Shopping for Cosmo....need opinions

[Minouri]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/cosmo07.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/cosmo06.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e48/RuthieBetta/cosmo04.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_GN8WPj2Og

[Minouri]

http://agdirect.com/scripts/hrsdetl.exe?1181069891&0

Incase it was lost in the other thread...when I spoke to the guy who is selling him he said that he owns a large hunt seat (I think he said jumper..not sure) barn out in MI. He bought Cosmo for his mother, but it didn't help get her back into riding. He said the horse is sweet, but not the type that anyone there wants to ride. I can imagine.

He's shipping two horses out to CT next week or the week after depending on the buyer. He could include Cosmo in that trip for $400 since it's just adding another horse.

He said the horse comes guarantteed sound and sane...I can return him if I want. I'll have to check out that contract.

It's really scary for me to think about getting a horse without riding it first.

I think he's beautiful and he looks sweet and fast which is what my family likes.

Tony loved what gait the MFT mare offered up.

The guy also said Cosmo is a wimp in the paddocks...which would be good for Snowy. Even though we'd probably keep Cosmo out back.

Tony and I talked last night. We were a little let down by the first horse. He said I could get Cosmo....or wait till next summer when I have more money and get a horse I really want.

Buy a horse on a budget this year or wait and be able to get a $5000 horse next summer?

What would you do?

[ErinC]

O Ruth , thats tuff.
but just because a horse is more money does not always mean the horse is better.
this horse could be a diamond in the ruff.

thats a hard one.

[Laura S]

Is there anybody from APF that could try her out?

She does look really nice in the pics. I would definately request video of ground work and under saddle if buying sight unseen. If she didn't work out, the price seems good enough so you could resell.

Keep us posted!!

[pnalley]

That is a good loking horse!

I say go try the horse, if you like it and it's a good fit for your family by the horse and enjoy.

I have wound up with my best horses when I least expected it.

Cost does NOT equal value

[Terri]

I have spent YEARS trying to figure horse pricing. Basically a horse is worth what someone is willing to pay for it and alot of that is shear luck. You put your horse on the market at exactly the moment someone is looking for what you have - you win. If not, your horse stays on the market forever. So you want to make sure you price it so that trail riders who type a price max into their search engine come up with him on their lists. On the other hand you want your price high enough so that when he turns up on the lists his isn't automatically rejected as "junk".

This MFT seems to be priced enough that I don't think they consider it "dog food". I don't know what the market in Michigan is for trail horses. If he is at a big H/J barn, I am sure they are not going to consider him as valuable as their thoroughbreds or warmbloods.

And yes, there are lots of pretty $5,000 horses out there that you do NOT want in your back yard. (I could name some) I could be wrong, but I kinda feel when you get into the $2,500 -$5,500 range alot of the pricing becomes subjective as to what the seller believes about their horse or how motivated they are to stop feeding it.

I wish the video was longer, I would have liked to see him stand to be saddled, ridden by some noisy cars, flags...etc. Dont' forget to ask about vices. Cribbing is a big one that people don't like to tell about. Ask what he has done in the past year. If "mom" hasnt' been riding him, who has?

He is very pretty and I have a burning desire to tell you to tell them to stick him on the trailer. But we should go cautiously. Shipping him back to Michigan will be expensive. Can you get him vetted?

I do really like him and if he is what he looks like he might be, we can have fun summer with him. AND you might not find better even with more money. On the other hand, if he turns out to be a "different" horse than we see in the short video, it could be a nightmare sending him back. So I guess I would ask for a longer video and send a vet out to look at him. If those things continue to be positive, yes, then stick him on the trailer and bring him home.

If not, by next summer when you have the $5,000 I am sure someone like Brenda Hall can help you find a bigger Paso gelding. But just cause you are willing to spend more, in NO WAY guarantees you a better family/trail horse. My boarder bought a beautiful TWH for $2,500. I've seen much more expensive horses that are NO WHERE near as nice and sweet as he is.

