HORSES FOR SALE
pictures & information below
At the close of the 2008 summer camp season all the horses owned by Aspengrove will be offered for sale. After operating Aspengrove and the Children’s summer camp program for 18 years I would like to offer some important information regarding the buying of horses for children
Horsey Kids
First of all I would like to say that horsey kids are absolutely wonderful. Horses are great childhood companions and a lot of children are naturally attracted to them, which makes horses a desirable alternative to TV-watching, Internet-surfing, or just “hanging out.” Horseback riding puts children in touch with nature, and is something you can enjoy alone or in a group. Handling, riding, and caring for a horse or pony can develop a host of positive traits in a child, including responsibility, accountability, patience, level-headedness, empathy, kindness, and self-discipline.
Also, as we are now a society where a lot of children do not get enough physical activity causing childhood obesity, contributing to various health problems, including diabetes, we should look at riding horses as a perfect solution. Riding develops muscles, balance and burns calories.
First Time Buyers Mistake
When choosing a horse or pony, please do not get talked into buying young inexperienced horses for inexperienced riders. This, I have found, to be the most common mistake first-time buyers make. This never works. Your primary consideration must be your child’s safety and for that reason “senior citizen” status is a virtue. As it says in the Pony Club manual, “The less experienced the rider the more experienced the pony or horse should be.” When trying young horses out, they sometimes seem like they might work for your child. That is only because they have been worked by an experienced trainer. Once you purchase that horse and it gets ridden by an inexperienced rider the personality of the horse changes. Horses are very smart and will have the rider figured out within a couple of weeks. The younger inexperienced horse needs to be given consistent riding for many years by someone experienced enough to be consistent. In the hands of a novice rider, he will regress and when he does, the horse will become problematic and unsafe. Your child’s safety will almost always be jeopardized, as well as the opportunity to have fun riding a horse. Instead the child always has a challenge and worry, instead of learning how to ride with the help of an experienced, well schooled horse.
Safe Horses
All Aspengrove’s horses are well trained and very safe and used to having children ride them. Most of them are older and have been with us for many years. We do not keep horses that would potentially be dangerous or unsafe.
So, if you are ready to make the commitment and buy your child a horse, check out our selection below.
Wishing all of you the best with your horse ventures.
Hilda
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL HILDA OR ANGIE AT 250-545-9470
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CAROLINE: is a 15.1 hand liver chestnut Quarter horse mare approx. 20 years old. Caroline does quite well with the more inexperienced riders, and has been in our program approx. 9 years! Caroline is wonderful for teaching riders their first canter, as well as their first jump! Caroline would also love to do some light trail riding. Caroline is quite sensitive, and therefore is ridden without a bit ns something quite a lot like a halter. Caroline needs a relaxed understanding home. Asking price: $1200.00 |
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BREEZY: is in her early twenties, and is a bay Morgan thoroughbred cross approx. 15.1 hands. Breezy has been at Aspengrove for about 6 years. Breezy has taught many young riders how to ride. Breezy is most happy to do some light riding in the ring, and perhaps out and about. Breezy does not have the best teeth anymore, and therefore needs a special home where she will be fed soaked alfalfa cubes, and plenty of complete feed. Breezy has a great personality and deserves a great semi-retired home that cares. Asking price: $600.00 |
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Rosey: Rosey is a 14 year old Arab cross chestnut mare approx 14.2 hands. Rosey is great for a light handed rider that has a solid walk, trot, canter. Rosey jumps 2'6" courses, listens well, and is quite a sensitive girl. Rosey is safe and willing. She does not tie but other than that has no vices. Rosey has been at Aspengrove for approx 5 yrs. Asking price: $1000.00 |  |
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Nola: Nola is a 9 year old Thoroughbred paint mare. Nola is about 15.2 hands, and is a very flashy bay with four white stockings and a white face. Nola has been at Aspengrove for 2 seasons. Nola is best suited to an experienced rider. Nola has good flat work, and jumps anything with fantastic form! Nola is currently jumping 2’6” courses, but can definitely go much higher. We are currently working on lead changes. Nola belongs on the A circuit! Asking price: $4000.00 |  |
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PEACHES – 17 year old quarter-horse cross, approx. 14.1 hands. Peaches is a very cute palomino mare, wonderful for the inexperienced riders. Peaches is very easy to handle and is extremely safe for walk, trot, canter and small jumps. Peaches would love a home where she can be loved by small children that she can “baby sit” $1000.00 |
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SMOKEY: is a 20 yr. old grey Andalusian cross approx. 15.3 hands. He does his basic flat work well, as well as goes on the bit. Smokey is a real go-getter, and loves his job. Smokey is a very kind horse that jumps 2’6”-2’9”. Smokey is not spooky at different jumps, and is very agreeable and forgiving. Smokey is a great horse, has no vices. Asking price: $1200.00 |  |