Well with the market being the way it is people are trying to push their horses off left and right. But nothing compared to when winter and the holidays hit. Everyone thinks that they have the perfect Christmas gift and that ALL little girls out there who dream of Santa bringing them a pony should have theirs.
How many ads out there do you see that say "Perfect Christmas Pony" or "Will hold 'til Christmas" ?
Now I've actually helped people out who are in a crunch to get their horses or ponies trained for Christmas. Some the owners have managed to sell, some not even close. With the market being the way it is do people really think that we as consumers are capable of taking on YOUR horse that you suddenly MUST REHOME?? Come on now.
Hey I'm all for if you have the means to afford a horse for the holidays, but the advertising that I see sometimes boggles my mind. Like "Oh I was wanting to buy a horse this spring, but now that it say CHRISTMAS HORSE I must have it NOW for sure!!!" And people think this works?? *snort* You know what else works? Quit breeding your garbage that you can't afford to train or feed or take care of!!
Sorry folks, it's just another of my crazy rants, but sometimes I just can't help myself. Go to craigslist and type in any holiday word. Christmas, holiday, whatever and see the amount of ads that pop up! WOW!!! Let me tell you, some of the people of the horse world are true marketing geniuses. *eyeroll* C'mon I know that there are some things that drive you guys nuts too! LOL!!!
15 comments:
Not to mention that at this point don't you think any responsible person would already have picked out a horse/pony? Who shops for such a big commitment less than a week before the holiday? I sold a horse through a fairly high end barn a couple of years ago, in January. Apparently January is THE month to sell out here in Colorado since most people get the promise of a horse or money to buy a horse, and they actually shop in January and February.
Just wait 'til next week. My blog is all horses just perfect for Christmas.
Already got 'em picked out.
WHAT THE FUCK... Couldn't have found this post on craigslist at a more appropriate time...
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/grd/963939591.html
Pony mill???
2Toads LMAO!!!! What a bunch of Asses! A Pony mill... C'mon people this is what I'm talking about!!!
I hate holidays. I actually close my hatchery around Easter to keep away those people who want disposable chicks for just the weekend.
So, where ARE all these great deals out there? I have two 4-H kids looking for a suitable horse (safe, sane, safe, broke, and BIG, because both girls are tall)and we can't find anything at a reasonable price the parents can afford. They can afford the care, but a big cash purchase price isn't easy. Breed and papers are far less important than temperament and training.
Holy crap 2toads...unbelieveable.
My favorite part is that it seems like only the people with completely fugly, useless and borderline worthless animals advertise them as "Christmas presents". You can bet your ass if I ever bought my kid a horse for Christmas, it would come from a reputable source and the transaction would occur months BEFORE Christmas - not a $300 flea infested pony that dumped the guys 5 year old one to many times.
Ponykins...
Let your vet, farrier, and horsey friends know you're looking. Word of mouth is best, and these people will probably have knowledge of the horse and the people selling.
Good luck!
Ponykins, also contact a local trustworthy trainer, rescue, or *gulp* auction.... Keep your feelers out and trust me, never settle, you'll know when you find the right one....
Gut, trust your gut!
TX, I was going to say that "A" word, and I didn't. I still don't want to. But the very sad fact is, the deals are at those places, one step away from the KB's. We have a forum that will list horses for sale, I'm sure there's one in Ponykins area?
The lowest money will be at the (gag) nope, can't say it. There was a "Christmas (gulp)" last weekend, all kinds of poor creatures, lots with no pictures.
PAintCross, mini's, older horses, and this forum actually plans gleefully ahead for it. Some wish they could go. I haven't had the courage to go to one for a long time. I think I need to, for the education, but I still don't want to go:(
Trouble is, by supporting the local (gulp), you don't help the real horse producers, asking a fair price for their well-bred, well-trained animal.
Good luck with your search, Ponykins.
Horses sure shouldn't be an impulse purchase.
It's FREEZING here, and I'm having a hard time getting some computer time, so too quickly
Merry Christmas to all!!
OH. MY. GAWD!
And then around the end of January they start calling all the local trainers and 'pricing' us to see where they can get the horse trained, or 'fixed' the cheapest. Also not the best route.
The biggest ego's? They hold out until March or April trying to fix things themselves, but only making it worse, the longer they wait.
Ponykins- put the word out. We have gotten several horses over the years for FREE! Almost all of them came with their registration papers. Many owners half worth their salt, they will often give horses away if they know the horse is going to a good home.
If they require a first right of refusal, use that as a tool- they want the horse to work out for you. If it isn't tell them and send the horse back. Nobody loses out in that situation.
Email me if you want. Many times horse people know other reputable horse people all over the place and can put you in touch with someone in your area.
Good luck in your search. Often times, your patience will pay off, big time.
I got my first pony for xmas when I was 13, but I had been leasing him and having lessons on him for six months before that.
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