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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
   
Location: N Texas | emricmacy - 2018-06-12 2:14 PM
Thank you everyone! I talked to my husband this afternoon, and we have decided to not go with either horse I mentioned. Would either horse work for me? Yes, but they aren't exactly what I want. I would like a more finished horse on the pattern, and I feel guilty for wanting that. We are going to save up a little more money, to have a budget of $10-12k and plan a trip to TX this fall. That in itself worries me, as I don't want to get burned. Yes, I will not be riding at all until then, but will try to keep in shape. When we plan this trip, say I want to try 5 horses, all in different locations in TX. I don't schedule a vet for each of those horses? I'm trying to do all this the right way and not get burned.
This is what I am looking for:
SOUND and SANE
Fairly finished on the barrels
No blown up barrel horses, or horses that have a problem bolting, bucking, rearing. No holes.
Something that will help with my confidence. I can ride, just new to barrels.
Budget of 10-12k. Is this possible, or are my expectations too high?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. You won't be getting a 1D horse, but you're not ready for that anyways. But you can definitely get a nice one that you can enter on as soon as you get home :) | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Gunner11 - 2018-06-12 3:00 PM
emricmacy - 2018-06-12 2:14 PM
Thank you everyone! I talked to my husband this afternoon, and we have decided to not go with either horse I mentioned. Would either horse work for me? Yes, but they aren't exactly what I want. I would like a more finished horse on the pattern, and I feel guilty for wanting that. We are going to save up a little more money, to have a budget of $10-12k and plan a trip to TX this fall. That in itself worries me, as I don't want to get burned. Yes, I will not be riding at all until then, but will try to keep in shape. When we plan this trip, say I want to try 5 horses, all in different locations in TX. I don't schedule a vet for each of those horses? I'm trying to do all this the right way and not get burned.
This is what I am looking for:
SOUND and SANE
Fairly finished on the barrels
No blown up barrel horses, or horses that have a problem bolting, bucking, rearing. No holes.
Something that will help with my confidence. I can ride, just new to barrels.
Budget of 10-12k. Is this possible, or are my expectations too high?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. You won't be getting a 1D horse, but you're not ready for that anyways. But you can definitely get a nice one that you can enter on as soon as you get home : )
Why do I feel so guilty for wanting that instead of a horse that has never seen barrels? | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 762
Location: NC | As someone who has only owned 1 patterned horse (3 yr old- futurity reject) I can tell you that it can be frustrating patterning one sometimes and ive been running most of my life. Sometimes you are thrilled and happy and sometime you just shake your head. Having one you can enjoy and just go to race is great. My mom (in her mid 60s) has my old horse and she loves just going and running a been there done that.
What i mean if you want to go enjoy yourself get something patterned and running. Sounds to me like trainer knows shes the only trainer in area. (not trying to be rude) Watch videos, read articles, ask questions and when you do get a horse find clinics within hauling distance. | |
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Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | emricmacy - 2018-06-12 3:06 PM
Gunner11 - 2018-06-12 3:00 PM
emricmacy - 2018-06-12 2:14 PM
Thank you everyone! I talked to my husband this afternoon, and we have decided to not go with either horse I mentioned. Would either horse work for me? Yes, but they aren't exactly what I want. I would like a more finished horse on the pattern, and I feel guilty for wanting that. We are going to save up a little more money, to have a budget of $10-12k and plan a trip to TX this fall. That in itself worries me, as I don't want to get burned. Yes, I will not be riding at all until then, but will try to keep in shape. When we plan this trip, say I want to try 5 horses, all in different locations in TX. I don't schedule a vet for each of those horses? I'm trying to do all this the right way and not get burned.
This is what I am looking for:
SOUND and SANE
Fairly finished on the barrels
No blown up barrel horses, or horses that have a problem bolting, bucking, rearing. No holes.
Something that will help with my confidence. I can ride, just new to barrels.
Budget of 10-12k. Is this possible, or are my expectations too high?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. You won't be getting a 1D horse, but you're not ready for that anyways. But you can definitely get a nice one that you can enter on as soon as you get home : )
Why do I feel so guilty for wanting that instead of a horse that has never seen barrels?
I have no idea. Don't ever let yourself feel guilty for wanting the best your money can buy. There is no shame in getting a been-there-done-that, ready to go horse. If I could afford it, I'd totally go that route too! The most important thing is for you to feel completely comfortable so that you WANT to ride. It sucks so bad when you have a horse that you dread riding, it sucks all the fun out of it.
Who cares what other people think, you do what's best for you! 
