Truth in Advertising

[penella22]

So, I won't post a specific ad or anything, but recently I saw a horse for sale that I rode in lessons two years ago. Two years ago, my trainer/riding instructor had been thrown from this horses repeatedly because she would spook and spin sideways *really fast

Comments

[purplmeg]

It's really possible that she may be better. You said it's been a few years, maybe someone with some sense got on her lol.

But I get your general question. A lot of time people put 'veiled warnings' in their sales adds. "Needs intermediate rider" "can get hot to fences" and stuff like that. My fav I saw once was "loves lots of turn out!" which I took as "turn him out 24/7 or you may be launched into the stratosphere".

But people aren't always truthful which is why I go try horses. Sometimes more than once. Because once you buy it, it's your problem horse now.

[closedcurtains]

To answer your question, no. If the behaviour is gone, it doesn't make any sense to bring it up. If you buy a "problem" horse, or even just a super green horse, spend 2 years training him so he's no longer displaying any previous naughty behaviour, why on earth would you want to bring up how he USED to be if it has no bearing on how he is? Seems like a good way get offered way below your asking price. Unless the person specifically asks if the horse has EVER bucked or something, I'm not saying you should lie about it. But if you have really retrained a horse properly, it should be a non-issue.
Of course, there are plenty of exceptions to that rule, as there always are with horses.

[glenatron]

I pretty much agree with this. If you're someone who takes on problem horses, fixes them up and sells them on then if you've got the problem solved there really should be no need to raise it in future.

[infinitlight]

The situations are different, but

[hotarumusume]

I feel like at any given point in time the same horse can be a good horse or a problem horse. Maybe this is just because my horse is psycho, according to everyone but me.

Basically, my horse right now is a good solid horse. Two months ago, he was running out from under the bit in a downward transition from a canter. I actually am not one hundred percent sure what changed, but I fixed it by riding bareback for two weeks and then going back to my dressage saddle. So I'm betting it was my seat or lower leg.

I would advertise him as he is now. But when someone came to ride him I would absolutely inform them of past problems, just to let them know the things that have worked for me, and those that haven't.

[fallenfaun]

I think it depends what the problem is and how "fixed" your horse is now. If it was a stress/pain problem such as rearing due to mouth problems then no I don't think you need to inform people that your mare reared for six weeks before the vet found an abcessed tooth.

However, if its a behavioural issue such as a horse that wind sucks if left in you might want to mention that he does that unless he has lots of turnout and toys.