The downside of horse leasing
Posted by Bill on Dec 20 2006 at 04:51 pm | Tagged as: Horse Lifestyle
A few posts ago (Should you buy a horse?), I recommended leasing a horse as a great way to figure out whether or not you should buy one. I still think horse leasing is a great idea but today I read about a downside that needs to be considered. Mona over at Horse Approved passed on the story of a 14 year old girl named Sarah in North Carolina who is trying to find an old friend. Her parents leased a mare named Colorful Clue for her as a Christmas present a few years ago, intending to purchase the horse if Sarah proved she would be responsible for it. Unfortunately, the actual owner of the horse fell ill with cancer and wanted the sell it for more than Sarah’s parents were able to pay. Eventually Colorful Clue went to auction and Sarah’s parents lost the opportunity to purchase her by only $50. Now, two years later, Sarah is trying to track down Colorful Clue. She says her budget is higher now but even if she couldn’t purchase the horse, she’d at least like to know how she’s doing.
I must admit, although I’ve only owned Moonshine for 8 months, I’m completely attached. It makes sense to me that one of the biggest dangers of leasing a horse is becoming attached to one you would not be able to keep long-term. Keep that in mind as you consider whether or not horse leasing is an option for you.
If you can help Sarah find Colorful Clue, please visit her page.
Ok, so I did some online research and below is what I have discovered. Apparently a horse named Colorful CLue was auctioned off (yet again?) this past summer. Click on the link to read more:
Colorful Clue, APHA, 1998, Mare
http://www.professionalauction.com/06esum_C.htm
http://www.professionalauction.com/06esum.htm
I also found a horse that may be related to Colorful Clue. Might help with some leads?:
MHS Otoeget There - Meadowhill Stables, Hillsburgh, ont. - Sire: HPH COlorful Hint - $60.00
And another horse that may be related, “Colorful Question”:
Horse is not broken to ride but has been saddled and started to break. She wants to be with or around you all the time, is not timid or shy. Has a 4 month old colt by side and confirmed with 2007 foal by Colorful Question, Overo Stud in reining training. Will deliver free up to 500 miles. Call 334-464-1500(C) or 334-255-9098 (H) with questions. Reg #694950 Horse Talk Magazine
I went and tried to contact that girl, but the form required a phone # to register and leave a message. And I don’t do that. Can someone pass this information on for me?
Thanks,
Lisa
in NM
I forwarded a link to this point to her. Thanks for the info Lisa!
The way to find the mare is to call the breed registry and/or the auction house to find who is the registered owner now. I did the same search as above and it would appear that a horse with the same name (since I don’t have the registration number I don’t know if it is the same horse) and sex and approximate age was offered for sale at the VA horse center in Lexington, VA in the summer of 2006 by professional auction services, Berryville, VA 1-800-240-7900. This appears to be the same auction service that sold her in Raleigh, NC in 2005. They keep records and so does the registry, the American Paint Horse Association, Ft. Worth, TX 817-834-2742.