When making payments on a horse, it is not unusual to keep the horse on property until the horse is ENTIRELY paid for - not just 2/3rds. No matter how well you know the person. One of our very good "friends" (that we still keep around because we have practically adopted her sons) still owes us $1000 on an APHA colt she bought and sold over five years ago. So we never let horses leave the farm until they're paid for - while they are under a contract to be purchased, most vet bills are paid by the new owner (unless something really unforseeable happens), and board is most definitely paid above and beyond the purchase price. Our deposits are most commonly 2/3rds or 1/2 the purchase price.

While her jacking up the price is not common - most all of the other things you mentioned are.

Despite the emotional investment you already have in this horse, you need to do what is best for you. Getting a loan to buy him? Not so much.


"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Suess