So I guess I am just saying .....Geee, I dunno Ruth, this looks good, maybe worth more investigation.

Anyone live in Michigan near this guy?
OH, and this is as sane as I get when horse shopping.

[Terry Wallace]

Here are my observations....

The horse has a high wither and you will need a good fitting saddle for him, but I bet your saddle will not ever slip to the side when mounting!

The guy riding him in the video is trying real hard not to bounce... the horse is not as smooth gaited as a Paso...but I would bet you will find his gait acceptable...may get even better if his ridng has been very limited lately.

His shoulder is a bit straight and this may account for the bit of bounce you see.

Over all..I really like the horse, IMO...the price is right....he's also guaranteed sound...his legs look clean. Have him vetted within a day or two of getting him... have him flex tested...I bet he will pass fine and also this will put your mind at ease...as long as you like his ride above all else.

He is a good looking package, well balanced horse...flashy color. head turner type..... beautiful and intelligent looking head, nice eye.

IMO..one of the best prospect horses posted for your thread.
Chico would also be a horse to get some confo pics on....and give consideration to.

I give this horse Cosmo an "8"..... Ride him to see if he might be a "10"...

Also note that he is being ridden with a very mild bit...broken mouth of some kind...maybe a "dog bone" or just a two piece broken mouth on a short shank.....a GOOD sign of handleability

[Terry Wallace]

Not to mention he is a very classic sabino!

Never get an "ugly" horse for your husband....men are all about "visual" attributes...this gelding has most definitely got "IT"

[Mellifluous]

I really like him. Looks like good husband horse material.

[Carol Nelson]

Is there anybody from APF that could try her out?


This sounds like a great idea...how about it???

[Pasogirlz]

The guy riding him in the video is trying real hard not to bounce... the horse is not as smooth gaited as a Paso...but I would bet you will find his gait acceptable...may get even better if his ridng has been very limited lately

That was the only thing I didn't like about him. But over all might be a good horse for hubby.

[Terry Wallace]

Yep...his stomach and shirt are bouncing and he is trying hard to hold his head "still"....

Don't discount the horse though...because I bet he hasn't been ridden much and good gait is all about muscle memory..which can be "tuned".

If you get Cosmo... you ride him a couple times before you do anything else...like vet him...determine if you like the ride..and then proceed with checking him out in the time frame allowed by the contract.

My gut instinct... you will like him. ;-)

[Terri]

Yeah, he is not a smooth as a paso, but he his no trotting horse either and he does "clip along". Oh, what to do, what to do???

I like his face, it is pretty.

[Linda Y]

He looks really pacey...not good foxtrot. When he brings him down to a walk, he looks more like he is foxtrotting, and is smoother.
That is a good looking horse, though.

[lisa l aka marci]

He looks really pacey...not good foxtrot. When he brings him down to a walk, he looks more like he is foxtrotting, and is smoother.
That is a good looking horse, though.

I had to watch the video about 5 times to see if he was gaiting or pacing....(still can't quite tell) .I agree when she slows down it looks like he is going into gait better......

[Terri]

You guys know you are going to throw Ruth into a cold sweat. :lol: AND just to make things all the more confusing for her I think I just found a TWH close by that might work. Sooooo, Ruth if you see this before I track you down, call me.

[Terry Wallace]

Cosmo...
Yes..he is very pacey...especially in front of the gate...and then later when he slows down to a walk...its pace, not gait.

This is why I think he probably just needs a tune up. if he isn't used a lot...he will need tuning to bring him back into gaiting the foxtrot.

For me it would be hard to find a TWH I would like... I do not like "nod" so it would have to be one that doesn't use his head for a "counterweight"...as that counterweight action transfers from "head to tail"....

Get video and pics of the TWH....you KNOW we wanna SEE!!!

[jodiTowne]

And as far as gait.....how many of us have a paso that is so-so going solo, but a gaiting machine when ridden with others....or revved up by its surroundings.

