Do parents secretly hate their offspring or something?

That's my new theory on why I get so many calls from people with children, who are calling about unsuitable horses. Like, would your speed event prospect, ranch horse that likes to go-go-go be a good match for my 10 year old inexperienced child?

..... No.  No, nope, nope nooooo.

If this was a one time deal I'd brush it off, but this happens with every dang horse like this. The hilarious thing is that it doesn't happen as much with the horses that *could* be kids horses. I don't get it.

Why would you contact me about a horse I specifically say "Is not for kids or beginners"? I had one like this, a greenie that I listed as 'started under saddle' not broke, not even green broke. And I got so many damn calls from parents.
 "Is this horse safe for my 8 year old child with a brain injury?"
.................... ............. ............. Are you kidding me?

I don't get why parents seem to want to endanger their children unless it's a clever ploy to buy them an unsuitable horse so they get scared and no longer want to ride horses, thus freeing up the parents bank account for other less expensive endeavors.
 Yes, yes that must be it.  I like that theory.

Now the horse I'm selling would do fine with a teen or young teen who's had experience for years or even in some speed events. That would be great, they'd have no problem controlling him. But a kid who's under 10? Can't do it. Won't do it. Sorry.

My thoughts on what makes a suitable kids horse (or one I'll put kids up oon) is  leftover from being a trail guide, and I absolutely err on the side of caution, and you know, common sense.

My mother is nicer about telling these people what she thinks, her conversations go something like: "Well, I think you may be better off looking for a horse like -bla bla bla- *insert suitable horse here*"
I tend to be more like: "No."

I need to work on tact or something.

I am happy however, that all my ads say 'I reserve the right to refuse any sale I do not think would be a good fit for either my horse or for you'. Because the first method is trying to persuade people to change their minds is tactful. When this doesn't work we often try the "well, there's a long list of people so I can call you back if that doesn't work out....." When that fails I'm left with: "Okay honestly I don't think it's a good fit." Or if they're an ass (Had one of those already) "I don't like you. You're not getting my horse. Goodbye."

My mothers a little nicer about this than I am. Sorry (not sorry) Mr. not a small cowboy, wants a horse for all his employees who are men who don't have lots of experience (but are required to wear spurs) I will not sell you my horse. No, a 14.1 hand horse isn't suitable for a larger man even if it is a shorter way to fall off. Amazingly, that isn't my concern- and it shouldn't be yours either!!!

Seriously, just go away.

My favorite is when people get huffy and play the 'but it's a buyers market!' card.  Yep, it is. So go buy one of those horses because you sure aren't buying mine!
It may be a buyers market, but I've had enough calls about this horse to make it a sellers market. Good day.

Rant over.