When a mini falls into inexperienced hands

[shoegirl]

I went to a womans home a couple weeks ago to look at a cart and harness. I arrived and saw many goats and sheep and one little mini gelding tucked back in a paddock. I could see from a distance that he was not in great shape maybe 50 yards. I asked to see him since the woman said he was for sale. 1400.00. She bought him 3 years ago for her kids and was told he was broke to drive which he was not. He is very thin and has not seen a farrier since they bought him. The family decided they would trim his feet. Not a good idea. I told her I could not afford to purchase him. The next day I called her and asked if I could bring him to my barn so he would have companions of his own kind but didn't want to insult her either. I told her she was more than welcome to come see him anytime she wanted. It's a 6 mile drive.Animal control/ SPCA will not do a thing since there is feed on the property. I want to get this poor little guy out of there he really is so unhappy. I an trying to think of a nice way to ask this woman to please let me have him without getting her to mad and ending up with no chance at all.

Any advice?

 

[Tucker]

I went to a ladies house one day seen this poor yearling gelding with the snots and couging so bad and he was real skinny I asked her if I could take him home and work with him he was afraid of people and she could not catch him at all she did not live that far from me.she said yes if you can catch him well it took 2 hours to catch him load him up brought him home had vet come out to look at him he had lung worms and pneumonia,and loaded with worms he coud not breath bless his heart that didnt stop him from eating after 2 weeks stalled haveing to have shots,worming,food and vet checks and took alot of pictures I told her he was sick when I brought him home had vet out told her she needs to pay me back as soon as she can. well in 5 months she called and said I just cant pay you back on vet bills you can have him,so he has forever home here it took me 2 months to get him to like people and a year to get rid of the snots.hes just a love bug and happy with his buddies out on 10 acers.so maybe you could ask her nicely if you could work with him on driving him tell her she can call come by anytime but take pics have vet out to look at him your vet can be your best friend when it comes to abuse on horses or neglect.most will give in not want the horse back.

 

[shoegirl]

I went to a ladies house one day seen this poor yearling gelding with the snots and couging so bad and he was real skinny I asked her if I could take him home and work with him he was afraid of people and she could not catch him at all she did not live that far from me.she said yes if you can catch him well it took 2 hours to catch him load him up brought him home had vet come out to look at him he had lung worms and pneumonia,and loaded with worms he coud not breath bless his heart that didnt stop him from eating after 2 weeks stalled haveing to have shots,worming,food and vet checks and took alot of pictures I told her he was sick when I brought him home had vet out told her she needs to pay me back as soon as she can. well in 5 months she called and said I just cant pay you back on vet bills you can have him,so he has forever home here it took me 2 months to get him to like people and a year to get rid of the snots.hes just a love bug and happy with his buddies out on 10 acers.so maybe you could ask her nicely if you could work with him on driving him tell her she can call come by anytime but take pics have vet out to look at him your vet can be your best friend when it comes to abuse on horses or neglect.most will give in not want the horse back.

 

[backwoodsnanny]

No advice except maybe ask if she would let you bring your farrier by the next time he comes to your farm. Also one comment though this person may be inexperienced and the mini may be suffering for it it is not always that way with the inexperienced.We were all inexperienced at one time sometimes all it takes is a mentor to make things better if we each would mentor someone perhaps these situations wouldnt be so prevalent. We have had minis for 7 years and when we started we didnt know alot about them either but with lots of reading and mentoring by wonderful people from long distance who made it a point to answer any questions we asked we have learned and probably will continue to forever. Debs made it a point to call me and see how we were doing and that meant so much to us. So though the inexperienced can be a bad home sometimes newbies give minis wonderful homes. Two minis I have sold live in a barn that was specifically built for them and live better than I do and these People had never had minis beforebut they are being mentored by another local mini owner and myself. Maybe instead of taking the mini out of there you could mentor the owner and help her see the way it should be done.

 

[Carolyn R]

Maybe instead of a please may I have him, you might want to try saying 'I have a great farrier, I could ask him to stop by and give him a trim, if you would like him to come out."

Another great thing to ad may be "there is a great web site, Lil Beginnings, they have a sales board and an information board, you can get some really great info off of there. Chances are if she researches it at all, she'll realize the poor condition he is in and the sad truth that in his condition, he is better off placed in a good home rather than selling him for a price she will never get, especially in his current condition.

