Can we trade husbands? LOL!! A couple months from now might not be a good time  either so just jump at the chance and look at the horse. Your husband obviously isn't too bothered by finances right now if he is buying you a horse. Be flattered he is wanting to be involved in your horse endeavors!

I would just go look at the horse, be surprised. You can always take him aside and tell him your worries with buying this horse. Believe me, if you spoil his surprise now he will be forever unsurprising in the future.

What if he is aware of your finances and has worked out a payment plan with the seller?   This could be a possibility.  I sold a trailer once and the person who bought it, paid me by the month and did not tell her signifigant other what the real price was and worked out the details with me on the side. 

Comes down to, if you were planning on buying a horse in a couple months, why not buy one you've "been drooling over"? In other words, when you're ready to buy a horse, will you regret not buying the gift horse?

Years ago I sold a mare I dearly loved. Recently my husband surprized me by buying her back.  I was very angry with him at first by not checking with me (what if I didn't like her anymore? what if she isn't the horse for the kind of riding I now do?), and that sorely hurt his feelings. He said he'll NEVER surprize me with anything again. 'Course now I'm glad I have her, but my point is, let him surprize you, discuss your financial situation with your husband, then make the decision. If you really want it, and your husband doesn't seem to be overly concerned about the finances, why not go ahead with the purchase? If you don't want it, the sellers will most likely understand. But once you say no, be prepared for the owner to sell the horse to someone else....you okay with that?

Here's another point of view.  It seems finance is the show stopper here...  I salute your discipline.  Go see the horse, be surprised, and pleased.  Then, discuss the money issue with husband.  It's better to be comfortable & secure than have "stuff".  The right horse will happen at the right time.  This one is just the stand out today.

Two people working together are much more than either alone.

Hey, you know what.....Life is short !  Go see the horse with your husband, he worked very hard to try and please and surprise you......he must love you a lot to do all of that.  If you don't like the horse just tell him "lets keep looking honey"  if you really do like the horse then say "I love the horse but can we afford it dear?" 

Your husband is a sweetie, remain calm and have faith.

lively, that's such a sweet story. Your husband sounds like a doll and so do you. Also sounds like you handled it great. I hope you end up with the horse of both of your dreams. I know how you feel. Nothing is fun when you have bills to pay. (I have this warning light that goes off in my head that just says, "dont spend any money now." Sometimes it's an overreaction but better to err on the side of caution, imo. Usually the purchase price is the least of our expenses. Or should I say, "always"?