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Jane
Member
Username: justin
Post Number: 21
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 1:28 pm: |   |
Hi,
In January I sold my Haflinger to a woman who just had to have him. He *is* cute. I offered her a 6-month trial period, but she declined it. She insists on riding without bridle or saddle (halter only), making it very easy for Macaroni can pull his party pony trick, spin around and go back to the barn--even at the walk? A couple of falls later, the woman wants me to buy him back.
You might say that we are friends (she claims I am her best "neighbor friend")but if I give her the money back, then I really don't want to deal with her anymore; if I don't, then she won't want to deal with me anymore, so it is a no win situation. I've decided I'm happy to ditch the friendship. The sales contract gave me right of first refusal but said nothing about returns or exchanges. LOL!
What would you do?
Thanks!
Jane |
jojo
Member
Username: jojo15
Post Number: 1006
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 2:18 pm: | |
for the sake of the horse, maybe you should consider taking it back. if you don't care that this woman is probably making worse an already bad habit, then don't. ultimately its the horse that will not survive the battle going on between you two. so take the horse back and sell it to someone that will ride it with a bridle and saddle. and have the time to train this bad habit out of him.
As for your friend she is on another thread (it seems the coincedence is too similar) and of course did not mention without bridle, just bareback. which in my mind does make a load of difference in control. and of the opinon that no one should be riding a horse bareback just three months owning one. but... i'm thinking only of myself in this scenario.
i hope you both work it out. so you can remain friends. and not bring about a war on here. |
Linda Lashley
Member
Username: lhenning
Post Number: 338
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 2:28 pm: | |
Any chance you can work together? She mentioned the saddle fit problem and that is why she was bareback. Did you have a saddle that fit the horse? Seems like a nice horse that just needs time and training.
Linda |
Chris
Member
Username: stevens
Post Number: 485
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 2:51 pm: | |
Hi Jane,
Tough situation. As mentioned above, we've been hearing one side of the story.
If you have a sales contract that does not include refund or exchange you certainly are not under any legal obligation (that I can think of and I'm not a lawyer) to take him back.
If the "pony party trick" was fully disclosed, along with an offer of a very generous trial period then I guess it comes down to whatever you want to do. Obviously, the horse was for sale for whatever reason. It would be very kind of you to take him back (and it is within your original offered 6 months, assuming the price was not adjusted) but I can certainly understand your irritation at the situation.
If the sale was made without full disclosure of the "party pony trick", then let your conscience be your guide. |
jos
Member
Username: paardex
Post Number: 589
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 2:55 pm: | |
Think about your horse, a goodnatured young horse is easy to sell to somebody who will be happy with him after a lot of time with getting from bad to worse HE will be the loser.
I wouldn't want a horse to be the victim of making a point with whoever
Jos
PS Call me an idiot but I always fall for the animals at risk to becoming a victim.. |
Jane
Member
Username: justin
Post Number: 22
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 3:01 pm: | |
Hi,
I have a clear conscience...I told her about the party trick, which he pulled only once with me. I offered her my Wintec Wide as part of the deal, but she declined. She really doesn't like to go through the hassle of saddling and bridling.
Can someone direct me to her thread?
Thanks! |
Jane
Member
Username: justin
Post Number: 23
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 3:24 pm: | |
BTW, I bought Macaroni as a dressage prospect. He was originally trained to drive and just doesn't understand--even after a year of training--canter, which appealed to the buyer. I really didn't want to stay at Into for the rest of my life!
I think most horse people make (and are certainly entitled to) one bad equine mistake...I know that I made mine on a very expensive and crazy 18h foxhunter that I ended up donating to a rescue because I couldn't, in good conscience, sell him because he was going to kill someone. I asked the seller to buy him back and she just laughed (something I am not going to do in this situation). Now he is ridden bareback and in a halter by a 6'8" man who weighs about 300 lbs. Both of them are happy as can be now. Go figure. |
Chris
Member
Username: stevens
Post Number: 486
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 3:43 pm: | |
Yeah, sometimes there are matches made in heaven and other times just mismatches.
No harm, no foul.
Good Luck,
Chris |
Karin from Colorado
Member
Username: karind10
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 5:20 pm: | |
If this were me, I would take the horse back. Essentially you offered this at the time you sold the horse, so I'm not sure why you wouldn't be willing to do it now? Or why there would be hard feelings over it. People make mistakes, we all do. Really, it seems no different than if she had accepted the 6 month trial, right?
