In today’s edition: a few excellent horse trailers, a dubious trade offer and what’s sure to be a unique trail-riding opportunity.

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Can you believe our ‘Best of Craigslist’ series has seen forty-three installments? Neither can we.

Love it or hate it, Craigslist is clearly here to stay — and as long as there is Craigslist, there will be plenty of ads that leave you scratching your head, laughing out loud or maybe even picking up the phone to schedule a time to come buy an equine that pulled at your heartstrings. Here’s to hope!

We’ll kick things off with a couple of ads that are getting a little sideways (coincidentally, they’re both “registrard” horses as well!) Both are submitted by Christina: “You can rotate images, you know … ”

Screenshot via Craigslist

12 year old geilding 15’3 hands registrard American paint horse he saddles and bridles easy comes when called he is gental mostly dose trail rides but has been in some parades he is good for farrier and he also dose good with or with out shoes no health concerns great theeth and good with other animals he would make a great 4h horse 2,500

Screenshot via Craigslist

To their credit, they’re not bad-looking horses if you turn your head. We also agree that this guy is a total stunner — although we do have to laugh with Christina here as well: “I’m assuming it’s an older photo of this gelding as a young’un, but it still kind of cracked me up a little!”

Screenshot via Craigslist

14 year old Beautiful Registered (1/2) Friesian Sport Horse Gelding. Stands around 15.2hh. Not for beginners, just his presents scares most beginners and I do not want him ruined by one either. UTD on hoof care and shots. Teeth done and Vet check last month. This one can take you to the winners circle. Very flashy Dominate White 1/2 Friesian (reg.) 1/2 American White (Morgan) he has feathers too. And blue eyes. Very in your pocket, great ground manners, bathes and fly spray. Nice hard hoofs, Loads and hauls good. He has been shown, trained to pull a cart at age 3. Used for CMO’s Last year. Shown in 4-h, Trained in Dressage some years back. I am now using him for Cowboy Dressage He is awesome, sweet and willing to please, with just the right amount of Flash 🙂 He rides bitless or with a bit. English, or western. I will not sell him to just anyone. He needs the right person. E-mail (calls are better as e-mails do not always make it through) or call 509 six 90 eight 457 I have lots of pictures on line. This horse is AWESOME! He has been trained with Natural Horseman methods. He does know his ground work and is a good willing boy. $6000.00 and a good home is a must. May consider trade for motorcycle, classic car, hunting equipment, gold, ?? I will not trade for another horse unless it is an awesome kick butt gaited and reg. trained gelding. And my boy is all that and more. (because of my back, hip and age I had to go gaited and this is the only reason he is for sale…Buy back contract required, home inspection required. This is a really special boy. Don’t miss out!

If this one ISN’T a scam, we’re shocked. Submitted by Donna:

Screenshot via Craigslist

Front Dressing Room with cabinets. great condition

Good Condition very well maintained

Front-line full-range projection Yj5v116o8u7

We’ll give credit to this seller who went the “professional endorsement route.” Submitted by Karly:

Screenshot via Craiglist

Wonderful quarter horse 8 years old, well trained, not by me. She is an amazing horse. 2 differrent farriers say so.

Yikes … we know ponies have the strength of a hundred men when necessary, but is riding this little guy really necessary? From Kendra:

Screenshot via Craigslist

This pony is very gentle and rides, it does very well around kids. still a stud but the most gentle stud you’ve ever seen call or text only
show contact info
$ 650 firm….. no kick and no bite. Beautiful pony and built like a little quarter horse and its healthy.

Well, at least the seller is telling it like it is. Submitted by Kaylene:

Screenshots via Facebook

We’ll wrap things up with this total head-scratcher. We have so many questions: where was this zebra acquired? Is it really necessary to keep it a stud? WHY? From Jill:

Screenshot via Facebook

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.

When the text and the photos just don’t match, it’s awfully hard to know who you’re looking at. Welcome to ‘Best of Craigslist.’

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking at Craigslist, Facebook or one of the myriad of horse sale websites that exist out there: there are plenty of ads out there that just don’t add up. Here’s a sampling of these and many more bad ads from all corners of the horsey internet, sent in by readers!

