I just wanted to let you all know that I went out and met this horse today... Lay your worries to rest, and dont lose sleep over this one...
She is not a first time horse owner.
She has a beautiful new barn, and nice board fencing, horse is happy and extremely healthy and well taken care of.
She will be getting the farrier out, and also the vet for vaccinations.
We worked on lunging and then I rode this mare... very well behaved, just needs a few reminder lessons...
All in all I think she made a great choice, and if I had been there when she looked at this mare I would have told her to buy her. (I was supposed to go with her that day and couldnt make it).
As far as the concerns about the tack... the saddle did not fit properly, so she is going to get another... but it is a nice saddle for the money... not every nice saddle has to cost hundreds of dollars!
I was very surprised to read some of the comments... I thought this was a place for people to help one another, not be rude and make hurtful remarks. Everyone at one time was a first or even second time horse owner, and has asked for help. It's really ashame she wont feel comfortable coming here for advice.