 

[shoegirl]

No advice except maybe ask if she would let you bring your farrier by the next time he comes to your farm. Also one comment though this person may be inexperienced and the mini may be suffering for it it is not always that way with the inexperienced.We were all inexperienced at one time sometimes all it takes is a mentor to make things better if we each would mentor someone perhaps these situations wouldnt be so prevalent. We have had minis for 7 years and when we started we didnt know alot about them either but with lots of reading and mentoring by wonderful people from long distance who made it a point to answer any questions we asked we have learned and probably will continue to forever. Debs made it a point to call me and see how we were doing and that meant so much to us. So though the inexperienced can be a bad home sometimes newbies give minis wonderful homes. Two minis I have sold live in a barn that was specifically built for them and live better than I do and these People had never had minis beforebut they are being mentored by another local mini owner and myself. Maybe instead of taking the mini out of there you could mentor the owner and help her see the way it should be done.

Thank you. The woman is very aware that he is in need of care and that he is unhappy. I offered her visitation at any time, asked her to come and see my minis. My farrier already told me she is willing to help. I am willing to help. I don't want to judge her but the money seems to mean more than the welfare of this little guy. I could get him back on his feet and of weight and find him a good home.

I know there are many new people who gets minis or pets for that matter and treat them like a family member. I guess I am looking for the right words that will get this little guy to my barn to give him what he needs.

 

[Miniv]

Perhaps you could offer to take him home to trim his feet, "spruce him up", and do little training on him? And that once that was done, help her to sell him? If she goes for that, keep a record of your expenses.

MA

 

[HGFarm]

Maybe you could talk her into a lease with an option to buy, or even a lease???? Would she take payments? Something? Glad you offered to get him out of there!!

 

[shoegirl]

Thanks HG, I didn't think of a lease. I will try what ever it takes to help him. I know he is loaded with worms and his back bone and hips are very clearly sticking up. His fanny is sunken in, if I do get him I will post some pictures.

 

[Katiean]

I would really avoid insulting this lady. Maybe you could suggest that you take him to your place, get him into shape, refresh him in driving and help her sell him. Suggest too that maybe you could help her in driving too. She may then have learned enough about the horse and his care that she might even enjoy keeping him.

 

[shoegirl]

Insulting her is the last thing I want. I know in his present condition and a cold New England winter is close. This little guy will only get worse. I will keep trying. Thank you all for your advice and concern. I will keep you posted.

 

[Reijel's Mom]

Maybe instead of a please may I have him, you might want to try saying 'I have a great farrier, I could ask him to stop by and give him a trim, if you would like him to come out."

Another great thing to ad may be "there is a great web site, Lil Beginnings, they have a sales board and an information board, you can get some really great info off of there. Chances are if she researches it at all, she'll realize the poor condition he is in and the sad truth that in his condition, he is better off placed in a good home rather than selling him for a price she will never get, especially in his current condition.

I think that is some pretty good advice! Getting on a farrier route with her, befriending her. Other things - like "I've got a good load of hay coming in, do you want to buy some of that", or mention a particular bagged feed you've had good luck with. Somehow bring some pics of healthy looking minis - maybe say "oh look, I found this horse, yours looks just like him" and maybe she will get a better idea of what her horse is SUPPOSED to look like. . .Be subtle and friendly, see if that can get you somewhere.

 

[Alex]

Reijel`s Mom, That is a GREAT idea!!!!!!

 

[shoegirl]

Thank so much everyone. I called her last night and asked how he was doing, she told me her husband will not spend the money for a farrier to do his feet. She asked me about worming him and that he has not been wormed in maybe a year. I will be dropping it off a wormer tonight. They don't believe that goat feed is much different from horse feed so goat feed it is for him. She asked to see my little herd so I am bring pictures of them for her. I also learned she lost 9 goats recently and the cause is unknown they were found dead in the pen.

 

[Reijel's Mom]

Please just try to stay involved for this minis sake - so sad! Maybe something will give. Since he hasn't been wormed in awhile, make sure you are careful with what you give them for wormer.

 

[shoegirl]

Oh I won't forget him. I drive by her street everyday on the way to work. Do you think a Panacur power pak will be too much for him? I am hoping when she looks at my horses and hopefully comes to my barn that she will see the care and attention he will get not mention some equine friends. I know he will make a great pet for someone. He is very friendly but you can see the sadness in his eyes. The day I saw him I was ready to just walk him to my place.

