I put them in the sales contract if indeed it's a horse I would like to own again, and I've done it twice. The first time I had two horses that I really liked, but sold one because I just didn't have time to ride two. The second time I had a horse that was just what I wanted, but my health didn't allow me to ride enough.

With the first horse, the new owner did call me with an interest in selling, since she'd switched to another breed, but I still wasn't in a position to make use of two horses. I think the owner ended up keeping him. The second is probably in her forever home, the new owner adores her.

I don't care whether the provision is enforcable or not, it makes me feel better and gives the horse a tiny measure of security.