Many of us buy second-hand clothes or furniture online, but one woman went as far as to buy a former racehorse on Facebook – and it didn’t end how she had hoped
A woman has issued a warning after an online purchase left her with more than she’d bargained for. Many of us use the likes of Vinted, Depop, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace to get second-hand items, typically for a lot less than you would pay if you brought the item brand new. Plus, it means that the unwanted item does not go to waste. People typically get clothing, accessories, furniture and household appliances., but sometimes you will find unusual items up for sale.
Recently, one woman managed to find a former racehorse being sold on Facebook – and she bought it. The buyer, from Florida, decided to visit the horse at the stables where he was being kept, before heading out for a ride. She brought along her hair stylist pal, Jenny, who documented the horrifying moment her friend fell off the animal as it ran.
The rider initially looked comfortable as her new pet galloped around the field at a reasonable pace. Suddenly the horse sped up, however, and the rider lost control.
She could be heard repeatedly shouting: “Help me!” as the racehorse made a beeline for a fenced area. The rider fell off the horse and was left with significant bruising on her shoulder and back, as well as a number of deep scratches.
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Jenny took to Instagram to share a video of the incident, which has raked in over 65 million views. She said: “How not to purchase a retired racehorse on Facebook marketplace.”
In an update, Jenny added: “The horse is fine, the rider’s fine. It was unfortunate my friend was misled with information, but chill.” Following the terrifying incident, the best friends went to a bar and had some margaritas to unwind.
While the horse and rider are doing well, the incident has horrified people. One commented on the video and said: “No helmet, riding in a crop top, inappropriate footwear, shouting when it bolted. Don’t buy a racehorse….you’ll end up dead.”
“Ah the blind leading the blind,” added another. One other shared their fury and said: “I’m sorry, but this girl should not be riding that horse. She looks like a beginner rider and not experienced enough by the way she is holding the reins and saddle horn. No control of that animal at all.”
“It’s a race horse, what did you expect?,” pointed out another. One other said: “Wow you are so so lucky that you are not seriously injured.”
Defending the rider, another said: “I am happy that she’s OK and that the horse is OK. You can see. She has love in her eyes for the horse or horses.” One other offered support and wrote: “‘I’m so sorry that happened to you.. That must have been terrifying. I’m glad it wasn’t worse.”
One who can relate to the situation, shared: “It’s happened to me but I wore a helmet and had been riding two years shouting for help doesn’t work its u n him. I reined back on mine but I ended up managing to stop him.”
Another shared: “My friend had a retired racehorse and he did the same thing. Majority of the time he was fine, but periodically he would forget he wasn’t racing and take off. Luckily she knew how to handle but often had some wild rides.”
Think before you buy
Facebook does not permit the sale of animals on Marketplace, its buying and selling forum, nor in buying and selling groups. The platform bans the sale of “live animals including livestock and pets,” and anyone selling an animal on a Meta platform is in breach of this rule.
If you are looking to get a horse or any other pet, you should look for reputable sellers and established equestrian websites. Always make sure you have the right equipment and experience for the animal you are welcoming into your life.
The British Horse Society states: “Buying and owning a horse is a big commitment, so it’s important that you’re 100% confident about your decision, and that the process of buying isn’t rushed.”
If you are buying an ex racehorse, it is important to be realistic about your ability and experience.
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