horses for sale? or free?

Question

my mom and stepdad are moving to texas in june and i wont be able to get a horse til then but im looking now.. i was hoping someone on here would know where i could get cheap horses or free or $500-$3000.. im looking for a horse already in texas..i would have to work something out so it could stay with the owner until june and then i could get it but i really want a horse.. its one of my dreams!! i would be so happy.. lol

Answer 1

Try the rescue facilities. Most of the rescues are over filled at the moment in Texas. Bluebonnet rescue has more horses than they can deal with. They are always asking for help. Try the webpage: www.bluebonnetequine.org. They have a list as well as the price of the adoption. There are many other equine/horse rescues in Texas, but I can't think of their website addresses at this time.

Answer 2

Most rescue horses require serious retraining and time to heal from past neglect or abuse. Some are injured an incapable of performing some tasks under saddle, such as jumping or galloping. Others have serious behavioral issues that first time horse owners might not be able to handle. Unless you're prepared to spend a lot of money on a professional trainer and a vet to combat any medical issues, you might want to consider a private seller. There are plenty of good riding horses that some people have outgrown or college-bound students need to sell before the start of school. I suggest first looking at the following websites: equine.com. dreamhorse.com, equinehits.com, and horsetopia.com. They all have search engines where you can type in your price range and state of residence.

Remember when looking for a horse to seriously evaluate your abilities and your expenses. If you don't have the money to hire a professional trainer or aren't a very experienced rider, something green, young, or off the track is probably a poor match for you. If you're a novice or intermediate, I suggest looking for an older horse (between 10 and 15, up to 20 if you won't be jumping or doing strenuous work). Seasoned horses usually are calmer and have a steady nature. They've been there, done that, and can be valuable teachers for the novice rider. Most are much less expensive than younger horses because they're not quite as capable of handling a strenuous work load. That being said, I know many horses in their late teens that continue to jump and compete on a show circuit. They can make fabulous partners for the right rider as long as you make sure to take care of their joints and watch for afflictions that particularly affect older horses (Cushings, for example).

Answer 3

OK, have you ever taken riding lessons before? When you move to Texas, will it be on a ranch or farm large enough to have the horse and let the horse move around (ie: indoor stabling with paddock turnouts or field, etc)? I am assuming that you are planning on keeping the horse at home, so do you realize the work that is involved? That the horse must be looked after 365 days per year, it is a huge responsibility. I know that so many have posted to go to a shelter, however you may be getting a horse with many problems (both physical and mental). Physical problems with horses can be extremely costly and ongoing therapy time consuming. Mental problems are always tough because it can be an explosive dangerous situation, especially for a novice or green rider. I have dealt with numerous mentally "damaged" horses throughout my career and they are always a huge challenge, which I recommend anyone who is not extremely experienced not to attempt as you can make that mental "damage" even more. By saying mentally damaged, I am meaning that they have lots and lots of baggage that comes with them and lots of fears and evasive behaviors. They are treated differently than other horses.
Good luck and I hope that you find a horse that is suited to your riding ability and talent. And always remember that we want to treat horses like we would want to be treated, with kindness and compassion. That does not mean that they run the show or boss you around, just that the ground rules are always fair and consistent. It is a shame when you see people around horses that one day they allow the horse to do one habit and then the next day crucify them for that same behavior. The poor horse can not possibly know what they are getting into trouble for, because it was behavior that was previously ignored. I could go on and on and on, but be safe and have fun. The time spent around and with horses are the best, horses are the most noble creatures on the planet, and we can learn a lot from them. They have beauty without vanity and they love without prejudice.

Answer 4

I'm glad it is your dream to have a horse. If you wait until you are 30 or 40 years old you may be mature enough to deserve one.

Lots of girls buy cheap horses and even expensive horses then they loose interest when they discover boys. Or go away to college. Or get tired of the endless chores involved in taking care of a horse. Then the parents get rid of the horse. The usual ways are to send it to a sale or to put an ad in the paper. The end result is usually that somewhere down the line that horse you love so much now is going to end up on someone dinner table in Europe and if you live in Texas it is so much easier for that to happen because the only 2 HORSE SLAUGHTER HOUSES in the US are in Texas and are owned by a Belgium firm.

If you really love horses, learn all you can and volunteer at some horse facility.

Don't get a horse until you are ready and can afford to commit to what it takes.

Answer 5

Please keep in mind that only experienced horse persons should consider adopting horses with potential problems. A lot of rescue horses are going to need special attention to diet and potentially lots of healthcare. There is also a good chance said horse will not be able to be ridden at all or until he/she has recovered fully.

If you are new to horses and want a horse to ride I would suggest investing in a good horse. Look online, ask the stables, ask at the feed store. My favorite website is equine.com. If you're not into a particular discipline look for a "family/beginner friendly" trail horse.

Remember that lots of free or "cheap" horses are often green broke and are not at all for those with little or no experience. I've been looking for a show horse for almost a year and have yet to find even a decent trail horse for "cheap".

The money you invest up front is often far less than what you'd have to invest in a cheap or free horse. Whatever you decide to do be sure to get a vet to check over the horse before you purchase.

Good luck!

Answer 6

We bought a horse in November for $500 in Colorado. Check out www.equine.com or www.acmehorses.com.
You would be able to get a pretty decent horse if you are willing to spend $3000, and texas has a lot of horses.

Answer 7

try equinehits, but I don't know if you'll be able to get one free. Cheap, maybe, but not free. I'd just plan on spending the $3000 and get a good horse. Cheap and free mean that the horse has problems.

Answer 8

dreamhorse.com is a great website just to browse for horses in the area/in your price range. You CAN get horses for free, but the problem is, you are going to have to be willing to REALLY work hard on he/she. Some horses that have been rescued need a lot of work and sometimes have psychological issues and can be very difficult AND skittish.

Answer 9

horse rescues are probably your best bet. but remember with a lot of rescues they may need extra care due to a less-than-perfect past, either medically, or mentally. and may need lots of extra training. if you can provide this, then a rescue centre is going to welcome you with open arms!

i'd be wary of someone approaching you selling your "dream" horse "cheap".

as with any horse, get a trusted very experienced friend, vet or trainer to look over the animal BEFORE you buy! you don't want to buy a horse that ends up being very sick needing expensive medical things, or a horse with problems that can only be corrected by a highly experienced rider or trainer, or even a horse with dangerous tendencies. (i once knew a pony that had some real problems, to the point of rearing up and squashing riders against walls, and even running off and attempting to jump out of the school it was in, my dad nearly broke his thumb trying to catch it before it jumped one time...scary!)

definately look a gift horse in the mouth!

Answer 10

you can see some horses in just about any state you want at
www.horsetopia.com or at www.equinehits.com make sure you use the temperament and rider skill advisements on the ads and match the horse you want with the horsemanship skills you have there is even ads for lessons on those sites if you need them