Hard decision Ruth. I to have a hard time buying anything sight unseen. Then again, I have ridden, bought and then didn't like the attitude in my pasture.

Will they get you more video?? I would insist.

[pnalley]

He is pacing. He is definately NOT doing a foxtrot. That is why the guy is bouncing. Many MFT's actually do a running walk instead of a foxtrot. But, he still may be a good horse.

[TrueStepPaso]

He's really pretty.......

Gee, I'm alot of help. :roll:

[Linda Y]

You know, it kind of depends on how important the gait is to your husband. If he fits all your other criteria, the gait may be very secondary. Now myself, I want it ALL! My back is such that I don't think I could stand a gait like that.

[Minouri]

Today was my last day at school so I'm pretty much just getting in...(yawn) met Tony after work. I'm beat.

On closer inspection, it doesn't look lik he's gaiting very much. I'll see if I can get some foxtrotter videos so we can compare.

I may very well be too big of a chicken to buy a horse I haven't met or ridden.

Some of the frenzy feelings have passed. I think meeting the mare helped. I'm going to take my time and save up this summer. I bet there will be some nicely priced horses at the end of the season when people want to unload them before winter.

And who knows...if I sell some writing....

sigh....I can dream.

[Minouri]

I do like the way he looks, though....lol

What if I offer $1,800 and just let him say no? Maybe he really wants to place the horse and will just move him out? And then if I dont' get him I'll feel like it was fate? lol

You know I'm nuts....lol

[Linda Y]

Hey, offer! All he can do is say no! :twisted:

[Minouri]

Ok, I talked to Tony then I wrote an email to Cosmo's seller. I explained that my husband gave me a budget of a total of $2000 for a new horse...so it would have to include shipping. We'll see what he says. He might just want to move that horse out....or he might just flat out say no. I'll keep you updated.

At that price I know I could resell him here if I had to.

[ErinC]

ya ruth I know a few people that would buy her local for 2K.
good luck!

[Terri]

Let us know what he says. Did ya call Gary about the walker?

[Minouri]

I didn't call Gary yet...got home so late last night. I'll see what Cosmo's owner says and then I'll call him. Today is my first day out of work...but actually I'm teaching a course tomorrow to teachers so I'll be IN school or on the computer typing up stuff all day :(

[Minouri]

Ok, the seller just accepted my offer. I sent him the pictures of Alisha cuddling with the horses and of our barn. I figured if this really IS his mother's horse and they really ARE concerned about the horse....they would want him to land in a loving family like we have. If they were just dealers making up the story they wouldn't give a hoot about the pictures.


Yippee! We're getting a MFT!

[Terri]

:hello
Ruth gets a new horse!!!! YEAH!!!!! When is he coming??????

[ErinC]

:crazy bannana

[Linda Y]

And how surprised are YOU?? :shock:
Congrats! He is a beauty.

[Minouri]

After deep thought (well, deep for me and with the help of people from on here) ...I called the owner Cosmo and asked for the number of his vet for Cosmo and if I could send half now and give a money order for the other half when I meet the horse at the trailer. He was ok with both and will send me both tonight :)

So it still all sounds good.

[Terry Wallace]

Will you still get the soundness guarantee with your lower offer?

Be sure to post pics of him right when you get him please!

RIDE him.... I think you are gonna like him... :D

AND...CONGRADS!!!!!!!!!! :D you get a riding partner and summer just started today!!!!!

[ErinC]

Ruth, when does he ship him?

[pnalley]

That is one good looking horse! I hope he is a great match for your family! Congratulations!

[Minouri]

I spoke with the owner via his cellphone this morning while he was driving over to the barn. He said he'll answer all of my questions in an email tonight. I know he needs to cement the date of delivery for the other two horses...or he did as of the last time we spoke.

I sent him these questions:

Good morning.

I can do either....probably a money order would be easier. Please send me your address and I can mail one off today or tomorrow depending on when I get the information. I can even overnight it depending on our schedule. I've never bought a horse from so far away. How does the contract work? (now I'd send him half)

I would like to be able to buy him a bit and bridle before he gets here. What type is he using now? Does he seem to like it? What size is it?

