Are you wondering what is going on with our potential filly purchase? Yea, I was too for what felt like f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Earlier this month we got caught up in a game of tag. Brad had a second set of important (to us) questions. It included finding out what was required to hold the filly until we had a chance to complete processing. The further we looked into Padame, the more we liked her. The harder the thought became of having her go home with someone else. Brad thinks she is "the one" and that is good enough for me. We had one long week of checking our phones and email a zillion times a day. Waiting for responses, wondering if the filly sold to someone else for a quicker sale?
Last time I typed about Brad's potential new show partner he had talked with the breeder on the phone for the first time, and liked what he heard. We waited for the filly to return home from the trainer, and for another opportunity to view additional videos. After a couple days full of anticipation, Brad checked in with the owner. He found out she had been very busy putting in extra long hours at her day job. We completely understand busy, and went back into wait mode. Let me tell you in a volatile market, waiting is tough!! The unknown is always the hardest part. We are very aware nothing is a done deal, until you sign on the dotted line.
We (Brad, our trainer and I) had some concern when the filly was described as being "spicy". We gave the word spicy a lot of thought.
Padame is listed as a 5 for temperament (on Dreamhorse the scale is 1-10). I looked long and hard for signs of a hot horse in the photos and video we already had. When Brad got his chance to ask for clarification, the "spicy" filly was further described as a horse that doesn't want to be in trouble. Kind of unsure, until she sees it is okay and then is agreeable and goes alongs with it. Sometimes known as looky.
Well, that just described our Nemo. Cierra has also been called "looky" many times over. We think of "that behavior" as awareness. Brad meshes really well with aware horse personalities. Besides his very aware heart horse Nemo, there is another noteworthy horse that crossed our path with an aware personality. His name was Iron Mountain. The horse from Colorado that made Brad fall back in love with horses. Iron Mountain didn't fit into our friends trail business because he was too aware of his surroundings. Iron Mountain took to Brad. Among other things like moving an aspen that blocked the trail, they fended off rogue sheep dogs together. Our friends were amazed. Brad rode Iron Mountain a lot those 10 days. They offered to sell him to us. We declined. At the time we were not in a position to give Iron Mountain a good home. Besides, who takes a mountain horse out of the mountains. He ended up being sold, and used for hunting excursions.
Thankful to have a photo to remember that special ride when I knew. Iron Mountain changed our lives forever.
(Colorado, 2007)
Aware/spicy/looky horses can easily be mismatched if they find themselves in the wrong hands. Finding the right trainer/owner that understands this personality is crucial. We knew this when Nemo joined our family. He has a capacity to understand that our other horses do not have. I actually trust Nemo more than any horse in our herd. The breeder was simply being honest, and wants to match her horses with the right buyers. We appreciate this, and so far our interactions with her have all been good.
A few days passed and we received an older video taken last Spring of Padame being worked with at home. It was very telling. You could see more of the horses personality come through. Sorry, not my video to make public. I spent my whole adult life employed for my attention to detail as a Graphic/Web Designer, and continue using detailed skills as a photographer. I am here to say, I just don't see "spicy concerns". I could be completely wrong, it happens once in a while ;) There are some things you can photoshop or fake, and others you can workaround. I do not see anything unusual about this horse. In my opinion, this filly is not any spicier than any other two year old. In fact, she listened really well and seems well behaved for a young horse. All horses are somewhat spicy at two. Soooo much concern about one word, spicy. A word that means something different to everyone.
Our vet reviewed photos/videos of the filly with us. He thought her conformation looked good. He gave us some things to request when Brad schedules an on-site vet check. We also had an interesting conversation about the horse market. We all agreed, horse prices are very high and quality availability is low. Exactly what we found. Right now in the U.S. it is a sellers market, especially for a horse with any training.
Just for the record, Linda and I did connect. Brad & I feel comfortable moving forward without asking her to travel however far and do an onsite visit in the middle of a pandemic. We sure appreciate Linda's willingness and vet recommendation.
During our wait, Brad contacted a hauler we trust and got a rough estimate. It is actually Cierra's breeder. She runs a reputable national hauling business with her husband.
