Have you ever tried to surprise someone? It takes a lot of work and secrecy, even then plans can be thwarted. We successfully surprised our 14 year old daughter three weeks ago with the gift of a Palomino horse (she’s a quarter horse), on the condition that we’d keep her if she passed the vet’s pre-purchase exam. Sandy is an 18 year old Quarter horse, give or take according to the vet’s look at her teeth.
Over a week ago the vet did a pre-purchase exam and could not pass Sandy based on some lameness issues. The issues are fixable but would cost money and could cost us a good horse if she went completely lame. 
We were hoping for an easy keeper since Blaze his a hard keeper.
lameness
lame
1 [leym] Show IPA
adjective, lam·er, lam·est.
1.
crippled or physically disabled, especially in the foot or leg so as to limp or walk with difficulty.
2.
impaired or disabled through defect or injury: a lame arm.
3.
weak; inadequate; unsatisfactory; clumsy: a lame excuse.
4.
Slang. out of touch with modern fads or trends; unsophisticated.
verb (used with object), lamed, lam·ing.
5.
to make lame or defective.
We had hoped to keep Sandy for a good long time and let her get her weight up on our yummy pasture. Her stables do not have access to pasture. The horses live in their stalls.
So we say good-bye to Sandy tomorrow evening when her owner comes to pick her up. We had her here on a trial basis. Kind of sad to see her go. Our daughter is handling it like a champ and we are proud of her.
It is hard as a parent to successfully surprise your child with a gift she’s wanted since she was nine and then to have to turn around and return the gift.
Have you ever had to return a much wanted gift?
I’m sorry to hear that you had to give her up. She sure is pretty to look at. I hope your daughter didn’t get to heart broken.
As a fellow horse person, my heart is breaking for the horse and for you all. Dealing with any lame issues is never fun and you’re right it can lead to some pretty hefty expenses.
I personally had to give up my baby because when I was in college he ended up getting heaves really bad, and nothing we did worked to treat it. Since I was into endurance riding back then, he couldn’t withstand that type of life. I couldn’t afford to just keep him in the pasture as a pet. It broke my heart to pieces. In fact, my mom tried to get me another horse, but I literally lost all my passion for riding back then.
Now, I long to have a horse and can’t afford it because I have three kids that I choose to homeschool. So, I count down the days to be able to own a horse again.
That horse is beautiful! so pretty!
What a shame that you weren’t able to keep the horse. I hope she wasn’t toooooo upset.
Aw that is sad she didn’t work out. I would be really sad too, I get way to attached to animals!
I’m sorry that it didn’t work out. She’s a beautiful horse.
Oh wow, I can’t imagine how hard that would have been. So glad to hear your daughter took it like a champ.
Ah, so sorry about that. As a parent that would be a difficult thing to do.
So sorry for you all that has to be tough, but glad your daughter is handling it well.
That is so sad. I feel bad for the horse and your family. I wish you could help the poor horse!
Oh no! I’m sure that was a challenge for your daughter. Moments like those teach us so much about recovering from disappointment.
So sad, but I am sure your daughter understands that you all would be taking quite a gamble if you were to keep the horse.
Aww, that is disappointing. I hope that you’re able to find another horse for her in the future.
Awww, I’m truly sorry to hear that!
I haven’t but this seems like a unique situation. I’m sorry you had to return her but I hope your daughter is able to connect with a new horse soon
I so hate this! Maybe another opportunity will come up where your daughter can still get a horse.
Such sad news! I am sorry things did not work out.