Sometimes your eyes play crazy tricks on you. Other times, the craziness is real.

On the roster for our latest “Best of Craigslist” extravaganza: a “cute pony with terrible personality,” a couple parents who may or may not be trying to off their kids, a death trap on wheels and much, much more!

First up, from Angela and Courtney:

Do you have a kid looking for a project? Do you need to teach a youngster how to handle a frisky horse? Do you love a challenge? Do you have hay or grass that needs to be eaten and not need any love or affection in return?

Meet Tara, aka “Tara the Terrible”. She is a pretty little pony we purchased at an auction last year. Little kids were riding her all around, double, triple, and she handled beautifully with or without a saddle. Once we got her home, her personality changed. Drastically.

She bucks.
She rears.
She doesn’t respect hotwire if food is on the other side.
She’s got a cataract in one eye (not blind).
She doesn’t like to be caught, but gives up eventually.

That being said, she doesn’t bite or kick. She likes treats. Once caught, she’ll stand tied, and she’s sound. And she’s pretty. She gets along really well with other horses. Not bossy or “marish”.
I don’t know how old she is, probably in her teens.

Based on her behavior at the auction, she definitely knows how to be a good kid’s pony, but chooses not to. At least not on the first ride of the day.

So if you’re looking for that special pony for the neighbor kid who plays the trumpet too loud late at night, shoot me an email and make me an offer. We’ll have you sleeping like a baby in no time.

Did I mention that she’s pretty?

At least they’re honest. From Sienna: “She let her son ride a 2-year-old mini?? Yikes.”

Another young-horse/small-child disaster waiting to happen from Emily: “Found this on my state selling site.”

Why do people think striking a ridiculous/dangerous pose on their horse is a good sales tactic? Exhibit A, from Emily: “Stumbled onto this while helping a friend look for a horse. Not sure what to think.”

Exhibit B, from Hailie: “Couldn’t help but pass this one along for the ‘Best of Craigslist.’ Looks like an adorable pony, but honestly that man is cruising for a bruising.”

14h Trail mare, not registered lost papers, great horse, 1st timers have ridden, been through several horses to get too this one.. Daughter lost interest

Exhibit C, from Rebecca: “Some interesting poses…”

Moving right along… my favorite trailer ad of the week. From Desiree: “Now this looks like a high class ride! More like a death trap on wheels.”

And this classic Craigslist typo, from Callie: “I don’t know about $1,500 bread, or what it has to do with the horse… haha!”

From Natalie:  “Not sure why one would use photos of the 3 Stooges to promote boarding at their facility…. 1. the owners have a great sense of humor; or 2. they’re stooges.”

From Natalie: “This sure is one special stallion. Who knew that he produces atheist foals….. LOL.”

Last but not least, from Leanna: “Medieval jousting horse and  therapy horse?”

Readers, if you run across an “interesting” ad in your Internet wanderings, send it our way! Email the link to [email protected]. Who knows – maybe you’ll help connect a horse with a safe, loving home. Go Riding.