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In this episode Sandy and Cara discuss a horse girls dream, being given a free horse! The positives of owning a horse are well worth all that they require and being given a horse is more heart warming than anyone could ever expect. Listen in as Sandy and Cara discuss the importance of being as picky with accepting a free horse as when purchasing one.

We pull back the curtain on what free really means, from farrier cycles and dental work to saddle fit, supplements, and the steady drip of training time that turns chaos into connection. We share the real math of horse ownership, the emotional ups and downs of taking in gifted horses, and how to read the story behind that enticing price tag.
We map out the red flags and the green lights: why pairing a green rider with a green horse can pile up bruises and bills, how to think about herd needs so a solitary setup doesn’t unravel a good mind, and what “trailered everywhere” actually means once you ask clarifying questions. You’ll hear candid barn-floor stories—champions given away during lean years, older Arabs who taught us patience and limits, and the quiet heroics of companion horses who kept anxious geldings sane. We talk health quirks like late gelding, respiratory issues, weight management, abscesses, and arthritis, plus the gear and fit headaches that come with hard-to-fit backs. The throughline: the horse is often the cheapest part, and the value you build is in the relationship.
To keep your head clear when your heart races, we share the essential checklist: start with why is this horse free, then dig into feet, teeth, vet history, riding frequency, trailering experience, feed and hay transitions, tack fit, and any behavioral baggage. We challenge the myth of the destined heart horse and offer a better path—months of patient acclimation, consistent groundwork, and creative problem-solving that lets a horse learn your language. With the right support from a trainer, a vet, and a solid barn community, a “free” horse can become the best partner you’ve ever had.
If this trail talk helps, tap follow, share it with a barn friend, and leave a quick review. It helps more riders find the show—and it might just save someone from an expensive yes. What’s the first question you’d ask before accepting a free horse?

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