I Dislike Shopping

I thought I might keep the horse shopping a little on the down low, but seeing as I now have three horses to look at over the next week it's getting a little too serious to keep all to myself!

Backstory: Ginger is not going anywhere! She's a lovely, lovely girl but very hot, sensitive, and athletic. That's a big part of what makes her fun and what makes everyone get excited about her dressage potential, but I've been having confidence issues. I'm looking for just the right second horse to have fun with while we continue to progress with Ginger...kind of like I'm doing at the lesson barn now, but with Ginger rides too.

I know this should be exciting and fun, but it's feeling more than a little intimidating. True story - I've never actually gone out and intentionally shopped for a horse. They've always just sort of happened! I'm finding the whole process of looking through ads, trying to ask the right questions, and setting up appointments quite stressful. I have this big complex about possibly being too picky and therefore wasting people's time. Also, I'm finding lots of people don't return calls or give you really vague answers or try to pressure you into something you don't want. Then again, I've talked to some really nice and professional people so it's not all bad.

I've got past my introvert ways, and have made appointments to see the following ponies. All are Welsh D mares, all between 14.1-14.2hh. Ages and experience vary, but all are advertised as safe and sensible rides.

Looking at this girl next weekend. 10 year old.

Another Sec D for next weekend.

Tomorrow's candidate - gorgeous but may be greener than ideal.

This girl may also be an option to go see, and I think is the daughter of the buckskin above.

 I keep getting overwhelmed and deciding I'm just not going to bother with it and will just trail ride Ginger until we're both old and grey, then I have a great lesson and get excited to compete and do all the fun things and start looking again. I'm making an effort now to get out there to look at more horses because time is running low here - if I was going to shop, the variety here means this would be the place and time to do it.

There are other horses I'm interested in seeing, but let's be honest, that's if the cobs don't work out :)