Unless someone else is writing the check, don't let them talk you into or out of something. Go with your gut.
Edited by Gunner11 2018-06-12 3:32 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Gunner11 - 2018-06-12 3:29 PM
emricmacy - 2018-06-12 3:06 PM
Gunner11 - 2018-06-12 3:00 PM
emricmacy - 2018-06-12 2:14 PM
Thank you everyone! I talked to my husband this afternoon, and we have decided to not go with either horse I mentioned. Would either horse work for me? Yes, but they aren't exactly what I want. I would like a more finished horse on the pattern, and I feel guilty for wanting that. We are going to save up a little more money, to have a budget of $10-12k and plan a trip to TX this fall. That in itself worries me, as I don't want to get burned. Yes, I will not be riding at all until then, but will try to keep in shape. When we plan this trip, say I want to try 5 horses, all in different locations in TX. I don't schedule a vet for each of those horses? I'm trying to do all this the right way and not get burned.
This is what I am looking for:
SOUND and SANE
Fairly finished on the barrels
No blown up barrel horses, or horses that have a problem bolting, bucking, rearing. No holes.
Something that will help with my confidence. I can ride, just new to barrels.
Budget of 10-12k. Is this possible, or are my expectations too high?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. You won't be getting a 1D horse, but you're not ready for that anyways. But you can definitely get a nice one that you can enter on as soon as you get home : )
Why do I feel so guilty for wanting that instead of a horse that has never seen barrels?
I have no idea. Don't ever let yourself feel guilty for wanting the best your money can buy. There is no shame in getting a been-there-done-that, ready to go horse. If I could afford it, I'd totally go that route too! The most important thing is for you to feel completely comfortable so that you WANT to ride. It sucks so bad when you have a horse that you dread riding, it sucks all the fun out of it.
Who cares what other people think, you do what's best for you!
Unless someone else is writing the check, don't let them talk you into or out of something. Go with your gut.
Thank you! I need to find a horse that will let me learn on them. A few horses I tried recently I knew I would dread riding them if I bought them, and a few I didn't feel that way, but I got swayed into staying away from finished horses when that is ultimately what I want in this chapter of my life. Maybe years down the road I will want something not started on barrels, but right now I want to have fun. I've spent the last 9 months trying to get my horse pasture sound, and I love him dearly, but I'd like to ride again. TX is a huge state compared to VT..if I have no connections in TX, how do I go about finding who to stay away from, horse traders, etc? | |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Do not feel guilty, if you can afford it, find the horse you want. My girls horses were high dollar, at least to me they were. No way could I ride them to their potential and there was some talk of what a waste but I did not want to sell them-they took care of me and I trusted them and I did not feel guilty in the least, I felt like the luckiest girl out there. Here is a video of one of mine-this is 2 years after I started riding and he makes me look good but it is 200% all him-my legs never move and I never move my hands except to switch hands -this was a 3D run-he was so much fun. He is now retired but I am forever grateful for what he taught me.
https://youtu.be/D4cr25NTT28
Edited by rodeomom3 2018-06-12 5:23 PM
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Regular
Posts: 89
| emricmacy - 2018-06-12 2:14 PM
Thank you everyone! I talked to my husband this afternoon, and we have decided to not go with either horse I mentioned. Would either horse work for me? Yes, but they aren't exactly what I want. I would like a more finished horse on the pattern, and I feel guilty for wanting that. We are going to save up a little more money, to have a budget of $10-12k and plan a trip to TX this fall. That in itself worries me, as I don't want to get burned. Yes, I will not be riding at all until then, but will try to keep in shape. When we plan this trip, say I want to try 5 horses, all in different locations in TX. I don't schedule a vet for each of those horses? I'm trying to do all this the right way and not get burned.
This is what I am looking for:
SOUND and SANE
Fairly finished on the barrels
No blown up barrel horses, or horses that have a problem bolting, bucking, rearing. No holes.
Something that will help with my confidence. I can ride, just new to barrels.
Budget of 10-12k. Is this possible, or are my expectations too high?
I know you're frustrated, trust me I'm right there with you but keep looking. Look at flying out one weekend you can get airfare pretty decent if you buy pretty early. I know Southwest runs a lot of discount airfares. Already bought my moms Thanksgiving airfare round trip for $200. Talk to some other trainers out of state tell them your situation maybe the can help you find something out of state when you can kinda do a one stop shop. If you do that call them up and be totally honest with your ablilty and what you are looking for and your price range. I've done this before and I grew up in the most non barrel racing state of Delaware... we've got harness racing, we've got English but Barrel racing was kinda new on the scene way back when. We went to one trainer and he had about 4 horses lined up for me to try. I actually ended up buying on the 2nd trip. Don't be afraid of the old horses either I have a 28 yr retire barrel mare in the barn that I'm seriously considering bringing out of retirement for my daughter. They may require a little maintenance but all the knowledge those oldies will give you will so be worth it in the end.