We'll also have to call our farrier. Is he shod in the front and back? When was he last done ...so I can figure when we should have ours come out.

What is his expected delivery date? I'm a teacher who is on summer vacation now (whoo whoo) so I'm ok with whatever date and time, but we'd like to plan for him.

Also, what food is he eating now? I'll make sure I have some here for him.

Is he UTD with shots and having his teeth floated?

[ErinC]

perfect, you covered it all!

maybe teeth ?

I also would make him send you one more picture with a stick at him.
just to make sure of the size, although that man on him looks bigger then your man! ;-)

[TrueStepPaso]

That is SO cool, Ruthie!!! I'm really siked for you & Tony!!!

I have to say, in the video, his hooves looked very nice - like they were well taken care of....and he was landing heel first, so that is wonderful for his entire limbs/body! :D

[Minouri]

Abbie,

Then we'll have to decide how and when he goes barefoot?

[Minouri]

Tony is such a joker. He bounced through the house this morning saying now he has TWO horses and I only have one....lol If I were him I'd be careful issuing those challenges... :lol:

[ErinC]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[jodiTowne]

Congrats!!!!! How exciting!!

[Terri]

So Ruth, did ya get an answer to all your questions? Do we know when he is coming? Have you broken out in a could sweat yet? Are you sitting there questioning your sanity yet? I always do the day after a major purchase, especially one that happens this fast. It is called "post decision disodence disorder" It will pass. Have you told Scooter and Snowy yet that they are about to get a new brother?

He bounced through the house this morning saying now he has TWO horses and I only have one
Oh and Tony will learn NOT to issue challanges like that to us horse addicts.

I can hardly wait till he comes, I wanna take a road trip down to your place and meet him. Then we can swim in your pool and drink pina coladas to settle your nerves. :lol: Yep, that is an idea: a "horse warming party" Anyone wanna come? (Don't you love how I invite people to your house?)

[Minouri]

Terri,

I'd LOVE to have a horse warming party! Are you kidding? You're a GENIUS! Plus Kim has never ridden Scooter. Don't think she ever met him. And you've got to feel him in his own driveway. He's a hoot!

He didn't answer all of my questions but he sent me the number of his vet.

He also told me the type of bit Cosmo wears.

I sent him another email today asking for ETA and what kind of grain Cosmo eats so I can have it ready.

If the vet sounds good I'll send 1/2 payment today and keep half for when the horse arrives.

I did go through a short.........AM I CRAZY period yesterday, but I think I'm so busy with the class I'm teaching today that it hasn't sunk in yet.

I'm so so so excited, though!

[Terri]

Woooooohoooooo!!!!
http://bestsmileys.com/party/5.gif
Party at Ruth's house!!!!

[Barbwire]

I assume the seller knows this, but the horse will need a health certificate to cross state lines.

Congratulations on your new horse! 8-)

[Carol Nelson]

So you did buy him!! Congratulations!! Can't wait to see pics of you on him in your driveway! ;-)

[JennLM]

Tony is such a joker. He bounced through the house this morning saying now he has TWO horses and I only have one....lol If I were him I'd be careful issuing those challenges... :lol:

That seems so familiar :-?

[paintedhorizon]

Congratulations!!!! Then next year you can buy yourself another paso! hahahaha

[pnalley]

The same type of feed may not be available, possibly he could send a bag so you could switch him over?

THis is too cool!

[TrueStepPaso]

:lol: .....Tony is riot! I can totally picture that happening too! :lol:

Yup....when you get him, I'll come out at your convenience and take a peak at his "toe-toes", and then we'll go from there. :D

I can't wait to see him! If you ride with Erin/Pillo, you girls are gonna get tons of..."ooooh, are they brothers. Oh, those are beautiful horses.."

Did I mention I can't wait....?

[paintedhorizon]

updates?