Do you think this is a good horse trade?

Question

My friend is considering trading her tb/shire cross. He is 2 years old, very quiet, started under saddle, always been sound, she owned the dam, and trained the imported shire sire. He is 16.0 hands tall and will probably mature 17 plus hands.

She is considering trading him for.....

A 9 year old dutch warmblood 16.3 hands. Great ground manners but needs a more experienced rider. He has some formal dressage training. He does not buck or rear but he is kind of spooky.

Anyway... She asked my input and I am just not sure.

Thanks!

Answer 1

If it were I, I would keep the 2-year-old. I know it will be a while before he reaches his full potential, but with proper training, which it sounds like she can give him, he'll probably be twice the horse the 9 year old is, because he won't have the faults it has.

Answer 2

Who initiated the trade? I always want to know why someone is giving, selling, or trading a horse.  Just because he is spirited and needs an experienced rider may not be the complete reason.

It also sounds like your friend has a great start on a horse she knows the complete history on.  Believe me that is a huge bonus.  Also the 2 year old is started under saddle and is just putty waiting to be molded into something you want to have developed.  Sounds like the 9 year old already has some baggage to deal with. Spooky in a horse runs deep sometimes.

If I were you I'd suggest to my friend that she offer to help this person if she knows them and maybe make a great friend and riding buddy.

EM