I don't know what to do!

[lexie32]

This is probably a bit long winded and will not make much sense to non animal lovers.

I have had my horse Jess for over 12 years, when i was pregnant 3 years ago i loaned jess out to a lady ( lets call her Viv) she has been very well looked after and i Know Viv is completley besotted with her. This was on the understanding that l would be able to ride her once i was sorted with the motherhood bit! well after ds was born Viv made it pretty clear she didn't really want me to ride her, so eventually i decided it was silly owning a horse i didn't ride (and hadn't for 3 years) i asked Viv to make me an offer for her as she was also talking about moving from the area and would like to take jess with her, this was on the 4th Jan .

I heard nothing from her so bit the bullet and called her in mid feb to see if she had thought any more, she said she definatly wanted her but didn't know what to offer and asked me what price i was thinking of, i said £500 as i really wanted her to have a good home, she said she was thinking more like £1 as a good will gesture, but if my price was £500 she would talk to her husband and let me know, could i wait till March for the money as things were a bit tight that month. i said that was fine and have waited and waited !


Well today i have texted her and she has said she will call at 6.30, i feel sick with nerves and really upset it has come to this. My friends think i'm mad only asking for £500 as she is worth at least £1800 on the open market and i have paid all the insurance for the last 3 years costing approx £800

i'm really stuck as i don't want to be taken for a ride, but then again i know jess would have a good home with viv, and i don't have the time or money to look after jess properly at the moment.

any ideas?

 

[carolfoy]

a real toughie Alex, I feel for you, horses are such sensitive creatures that when they're with someone they like it really upsets them to move them on again. The only suggestion I can come up with is asking this lady for installments if she can't afford the £500 and get an agreement drawn up so that if she backs out you've got a legal document.

 

[lexie32]

thanks carol, unfortunatley i don't think it's the cashflow thats the problem, she pays £100 per week for her to be kept at a posh livery yard ( i paid £100 per month at a DIY yard!) and thay are looking at buying a house with at least 4 acres in kent and she upgrades her car every 18 months! i just really think she does not want to pay at all!

 

[Madjock]

It really sounds as if she's trying it on Alex. If she loves the horse as much as you think then she'll happily pay the £500. I would stick to my guns if I were you. It doesn't sound like she's played very fair with you from the beginning.

 

[natalielongstaff]

i think i would call her bluff and put jess up for sale at the market price hopefully she will soon see that £500 is a real bargain

 

[tennisfan]

If she doesn't come up with the money soon, I would take the horse back and sell her on the open market. £500 is a bargin for a horse.

As mentioned before call her bluff on the deal.

 

[jen_uk]

I think she is really trying it on! I would tell her that she has had her chance and that you are now taking the horse back either to keep or to sell at the full price. As Madjock said it sounds like she has been unfair all along, I dont see what right she had to tell you couldnt ride it when you wanted, it is your horse after all!

Hope you get this sorted soon.

 

[lexie32]

Thanks for all you advice, i just had a long chat with Viv, i folded and we agreed £250 + she is going to give me all my Kit back ( although it's not worth much second hand it will save me a fortune when i'm in a position to get another one!) it really came down to i know she is going to have a good home with someone who has the money and the time to look after her far better than i can at the moment. I'm really sad to sell her but at least i won't suddenly get a call saying she's ill and be responsible for the vets fees ect.

I'm off for a good cry now and a large glass of wine!

 

[natalielongstaff]

at least you know what's happening now Alex

 

[mandymouse]

Oh Alex, I hope you feel better now, it really was a difficult situation that you were in and you've probably done the right thing

 

[Minniespal]

I really feel for you Alex ~ What a difficult decision. At least you know that Jess is going to be well taken care of

 

[wicket2005]

What a hard day for you. The main thing is your horse is going to someone who cares which is priceless.

 

[Spook]

Jan