So Casey told me today that, one, she has to sell off some school horses that aren't getting used a lot because long story short, she got a bad load of hay from old George, where as she was previously getting good hay, and now she's got to get together some $$ to find something for the winter.
Two, the girl who was leasing her got in trouble with her mother and can no longer lease Amber. So Amber is listed at $2,000, and for sale to me for $1,500. I think it is more than fair - she is a trained trail horse and has parade experience. Sound mind, smart, and great work ethic.
Discovered some new things about her today, all good news, and she gave me work that was even better quality than Jack gave me, and she's only been in training for 2 months on proper english work. I see a lot, a lot, a LOT of potential.
So I'm excited. I am 80% sold on her. Farrier checked her feet, there is a small, small bruise, but he said her feet look great. Now all I need is a vet check on her to make sure everything else looks good. Casey said I'm the only one "really" riding her, so she asked me to ride Saturday. She also said that since I've been riding Amber, she thinks I ride her best. I love hearing that, it gives me so much confidence, because I get it on every horse I really start riding consistently. It's always nice to get good feedback from your trainer and know that you are doing quality riding.
And what's more, she said after I buy Amber (or whoever), one of the girls at the barn trailers up to a big name dressage trainer's barn an hour or so from us about once a month, and I could probably get a ride with her and take dressage from a specialized trainer. That would be AWESOME. I really, really appreciated Casey's concern and support to cater to my discipline. Lots of respect to her for putting in effort to do that instead of trying to wing it with dressage which she admits she knows little more than the basics. Getting stuff like that from a trainer really earns then huge points with me, what can I say?
She also said I might be able to work in exchange for stall board.
So now lots of things looking up to maybe staying at Goldsboro Equestrian. Casey's really going the extra mile to put me on the track that I want to be on and the needs I want met.
I don't know if I posted about it, but if it is Amber I buy, I have the show name already picked out. "Made You Look". I think it's adorable. It would be fitting for a variety of disciplines, and it's catchy.
Work was much better today. Starting to get the hang of the register more. Everyone was talking about how fast I've learned and how good I work - AWESOME to hear that, I'm a perfectionist by nature and I love to do a good job! Nice, fun co-workers and helpful, nice managers. Life's good!
Still need pictures of her...will get them soon.
I hope it works out for you and Amber. Casey does seem to be very accommodating.
ReplyDeleteThis is sounding better and better! I know you really like Amber, so it would be super if it works out that you can buy her and manage to stay at your current barn--AND get the kind of lessons and training you really want.
ReplyDeleteThings are looking up!!
Very exciting! Photos, please!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!
ReplyDeleteAmber really blew me away in that lesson. She was better than she's ever been. It was obvious that she was really trying to listen and figure out what I was asking for. The lightest little "look this way" got her trying to bend. She practically put herself on the bit. And she doesn't really even like that bit she's in, so I know she's going to pick up really fast on being soft at the poll when she gets a bit she really likes in her mouth.
Casey said we will schedule that check after I get paid next Friday. And my Grandma has graciously said she will give me a little Christmas money to help out on my first month board if it all works out.
But yeah - I'm pretty much in love with how accommodating Casey as been. She's quickly becoming my favorite trainer! And I know she's going to be excellent for training me and Amber for hunter shows.