And from what you have said about your trainer I totally get why you are so overwhelmed. It sounds like they are trying to buy for them and not you. I would be proud as punch to help someone learn and watch them grow as rider, not the other way around of you should be proud they are your trainer.
You do you boo, boo because in the end your the one swinging your leg over your horse.
Oh and you can find deals out there it takes a little bit luck a whole lot of thinking, and a little bit of traveling. I truly don't mean to sound brash, so please don't take it that way. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 898
Location: Mountains of VA | Not sure why you think you need to go to TX from Vermont to find a suitable horse. There are plenty of horses and trainers closer to you that can help you here in the east. Contact people like Sue Bologne, Van Manly, Ducky Keller, Adam Roper, etc.There are plenty more, these just came to mine first. | |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | hotpaints - 2018-06-12 8:30 PM
Not sure why you think you need to go to TX from Vermont to find a suitable horse. There are plenty of horses and trainers closer to you that can help you here in the east. Contact people like Sue Bologne, Van Manly, Ducky Keller, Adam Roper, etc.There are plenty more, these just came to mine first.
So true;)lots of NICE horses in PA AND OHIO:) | |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | emricmacy - 2018-06-12 6:44 AM
Chandler's Mom - 2018-06-11 9:16 PM
Probably not the hot bed of barrel racing, huh?!!!
I have no advice, but I truly hope you will find the horse of your dreams soon. How's your horse doing that was lame?
He's pasture sound. Still at my trainers barn, but she wants him gone as he's in a pasture with two mares, he's so nice to them, but the two mares are arguing over him, so that's our fault I guess. He's happy though. A lot going on, trying to find a horse, my trainer wants him gone..very over whelming!
Hang in there girl, it'll work itself out 
And please utilize the wonderful resources of the folks on here--that may be near you or know of a horse for sale, etc. Good luck to you
Edited by Chandler's Mom 2018-06-12 10:52 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| hotpaints - 2018-06-12 7:30 PM
Not sure why you think you need to go to TX from Vermont to find a suitable horse. There are plenty of horses and trainers closer to you that can help you here in the east. Contact people like Sue Bologne, Van Manly, Ducky Keller, Adam Roper, etc.There are plenty more, these just came to mine first.
Thank you for the suggestions! I only said TX as my husband's cousin is big into barrel racing, and she lives in TX. I would like to try a bunch of horses, not just travel to PA to look at one, then drive to VA to look at one. | |
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 The Worst Seller Ever
Posts: 4138
Location: Oklahoma | Do you have FB? There are tons of sale groups for barrel horses. NE horses too.
I don't think you need to have your trainer go with you to look. If you have looked at a few then you know what you want the horse to feel like. Take your hubby. He can be the voice of reason. You know what you want, spend time FB stalking the sale pages. Things pop up everyday. :) | |
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Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | clover girl - 2018-06-13 7:27 AM
Do you have FB? There are tons of sale groups for barrel horses. NE horses too.Â
I don't think you need to have your trainer go with you to look. If you have looked at a few then you know what you want the horse to feel like. Take your hubby. He can be the voice of reason. You know what you want, spend time FB stalking the sale pages. Things pop up everyday. :)  Â
This is exactly what I was going to suggest. If there are barrel races, playdays/gymkhanas, youth rodeos in your area, there are barrel horses for sale in your area. They just may not be advertised. What I suggest you do is find some groups on FB that are either geared toward barrel racing, or horse sale groups and post what you're looking for. You might be surprised the horses that actually are for sale, just not being publicly advertised. | |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| All of the things you are looking for are absolutely doable. When I was horse shopping, I drove to Texas twice. First time I settled on a horse that wasn't as advertised. The 2nd time, I walked away. Wish I had walked away both times. I finally found a horse that wasn't advertised, known by word of mouth and couldn't be happier.
I was looking for a horse for my niece, ideally exactly what you were looking for but on a TINY budget! And I bought her a green horse with the understanding I would have to put time on it. I got bucked off twice and broke my foot. It wasn't quite as far along as we thought. The sellers took him back as they were good friends but I was so upset because I felt like I would never find something for my niece. Low and behold, a friend of mines daughter decided to pursue jumping vs barrels.