I always take horses back, provided they haven't been injured in a way that they are no longer rideable. In that case, I help the owners find a retirement home or placement as a companion horse, or in worse case situations, a way to end their lives mercifully. Sometimes I buy horses other people have unceremoniously dumped somewhere. My biggest concern is always the welfare of the horse.
And besides it always makes for good neighbors, in real life and on discussion boards.  |
Julie Masner
Member
Username: juliem
Post Number: 393
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 5:33 pm: | |
I think I'd take him back and find a more suitable home. It was probably not a good match from the beginning if it's true she doesn't want to ride with a bridle and saddle. It sounds as if this horse could use a more experience owner/rider. No offense, but over a year of training and no canter?? Someone's being trained by a pretty smart little horse I think. However, being trained to drive would say he had probably been discouraged from breaking into a canter. Sounds to me as if this guy could keep going from one owner to another until he ends up on a truck to Mexico. I hope someone takes the responsibility to get him an experienced trainer. Sorry to be blunt, but this is just an opinion. |
Jane
Member
Username: justin
Post Number: 24
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 8:34 pm: | |
Hi,
I am glad, Karin and Julie, that you have the financial resources to refund money to a purchaser who wants to return a horse. I don't. The lady who bought the horse can afford to keep him, God bless her.
Thanks for your input,
Jane |
Winifred
Member
Username: winifred
Post Number: 30
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 9:04 pm: | |
How absurd.
Of course I will keep this horse, and will train him to the best of my ability, but never heard a word bout this "pony party" trick.
Good God.
Is there still such a thing known as integrity?
Winifred |
Erika L
Member
Username: erika
Post Number: 1166
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 9:11 pm: | |
Oh my!
Where is Holly Wood at a time like this? I miss her wisdom and kindness. Long term members--you know what I mean... |
Erika L
Member
Username: erika
Post Number: 1167
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 9:20 pm: | |
I forgot to add: Best of luck Winifred, you sound like a kind woman. I know you'll do the best you can for this little horse.
I have a feeling the "accidental" cross-posting was less than accidental...
Just curious, Jane, was the six month trial in good faith? |
Elizabeth Kaufman
Member
Username: ekaufman
Post Number: 437
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 9:20 pm: | |
Folks,
Online communities are fragile things. The beauty of this board comes from Dr. O's wisdom and expertise, and the non-judgmental support of the members. Please fight in private, out of respect for this community, and recognition of how far and fast poison spreads within it. |
Erika L
Member
Username: erika
Post Number: 1168
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 9:24 pm: | |
Amen |
Winifred
Member
Username: winifred
Post Number: 31
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 9:39 pm: | |
Amen |
Karin from Colorado
Member
Username: karind10
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 10:09 pm: | |
Oh dear. Well, Jane, you certainly didn't make it clear in your first post that taking the horse back was not an option financially. You simply asked "what would you do", and that's what I answered.
I just don't think it's worth getting into spitting wars with people about who did what to whom first. I think it's better to be kind and respectful and try to find a compromise that works for everyone. You even admitted yourself that we sometimes make mistakes in these things. And you were right, we all do!
I truly hope that the two of you can get beyond the cross feelings and harsh words. Life's too short.
I wish you both well, and I wish young master Macaroni well too! |
Tonya
Member
Username: pbauer
Post Number: 426
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 - 10:34 pm: | |
Dear Winifred and Jane,
Conflict resolution is worth the time and effort.
If you resolve to work together through the disagreement,
I'm sure you'll be able to come up with a workable solution...compromise,
or a plan of action.
Everyone has experienced conflict. It isn't pleasant,
but it doesn't have to be destructive. Please do not allow this incident
to stand between you or hinder your personal relationship.
Sincerely,
Tonya |
Imogen Bertin
Member
Username: imogen
Post Number: 1076
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 14, 2008 - 3:27 am: | |
Put the horse first and then try to develop yourselves as human beings. Life is short.
Where is Holly?
Amen to Elizabeth
Imogen |
jos
Member
Username: paardex
Post Number: 590
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 14, 2008 - 4:22 am: | |
Ditto Imogen
Jos |
Debra McKay
Member
Username: maximum
Post Number: 28
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 14, 2008 - 7:30 am: | |
Just a suggestion, but would it work for the original owner to take the horse back on consignment, new owner pays board until it sells and they work together to find a new home for it?
The original owner could decline a fee for the sale due to getting the boarding. The new owner will have a safe atmosphere for selling the horse and being part of the process. |
