I have a more accurate height for him as well, he's actually 15/15.1hh!

As for being for sale, the instructor's wife told me that the owner has 'almost agreed' to sell him to the school, so 'hopefully soon' they'll have him. Lol sounds like she wants to scare me off the purchase honestly. :P

Here's some new pics! I've always been a dapple enthusiast, so not sure how I feel about his new coat, he seems to have grown a belly as well lol. But looks aren't everything! He's still got a heart of gold. Hopefully Ill be riding him next week and then we shall see.

http://i63.tinypic.com/28mfia.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/24189pv.jpg

Oh I feel you there. Everyone seems to have great things to say to everyone else but the poor newbies who use the wrong words like 'brick wall'. Use stuff like that and it's all over for you over there, they've decided you're not experienced enough nor is the horse happy lolol. People.

I'm in a similar situation with a pony I love very much, but the price stands firm at 8000+ Canadian. So, I say if he's affordable, go for it!

Please keep us updated!

I don't think Ill be pursuing Frank, as much as I love him. I was going to ride him tomorrow, but my father has put the kai-bosh (however you spell that) on it. He said since I don't have a real interest in the school there is no point in going again. He has a point, at the moment I'm caught between two local schools, one is Frank's, which has a great instructor, but is not competition minded at all, and by the time I left that school I had no joy in riding any more as there was no goal and I'm fairly certain the instructor's wife didn't like me, and definitely not my riding. The other school is the one I started riding at. Very professional showjumping school, lots and lots of good competitions on good horses if you're good enough, and he trains young horses for big comps. I felt like I had a goal, if you got a 'good job' from him it made your week, etc.. However the instructor himself doesn't seem to know how to properly teach how to RIDE, (although that is very french, if you can stay on you can jump nuf said), he's quite a difficult character to get along with, intimidating, and I have a beef with one of the riders for no good reason, she just never liked me lol. I would never ever let him anywhere near Frank if I got him other than taking him to lessons or competitions.

That being said, I was considering going back to Frank's school if I could get him and compete on my schedule. (In France you must be part of a school to compete at anything less then amateur level). Our living circumstances may change in the next year or two, and so my dad is thinking that plus this whole school thing, Frank isnt the horse we wanted me to ride, let alone buy, so just leave it alone.

I understand where he's coming from. Seeing him again, I can't say I wasn't disappointed. I left my gorgeous small horse and came back to big pot-belly pony. He's still amazing and I still love him of course, but I'm not sure my vision of dressage with him will come true. Perhaps its just my vanity showing, but my family had decided on the 16.2 warmblood mare I'd get eventually, Frank is a big compromise and if I'm not sure about him why would I give up everything we've worked towards?

I may see if I can just ride him again, but for now, I know he's happy, healthy, and very much loved by everyone at the school. He won't be used to his full potential and that makes me sad, and perhaps I will still get him! But right now I am going to sit tight and see what happens.

Thank you for all the support though you guys! Its a very pleasant change from that other forum lol. Thank you for loving him as well, he's a very special boy and he's got a great life ahead of him where ever he goes.