loves. He won his first class at a show recently. I also found another welsh pony for my oldest daughter, for only a fraction over $ 1000, she came 2nd in the same class at the show. So far I have managed to find two ponies and have enough money to get another one for my youngest girl when she is ready ;-)
A lot of lesson places make their money from letting students fall in love with their horse and then selling them that very horse, usually for much more than they paid for it. Which is fine because it is a part of their business. I spoke to a top level instructor recently who said it was a deliberate part of her business to help sell horses.
Unfortunately most of these people are not horse people as such and they are easy targets. I do have to say that not all trainers and instructors are ruthless sellers, but they obviously would rather you buy their horse than someone else's.
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However your obviously very switched on and can see past the affection you have for your lesson horse. Your also have very clear goals, aims and realistic targets of how to achieve these things.
Your well on the way to finding a perfect horse to suit you. Such a clear idea of what you want in a horse will help you make a sound decision.
About your instructor I would like to say she will be fine regardless, but it is possible she might be a bit snippy for a short time. Mine is still not happy I turned down her lovely pony. But I had to be honest with myself and get what I needed for the price I wanted.
I always think honesty is the best policy. Tell her that the mare is super but your really looking for a horse with a show future. I would not mention the trailer loading, because that could easily be taught and then you will still have to make an excuse as to why you don't want the horse.
Just be a bit mindful that when your shopping for your new horse that your trainer might not be overly enthusiastic or helpful. Some have the attitude that if you cant find another horse or they all have faults, then you will have to buys theirs after all (which is what mine did).
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So thank her kindly for the very generous offer, and then give your reasons why it would be best for you to look at other horses to further your riding career and ability. Horses are a large and long term purchase as you know, so you need to be happy with the horse you end up with.
Good luck ;-)
tell her you love polly but .... you want to go to the next level and you want to do it with a horse that is already trained at the level you want to be at.