We’ll kick things off with this Craigslist gem, submitted by Erika: there are said to be two ponies for sale. The other one is invisible.

Screenshot via Craigslist

I have two ponies for sale.
The price for both of them is $1000.

I believed you that the saddle was in fact for a horse. Sometimes, it’s just better to show it on a rack than on an actual animal. Submitted by Lisa:

Screen shot via Craigslist

Custom made saddle from England
Mfg: Black Country
Style: Frelsi
Size: 18W
This saddle is like Brand New! It has only been used 3 times.
No stratches, no wear and tear!
Paid $3,100
$2,400 Firm

Something is not right here. Submitted by Danielle:

Screenshot via Horseclicks

Extremely sweet white Arabian mare. Vaccines up to date, teeth checked dewormed, new shoes. No papers. Green broke. Clips, ties, trailers stands for ferrier, very sweet and calm temperament. doesnt bite/ kick will make perfect project and trail horse. If you are interested in having her bred to my prize Grullo Morgan stallion to get a Morab foal than that can be worked into the sale for half the stud fee..

I’ve decided that Craigslist-ese is really its own language. Have fun interpreting this one, submitted by Courtney:

Screenshot via Craigslist

I have two year old frazion Cross he will ride work single or double I will show asking 2800 cash only

The same could be said for this ad: please translate. Submitted by Sherrie:

Screenshot via Craigslist

Pony horse for sale. 1 year and ahalf old. Tammed great with kids. No bites nor agressive behavior. Can ride with or without seat. Loves to be hugged. Female a year and ahalf old. Text or call is ok. English/spanish. Chris.

Honorable mention — not a real horse, yet it still follows our theme of photos and text that just doesn’t match. Submitted by Lynn: “I don’t even know where to start. First, not a palomino, but then look at its eyes … I might have nightmares”

Screenshot via Overstock

Screenshot via Overstock

The “Evil Craigslist Pony” trope claims another victim — submitted by Carrie:

Screenshots via Craigslist

Believe it or not, most computers do allow you to rotate photos. Submitted by Brett:

Screenshot via Horseclicks

You know what they say: sun’s out …. never mind. We’ll just file this under “wildly inappropriate riding apparel.” Submitted by Brittany:

Screenshot via Facebook

Screenshot via Facebook

We’ll close out this week’s collection with this masterpiece. Click the photos below the ad to open the gallery. Submitted by Hannah: “There was not actually any info on the photos, as stated in the ad … just pictures and no information.”

Screenshot via Facebook

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.

Hey, you don’t need us to convince you that these ads are real — we’re way too familiar with the magic of Craigslist at this point.

Craigslist shows us the power of make-believe: you can either believe that these ads are for real, or you can imagine that someone’s just trying to play a very elaborate joke. (Or, you know, maybe they really, really can’t spell.)

We’re going to kick things off with this little gem, submitted by Grace:

Screenshot via Craigslist

Born in 2000. He is a paint pinto double registered. He was born on the farm I’ve had him his whole life. His name is Taz. I just don’t have time to ride him anymore. This horse is like a dog. He is the best horse around. Kid friendly anything you want this horse will do. I won’t take a penny less for him cuz he is so awesome.

Erika brings up a valid question: “Couldn’t get just a bit closer for this picture??”

Screenshot via Craigslist

We agree with Caroline: these sellers are a bit confused — this is not a horse, nor is it a bridle …

Screenshot via Craigslist

This sale is for a high quality saddle that looks new. It is for a medium size horse, it comes with no reigns, straps bits, etc, Only what is shown on the included photos, Call

The horse in this ad actually sounds like a nice girl (click to open a new window with the full ad). The headline, on the other hand … submitted by Danielle:

Screenshot via Craigslist

This mysterious pony/horse in the mist defies comprehension, submitted by Laurel:

Screenshot via Craigslist

Half horse half pony, she hasn’t been ridden in a few year’s, beautiful horse, 800obo call or text for more info

This next ad is actually totally legit, but we thought we’d throw it in just because the form of payment is pretty funny and at this point we need a little comic relief. Submitted by Kristin:

Screenshot via Craigslist

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET READY FOR SPRING

A great pile of aged horse manure is now available. a combination of horse manure and sawdust…..brought to you courtesy of Prince and B
Has been sitting under a tarp for the past 2 years…warm and full of worms. Come and get it.
The horses would like you to bring either a bag of CARROTS or a bag of apples to pay for their services………………. in one end, out the other!

