Should I buy this horse?

Ok, my farrier back home in texas, offered, through my mom, to sell me one of his horses. He's an 18 year old QH that packs around his 4 year old nephew, and has been doing trail rides for i guess...well forever. He says he's the type of horse you can throw out in pasture for a couple months, get back on, and he's the same horse...says he's perfectly sound too. Well, I'm going home in a little over a week, and I'll probably try him. Here's what i'd want him for...I'm going to be starting a lesson program..this summer I'm gonna just take a couple people on...but within the next two years, after i've graduated and gotten the wedding done with... I'm going to be really getting a program going. IF, big if...this horse turns out to be what he says, and he's trained enough to work in a lesson program and not just plod along on trails, is 18 too old? I'm thinking it is..since he'll be 20 by the time I really get going...that doesn't leave him too much usable time. Oh, he wants $800 for him too....so what are your thoughts on this guy?

 

No 18 is not too old, especially if he lives up to what he's claimed to be and for $800!! WOW!

Most older horses make good lesson horses for children and SMall adults....

 

I'm kind of excited...i just don't want to get my hopes up in case he's not what he said he is..but i guess i'll find out in about a week.

 

18 definatly ins't too old. good luck w/ everything

 

i got my crazy 8yo wen she wos 4 & i think that a much older & axperienced horse is better. Go 4 it. $800 is awesome.