This horse is exactly what you're talking about, she was 12, patterned, safe and one of the best teachers. However, she is an OTTB and comes with quirks. I wouldn't have looked at her advertised online, she just didn't fit what I had in my head. But now I realize that things work out, some way or another. She is the best thing that ever happened to our family. We have learned some tricks to her quirks and we deal with them. My niece has grown tremendously in her riding in the past year. The nice part is this horse has more to give. They're now running 3d/4d times and I think could get better!!!
They exist but sometimes you find something that isn't exactly what you're looking for, in the sense where they are a different image than you thought. Or sometimes, fate is taking its time to get them to you. Either way, with your budget and wants, I don't foresee that being difficult to find. I don't think finished horses have issues, every horse has quirks. That's different than issues.
And as sad as it may be to hear, you buy to hope its your forever horse. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I bought my current gelding, owned him 9 years now. I bought him an eventing reject due to a conformation flaw, unbroke late 6 year old. I just said... what the heck, lets try and he was cheap enough that I wasn't going to lose money. Best decision I ever made. He is a 2d/3d gelding, teacher to many, quiet, trustworthy and my best friend.
Chin up, be patient. I wish you were closer as I love to horse shop, for others that is  | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| stayceem - 2018-06-13 1:23 PM
All of the things you are looking for are absolutely doable. When I was horse shopping, I drove to Texas twice. First time I settled on a horse that wasn't as advertised. The 2nd time, I walked away. Wish I had walked away both times. I finally found a horse that wasn't advertised, known by word of mouth and couldn't be happier.
I was looking for a horse for my niece, ideally exactly what you were looking for but on a TINY budget! And I bought her a green horse with the understanding I would have to put time on it. I got bucked off twice and broke my foot. It wasn't quite as far along as we thought. The sellers took him back as they were good friends but I was so upset because I felt like I would never find something for my niece. Low and behold, a friend of mines daughter decided to pursue jumping vs barrels.
This horse is exactly what you're talking about, she was 12, patterned, safe and one of the best teachers. However, she is an OTTB and comes with quirks. I wouldn't have looked at her advertised online, she just didn't fit what I had in my head. But now I realize that things work out, some way or another. She is the best thing that ever happened to our family. We have learned some tricks to her quirks and we deal with them. My niece has grown tremendously in her riding in the past year. The nice part is this horse has more to give. They're now running 3d/4d times and I think could get better!!!
They exist but sometimes you find something that isn't exactly what you're looking for, in the sense where they are a different image than you thought. Or sometimes, fate is taking its time to get them to you. Either way, with your budget and wants, I don't foresee that being difficult to find. I don't think finished horses have issues, every horse has quirks. That's different than issues.
And as sad as it may be to hear, you buy to hope its your forever horse. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I bought my current gelding, owned him 9 years now. I bought him an eventing reject due to a conformation flaw, unbroke late 6 year old. I just said... what the heck, lets try and he was cheap enough that I wasn't going to lose money. Best decision I ever made. He is a 2d/3d gelding, teacher to many, quiet, trustworthy and my best friend.
Chin up, be patient. I wish you were closer as I love to horse shop, for others that is
Thank you! I really needed to hear this! I want to have fun, and learn! It sucks I will not be riding at all until I find a new horse, but that's ok. I could find a lesson barn to take lessons at, but I think I'm going to save that money and put it towards a new horse. If you don't mind me asking, what are her quirks? I'm definitely not looking for a perfect horse, as one doesn't exist, but I would like one that is perfect for me. Since I made the decision to not buy either of the horses I was talking about yesterday, I feel I made the right decision. It's a sigh of relief. I don't get stressed out about much, but I was driving my husband crazy trying to make a decision between the two horses. I felt 100% safe on both those horses, which is pretty much my #1 must have, and even though I could have made it work with either one, it's not truly what I wanted. When we started horse shopping with my trainer, I told her I wanted a more finished horse, like the horse I have now, but without high ringbone, and she talked me out of it, saying all finished horses come with problems or holes. We're going to save up a little more money, and look in the fall for something. | |
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 Loves to compete
Posts: 5760
Location: Oakdale, CA | rodeomom3 - 2018-06-12 9:19 AM I live in Texas in the thick of barrel racing country and it took me 8 months to find my last horse. He was not at all what I had in my mind I wanted, lol but the minute I sat in the saddle I knew I wanted him.
this is also excellent advice....................You will know exactly when you sit in the saddle of the horse and ride it around if its the one.......... I know its hard but be patient and keep your mind open..............better to wait for the right horse than get the wrong horse......... | |
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