Just for clarification's sake:

Price: the total purchase price has not changed, unless you count her wanting to charge interest on my payments. The only thing that changed in the money department were the terms of the payment. The price and terms that I first offered ARE what I can safely afford, while budgeting for his routine expenses, transport, and insurance in case anything big happens. Regardless of his value in a 'good market' the price we agreed on (which again, hasn't changed!) is right around what broke driving Minis (some with no registration or show experience, which he does have) are going for in my area with the current market. I don't feel like I'm being cheated on the price, it was just the change in terms that was an issue.

Contract: Thinking on it, the last horse I bought on a payment plan was...this one! 7 years ago. And he was fully paid before I brought him home the first time, but I wasn't charged board or anything like that. I can see how these are reasonable expenses and protections, they were just unexpected since none of it was ever mentioned UNTIL I saw the contract.

I'm working on something right now, so it might be a wee bit before I have another update. Yes I really do want him back, but it's going to have to be on terms that are comfortable for me. If I can't make that happen then I WILL walk away. I'll be bummed, but I've got other critters to consider, as well as myself.