 

[hylights]

Hi,

I was involved with a rare breed of dog for awhile, I found ads repeatedly for mix puppies from the same area, so I went to check it out. A man of little means had gotten a female pup and had proceeded to breed her on every heat. She had a sad life tied to a 55 gal plastic barrel in the woods behind his trailer, thin covered in fleas and anemic. He wanted $1500 to give her up. It was the hardest thing I have done but I offered him $500 wrote down my ph# and walked away. A couple weeks later he needed money and she wasn't earning him any, I got the call, I was there to get her within hours before he could change his mind with the cash.

If her husband won't spend $30 to have the feet done, or purchase proper feed,or do wormings, the chance of getting the kind of money they want is very slim. You don't get top dollar for something you don't take care of, And I think they probably in some form know that, but if they think they can suck you in and have you take care of his needs they will see those dollar signs again. I DO know how hard it is but I would make them an offer of $300-500, and give them your number and walk away.

Wait for the call, winter is coming, they don't want him... I know it sounds harsh but sometimes it's the quicker way to get the animal out of there.( there is some kind of pride that won't let people in these circumstances just "give them " away, but they probably need an offer of money and they will be thinking how they want him gone)

BTW with the dog other people in the "breed" and my co-workers who had to hear me whine about the poor Chinook dying slowly in the woods pitched in $5 each and we had the money to save her.

So if you PM me your address I'll send $5 to start the pot

Personally I wouldn't worm him until he is yours, if anything were to happen and he got colicey would they call the Vet?

Amy

 

[Gracie]

I should probably nOT post to this but Im gonna. lol

First off the fact they are inexperienced and thats why the poor horse is getting bad care is not a fair statement as ALL OF US at one point were inexperienced and has to learn.

The first mini I took in was a RESCUE STALLION And Jill from Whinny for me farms Taught me sooo much, She pointed me to this board she ANSWERED E-MAIL AFTER E-MAIL OF QUESTIONS. She was my mentor even if she didn't know it.

She taught me how to properly care for this mean lil cus, and a few after that as well.

I am involved in alot of rescues and as sad as it is IF YOU start supplying the correct feed. worming, farrier care etc then Your animal control is going to say to you, HEY it DOSE NOT MATTER who fed, who trimmed it WAS TAKEN CARE of so hes NOT abused. PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES everytime you guy find a reason to take his pics. take pics of his water and food to show WHAT hes eating...

HOWEVER .......................................

In all fairness I think before you try taking the horse away from them so you can have it or animal control takes it , I think you shouldtry to befriend and help them by TEACHING and offering suggestions.

We always do this first we ask your horse is very thin is he ailing, have you heard of this feed etc. then after time if things are not improving we swoop in for the kill,

The last mini we got we sweet talked the owners out of him and it took 5 months. he was 7 yrs old NEVER had his feet done , he had never been fed, hay, grain, never been wormed, He was tied to a boat and the boat and him were moved to whereever new needed mowed.

Animal control would have NOT step in because YES there was hay on the property ( FOR THE COWS )

So sadly alot of times its a game of patience.

Please try working with the owner TEACHING before anything else, Give the wife the benefit of the doubt.

Then if it was me PERSONALLY I would offer them HALF there asking price and ask them to take payments.

You can place a lien on a horse ONLY if its boarded with you, and the owner agrees to PAY and doesnt,

Good Luck I hope he gets a good home be it with you or someone else.

 

[lilfolks]

In reading this thread, I believe these people just don't have the money to spend on animals and should not have them. But you can tell folks that so I think I'd offer them $200. for the mini since he's in bad shape and I would be surprised if they didn't take it. You can always offer more if you have to but you can't offer less after you've made an offer. The little fella certainly needs care and if the husband won't let the wife spend the money for a farrier, I bet he doesn't want the horse to begin with. That's my guess.

Good luck and keep us posted.

You mentioned New England weather, are you in NE? I'm in CT.

Joyce

 

[rabbitsfizz]

How about

" Money is really short for me right now and I just cannot afford anything like your purchase price, especially since he is not, as you were led to believe, harness trained.

I do not want to insult you but I have $500.00 (or whatever) and I would be willing to leave that as an offer on him"