Despite my lying to my mother all these years (she thinks I've never paid for a horse in my life, lol), I have never been given an equine. Until today. Let me back up a little...
About a week ago, my vet let us know there was a young Quarter Horse gelding looking for a home. All I knew was that he was 7 (no, he's actually 8 ), chestnut, and his current owner just doesn't click with him at all. After a lot of "cussin' and discussin'", I was sent out to investigate on Monday. I expected to find the usual situation: somewhat ignorant owner, bad horsekeeping, underweight/untrained/unhandled horse. So you could have knocked me over with a feather when I got there and found 1) I actually knew the owners 2) The horse in question (and ALL their horses) are in glorious shape, UTD on everything, wonderful feet, super friendly, etc 3) their facilities are to DIE for.
These folks deserve a standing ovation from the FiSH crew! They realized the horse did not suit them, and set about finding him a home where he would be used and cherished. They realize they lack the connections, skills, and time to properly market him. They flat out REFUSE to send him to auction because of the possible consequences.
So, I went (equipped with helmet and safety vest) to try him out. After my initial shock wore off and I quit drooling at their facilities, we saddled him and took him into the (lovely, Nike-rubber footing!) indoor arena. I signed a very well-written waiver and climbed on board. This is going to sound weird, but within 30 seconds I knew exactly what the problem was, how to solve it, and that this horse is going to be someone's SUPERSTAR in the show ring. If I weren't at capacity myself, I would definitely keep him for myself. As it is, here's what finally happened...
They GAVE him to me. Flat out GAVE him to me! With his registration papers, a signed transfer cert, Coggins, brand inspection, even dental records! The understanding is that he's mine to work with, market, and sell, but if he doesn't find that perfect home he so desperately needs by August, we'll revisit the situation. My amazing BOs are fronting the board in order to help me give him a chance.
So, without further ado, please meet Andrew!

Feel free to comment and ask questions; I'm beside myself with joy that I can help this wonderful gentleman find a new path in life that I'm sure I left out any of 1000 things y'all will want to know! (And yes, he's missing his left front shoe; I'll be pulling the other 3 tomorrow.)
And KG, if the pic is good enough, I'd love your input on his face!
About a week ago, my vet let us know there was a young Quarter Horse gelding looking for a home. All I knew was that he was 7 (no, he's actually 8 ), chestnut, and his current owner just doesn't click with him at all. After a lot of "cussin' and discussin'", I was sent out to investigate on Monday. I expected to find the usual situation: somewhat ignorant owner, bad horsekeeping, underweight/untrained/unhandled horse. So you could have knocked me over with a feather when I got there and found 1) I actually knew the owners 2) The horse in question (and ALL their horses) are in glorious shape, UTD on everything, wonderful feet, super friendly, etc 3) their facilities are to DIE for.
These folks deserve a standing ovation from the FiSH crew! They realized the horse did not suit them, and set about finding him a home where he would be used and cherished. They realize they lack the connections, skills, and time to properly market him. They flat out REFUSE to send him to auction because of the possible consequences.
So, I went (equipped with helmet and safety vest) to try him out. After my initial shock wore off and I quit drooling at their facilities, we saddled him and took him into the (lovely, Nike-rubber footing!) indoor arena. I signed a very well-written waiver and climbed on board. This is going to sound weird, but within 30 seconds I knew exactly what the problem was, how to solve it, and that this horse is going to be someone's SUPERSTAR in the show ring. If I weren't at capacity myself, I would definitely keep him for myself. As it is, here's what finally happened...
They GAVE him to me. Flat out GAVE him to me! With his registration papers, a signed transfer cert, Coggins, brand inspection, even dental records! The understanding is that he's mine to work with, market, and sell, but if he doesn't find that perfect home he so desperately needs by August, we'll revisit the situation. My amazing BOs are fronting the board in order to help me give him a chance.
So, without further ado, please meet Andrew!

Feel free to comment and ask questions; I'm beside myself with joy that I can help this wonderful gentleman find a new path in life that I'm sure I left out any of 1000 things y'all will want to know! (And yes, he's missing his left front shoe; I'll be pulling the other 3 tomorrow.)
And KG, if the pic is good enough, I'd love your input on his face!