Brad also found out why the filly wasn't sold last year. Good question Shirley. We learned there were unexpected personal reasons that affected the timing, combined with the filly being "a late bloomer". The breeder felt it was in the horses best interest to hold off. She also mentioned, if she was ten years younger the filly wouldn't be for sale at all.
Guess where we are at with purchasing the filly now? Still waiting, until after the New Year. The breeder went for an extended visit to see family for the holidays. There is a lot to be said for someone who doesn't rush a sale. Our waiting is still filled with anticipation, but much less. At least we have a verbal commitment. If for whatever reason the filly doesn't pass her vet check, there is another buyer who went to see her in person and wants her. Time will tell. I have continued looking for another fitting prospect (just incase) and have found nothing.
things are looking up
(our pines)
9 comments:
"the "spicy" filly was further described as a horse that doesn't want to be in trouble. Kind of unsure, until she sees it is okay and then is agreeable and goes along with it. Sometimes known as looky".
This describes Rosie perfectly. When I rode her once and decided to buy her the seller said "She's very looky". In my opinion it only makes her more aware of her surroundings and she's very careful with herself. She never wants to be in trouble and will think twice about ever disagreeing with you. Even when she spooks she just stops and assesses the situation until you tell her she's just being a silly girl and tell her to go on. She's just very smart and lovable and likes attention. She doesn't like to be corrected with any harshness and if it happens rarely she (say with a raised voice) will get VERY insulted and sulk for a while, but she'll get over it soon enough. Although I've loved them all she's the best horse I've ever ridden and has a sweet personality.
So if the filly you're thinking of getting is anything like Rosie you've got a wonderful horse in your future. Good luck.
Spicy sounds very interesting! That would describe our mule Fred very well. But he'd like to get into trouble and test your attention! He has never lost a rider though, just likes to make sure his rider always pays attention too.
It is so very true that the wrong hands can make any equine a basket case.
Have fun!
Thanks for reading my looong winded spicy ramble!! I edited this post multiple times, just couldn't wrap my head around what I was feeling and trying to say. Add to that, trying to say it without photos/video's.
Arline, we feel the same way about horses that are aware. They are priceless.
Val, Fred sounds like my Koda. Always testing. Altho he has lost me more than once, from freak accidents not testing.
As most horse people know, in the trail business they want quiet un-opinionated horses that just follow along. The guides all thought of Iron Mountain as a trouble maker and untrustworthy. We loved that he was aware, especially in the wilderness. He was a hard one to walk away from, but we will always remember him and how he changed our lives.
It will be interesting to see how things end up. There is a lot to consider, even after the potential purchase.
This is pretty exciting!
Gussie is a looky horse. She sees everything, then stops and assesses it, considers it and moves on. She is also an opinionated red head... but I think her awareness of her surroundings keeps her from spooking as she doesn't really get surprised.
By the way, Spice is a nice name :0)
Shirley, both Brad and I said the same thing - ha ha!! He would definitely change her barn name, and who knows it could end up being Spicy. I think a red heads color fits that name much better, but it is his decision. You have no idea how much the word "spicy" was discussed!! We have never heard of a horse described as "spicy", in this case it doesn't really mean hot.
We found out Padame's name did come from Star Wars, spelling was slightly changed. Apparently the breeders grandson picks a theme for names. We are not Star Wars people, never even watched it.
I had a gray mare named Spice. My first show horse. She suited the name.
If you ever feel like going down memory lane, I for one would enjoy reading about Spice (and others from your past) on your blog! I've got a couple I should share as well.
I am curious to see how this horse search pans out!
Cowboy and Tumbleweed are looky and spicy. 😂 Those kind of horses need their special person. Consistency and trust are a must. They also value the relationship, which is very rewarding.
I wish the deal was done, but it sounds like they’re in no hurry. I’m still willing to be eyes for you though. I could even FaceTime you live. I have an open schedule after the 2nd. I’m not worried about Covid. In fact, I kind of want to meet her.
I will let Brad know of your kind offer, thanks so much Linda! We would love to meet not only the filly in person but her breeder as well. She is our kind of horse person. Brad's mind is already made up about purchasing the filly, unless something undesirable shows up with the vet check (and it happens) the blond spice girl will be coming to WI.
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