We need someone to buy this horse just to save him from some bad tacking-up skills. Submitted by Martha:

Screenshot via Facebook

Let’s see that a little closer …

Screenshot via Facebook

No price set on this guy, just looking to see what kind of offers are about to come pouring in. We’ll get right on that. Submitted by Kit:

Screenshot via Facebook

We’ll leave you today with this mystery: what is Kid Rock doing schooling this horse shirtless while wearing a fedora? (No, it’s not actually Kid Rock … at least, we don’t think it is.) Why are the stirrups so short? Why is there a $22,000 “adoption fee?” Submitted by Carrie:

Screenshot via Equine.com

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.

Sometimes, all you can do is shake your head and walk away. Other times, shake your head and then run out and buy some of these horses. Either option goes.

Another week, another round-up of the Best of Craigslist. Bad spelling, creative photography and plenty of “shaking my head” moments await you. We hope you’ve had your coffee this morning.

We’ll kick things off with this young horse sent in by Christina: we know next to nothing about the horse itself, but we do know it comes with a purple halter.

Hello I have a beautiful young philly she is 19 months. She is friendly, halter broken and can lead. She is a little skittish wth the fly spray but other than that does great. She has a purple halter and lead. A grooming brush,two salt blocks and the mosquito spray. If you would like more info on her don’t hesitate to give me a call or txt with questions thanks.

Apart from the other odd spellings and inspiring choice of photograph, this ad from Lynn begs an important question: “Is it fifty thousand dollars or five hundred o’clock?”

Just as an aside, Craigslist allows you list as many ads as you like, all for free… just saying. From Jenna:

This saddle ad is pretty bad in and of itself… but once you start to play “I Spy” with the rest of the photo, you too may laugh to see what’s being used as a saddle stand, as pointed out by Susan:

This ad comes with a disclaimer before you start thinking the horse might be aged… from Kimmy:

There’s a lot of things we could say about this next ad, but we’re just going to leave it here and let it speak for itself. From Gabrielle:

2 year old first time in saddle dun good we just don’t need him he is a guiding need more time than i have for him

No, really, the photo does show the stud pony. From Jaye:

Offering a miniature stud colt pony. Approximately 6 months old. Dark with white socks. First 100$ takes it. He is at the back, can send better e mail pics if interested

Speaking of ads where the photo doesn’t quite match the text, Emma points out, “So easy to catch, here are pictures of him running away with lead still attached!”

Levi has a huge personality, loves attention easy to catch, stands for farrier. He is green broke need someone who can ride him on a regular basis. I think he might turn gray. The inside of his tail is gray and he has thousands of grey hairs throughout his body. He is 15.1 hands and 4 years old. you will
fall in love with him. He
definitely will be a $3,500
horse with hours put on him I
hate to see him go. I can except credit card for full or partial payment.

But it gets weirder… from Kimmy:

…and weirder, also from Kimmy:

This wanted ad definitely gives us a great idea of what the buyer is looking for. From Kaity: “I don’t think they could be any more vague!”

From Kimmy:

She has a very explosive attitude. Should you be an experienced rider looking for a somewhat challenging proposition, she is the horse for you. She is a large (15.2ish hands) Palomino Paint with the attitude of both! She doesn’t care for trailers or training. She prefers to be sat on and not moved. She has been known to be stubborn and quite abstinent mixed with a bit of an explosive temper tantrum every now and again. She loves to flex her neck and refuse to push forward and as for backing, if you like rearing in the air; you got it. She does have some wonderful traits; she is a lover and a snuggler and quite polite when being led. She stands for the farrier and doesn’t mind being groomed and beautified in the least. She plays well with others of her species and humans on the ground. The reason for us selling her, she would be a great jumper since keeping her in our split fence round pen during training only encourages her to jump over the fence and go graze in the backyard. Experienced riders only call, no meat grinders or horse flippers. She would do great with someone with the expertise she needs to become an amazing lady. Serious inquires only. Call or text 8 one 2 five seven seven 77 nine zero

Craigslist had a special this month on rearing young horses, as evidenced by this ad from Jenny:

CLAIRE
3 yr old Rare Chincoteague Pony. Blood line out of Misty’s Flash Flood. She is from the line of “Misty” the Disney Movie. Registration paper’s are filled out with all information to registrar her, just have never sent them in. She’s about 11 hands high. Halter broke & lead line broke. Not broke to ride yet. Foaled date May 26, 2012, her name is Claire. Coggins test negative done on 6-24-2015. Up to date on all her shots.

