Why would someone be selling a foal for $250 (details)?

Question

So this foal's sire is apparently famous, ect. "Proven" relative of a successful sire. But "breeding didn't go as they planned" and the sire impregnated a riding dam instead of a specific dam that they wanted....

So... what's wrong with this foal?

Is is possible that they're just selling it for that much 'cause they think it's a low-grade foal, or could it have inherited possible medical problems from the dam?

The temperment is fine...

Answer 1

You didn't mention what sort of breeders they are.  I would assume the dam has none of the qualities they are trying to breed for, and so the foal would add nothing to their breeding program.

Answer 2

Horses are worth very little now unless they have very extensive pedigrees or are trained to the point that they are bomb-proof.  The foal is likely not registerable, and obviously a foal has no training beyond halter breaking at a young age.  They have little invested, it wasn't the breeding they wanted to happen.  There is likely nothing wrong with the foal at all.

Answer 3

It could very well be that they don't want to pay to care for an animal that won't meet their needs, whatever that may be.

It would be like a champion show dog mating with the next door neighbor's mixed breed. They might be cute pups but they aren't suitable for showing.  Have a vet check it out and make sure the little guy is sound.

That said, it's a pretty big s***w up to mate the big stud with the wrong mare.

Answer 4

make sure the sire and dam are not related, and make sure the dam has no major health issues.  other than that they are probably looking at this foal as a "low grade" since it is not of noble bloodlines.  lucky for you, and the foal, you can get a good deal on the foal while providing it with a loving home it may not otherwise get.  good luck!!