As I sit here trying to think of something to write, I am searching through horse classifieds on the internet. It's a habit. I don't need another horse, I just like seeing whats out there. I came to wonder about what makes people see an ad and go "Ohh, I'm going to ring up about that one." Is it proper grammar? I know I wouldn't answer an ad with incorrect spelling or that looked like it had been written by a two year old. There's a few of them too. Here's a good example of that:
"Ponie 4sale. 12.5hands hiegh. loverly palimino colour. good clean leggs. pretty face. nice mannars. 9 yearsold. brokan to saddle and harnness. loves kids. is in gud paddack condiditon. first to see will by. call after 7pm on #### #### or email on .....**@hotmail.com. contact for pictares."
The only thing I do is laugh at ads like that. Honestly, how long would it take to spell check the ad before you post it? If it had correct spelling, the ad wouldn't be that bad, but gosh, they can't even spell 'good'. If I were to write an ad, this is how it would go. Be honest, I know it's a hard decision but which one would you respond to
"InTradition.
16 hand, bay thoroughbred mare. 12 years old. "Cleo" is a friendly mare that has the potential to make it big time in the showjumping arena. Minimal training over 2" jumps, correct form, a nice lengthy stride. Sound, clean legs. She has been rugged all year 'round and has no winter coat, ready for you to throw out into shows right now. A beautiful mare, that just loves attention. She will stand tied all day, she stands for the farrier. Absolutely loves getting hosed down and washed, you don't even need to tie her, she'll just stand for you. Quiet to saddle, not at all fidgety. Beautiful under saddle, a long flowing stride. Comes onto the bit like a dream, has correct conformation, no scars and is show ready. No buck, bite or bolt. A very simple ride, a dream to handle. Perfect for a confident young rider ready for a horse to carry them into the ring in dressage or jumping. She will take you as high as you want her too. This beautiful mare has no limits.
Only vice is she is a windsucker. She comes with her collar that easily controls this. She doesn't do it compulsively but will if she is left tied up for long periods of time. She is an easy keeper. You don't want to miss out on once in a life time mare. She comes with her rugs, her halter and her windsucking collar. Contact me at ..........."
Now tell me. Which ad is better? It took me two minutes to write that. How much better does it look with correct spelling? It's not terribly hard, it would be easier in the long run because it might actually give them a chance at selling their horse. Because, I can pretty much say that unless an equally dumb person comes along, that person is not going to get one call for her ad. IT'S NOT BRAIN SCIENCE! For those challenged people out there like the person who wrote the ad above, I'll write you some instructions.
1) Click 'Start' (that button in the left hand bottom corner of your computer)
2) Click 'All Programs'
3) Search through the menu until you find the Microsoft Works or Word
4) Open Works or Word
5) Type your ad in that program
6) Click the little button that has a tick or go into the menu and find spell check
7) Spell check the friggin ad
8) Once that is done. Post the thing on the internet.
IT'S NOT HARD. Say it with me people. Spell Check. Spell Check. Spell Check!
Meet the herd!
InTradition aka Cleo
Our beautiful, 12 year old, OTTB. She was retired from racing and put out in the pasture as a pet, not handled or fed or looked after. We aquired her very cheaply as a spoilt, nasty little mare that has turned into one of the quietest horses I have had the pleasure of dealing with, on the ground. Under saddle she still has the fire of a race horse but has come a long way since we 'rescured' her from hell.
When we first got her, her feet had not been tended too and she was incredibly lame but her hooves were too weak and crumbly to support shoes. After a year of proper hoof care, she is now sound enough to be ridden comfortably, barefoot. Sadly, we have made the decision that it's time to let her move on as a healthy happy horse, to a new home.
My Cinderella aka Lucy
My little princess. My 6 year old, Arabian mare. We purchased her very cheaply, skinny and jumpy. The lady we purchased her off, said she had been mistreated and I have come to believe her. Under-saddle, Lucy is "bomb-proof". In over 7 months, she has never shied, played up or was in anyway nasty.
On the ground she is a different story. Very nervy and jump, Lucy needs a firm but confident hand to keep her calm and happy. She loves the Parelli "Yo-yo" game and has come a long way. She was impossible to catch when we first brought and now she walks up to you.
A little update on this little lady; She is having a baby. 8/9 months pregnant. With a little research I found out that 8 months ago, before me and the lady I brought her off, she was running with a paint stallion, so we's having a baby.
Cold Contender aka Homebrand
I had no intention of getting another horse when Homebrand reared and plunged into my life. Brought by a woman at my agistment. He was the classic example of a OTTB, that had been left to his own devices for far too long. Headstrong, nasty and pushy, I feel in love with him upon first glance.
He is now a beautiful man that I would consider bomb-proof and would feel confident to let a beginner ride him under supervision. Handsome with beautiful conformation with nice, clean legs, it has been decided that he will become my competitive showjumper.
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