Please research Chincoteague Ponies. They are rare. The following stats are from the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce reference the sale of the Chincoteague ponies each year.
Price history for ponies:
2015 – 61 ponies sold (including 12 buybacks), average cost $2,780.00 (Record), high bid $25,000 (Record), low bid $500, total sales $169,519

2014 – 54 ponies sold, average cost $2,772.23, high bid $21,000, low bid $750, total sales $149,700

2013 – 54 ponies sold, average cost $2,161.58, high bid $12,000, low bid $650, total sales $116,725

2012 – 67 ponies sold, average cost $1,442.16, high bid $7,200, low bid $400, total sales $96,625

She is full of energy and young, with great possibilities , she has not finished filling out or growing. She does have a bad habit of nibbling so that needs to be broke but I have not noticed any other issues. Needs someone who has the time to spend quality time with her . As a 3 yrs old she is full of potential with good handling. Or she would make an wonderful companion horse. Hoping for a good sweet home for this pretty girl. Have added a picture of her backside standing next to a 15 hands high horse to give you a better idea of her size & height. Also have her blood line in picture, all the info needed if you desire to register her. Cash only please. We do not have a trailer so she will need to be picked up. Thanks.

… and this ad from Kimmy. To be fair, this seller explains the rearing photo… but why include it in the first place??

$300.00 ….Rocky Mountain 4 month old filly on grass and grain she will make a good 15 hh horse I have been working with her to build her confidence she is fine once caught and petted all over I have crawled front to back and back to front between her legs hasn’t kicked yet she’s jumpy til caught ive been picking all of her legs up grabbing at her tail just trying to go all around her to get her use to me I can back up to her behind push on it with no worries of getting kicked yet still needs more time on her and just petted to death which is what I do for hours every day have been for about a week and half now shes turned out on pasture everyday and brought in twice a day to the barn for grain and working i’d like her to have a good home with other babies and someone that can give her the time and attention she needs
bathed her today…tied her. …and lead her… she done well and handled her all around shes doing really going and ill continue workin with her daily until sold the last pic was her first reaction to the sprayer soon as it hit her but once she saw what it was … just a bath lol she got used to it♥

And our last “shaking my head” ad comes from Becca:

We have for sale a 14 year old unregistered Tennessee Walking Horse gelding . Otis is a nice black gelding that stands around 15 hands tall barefoot. This is one of those hard to find been there and done that kind of horses. Otis is absolutely safe for any level of rider no matter their experience or age . He is a extra broke horse that has been trail rode his entire life and will go any and everywhere that he is pointed. Otis has a smooth gait that you would enjoy to ride . He is the type of horse that we all need because anyone in the family or any of your friends that come over can ride him. Stack as many kids as you want to on his back and just turn them loose and they can have tons of fun.
*Due to Craigslist not allowing anyone’s video’s to be accessed, here is how you can get to our videos…go to www.youtube.com/user/tristabrown166 and you will find all of our videos. Look for the video of “Otis”

We’ll close this week’s “Best of Craigslist” with a reminder of why we continue this series: we love giggling at a bad ad as much as the next horse lover, but the reality is that this column can also be used to unite horses in need of good homes with the caring, loving potential owners who can provide one. We’ve featured some “Best of Craigslist” success stories in the past, and we’d love to do it again. This ad comes from Jenna, who stated that “this ad is more sad than funny.”

Twh/qtr horse gelding he’s around 17 18 if not older not exactly sure on age can’t afford to keep him he needs weight put on him he is broke he came from a kids camp he would need some work to get him back into riding he must go to a home with alot of grass

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.

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