A horse in my life, can I do it?

[Ottacakes]

Hi everyone,

Please could I have your advice on this...
I have my heart set on the cutest little horse to become the new member of our family. But not having owned a horse since starting to work full time, I’m wondering if you think I will have enough time to do so?

currently I live with my partner and we have two dogs. He works very long hours and I work 9-5 (though this could be changed to 8-4 if needed), and can work from from 3x/week.

My horse would be kept on a full livery basis, turn out all year round in a small friendly commercial yard. Full livery will include everything and I might add some lunging by a pro here and there, as well as I have a lesson with a great coach once a week.

I live 20 to 25mn from the yard and will have my car.

I was thinking of going to care for the horse any day I’m working from home (3x/week) plus weekends. That means seeing the horse 5x a week.

In the morning I wake up early for a long walk with the dogs and then work out, start my day at 8 let’s say then at lunch walk the dogs again and finish at 4. I would take the dogs out at 4 (by that time they are fried and sleeping until the next day) and aim to leave by 4:30 which means I would arrive at the yard at 5. Do you think spending 2hours each weekday is enough? I would of course spend more time during the weekends..

Do you think I realistically will be able to manage both dogs and the horse? The days I will have to go to the office I won’t go to the horse as I will have to spend more time with the dogs, does that work?

the horse I prospect to buy is a young 5 years old geilding and I want the absolute best for him. But I also want to give what’s best to my dogs!!

i would very much appreciate your knowledgeable feedback and please don’t hold back if you have any questions or if you think I’m out of my mind!!

 

[BaronSamedi]

In full livery all you do is ride so it won't really take much up time wise

 

[Winters100]

If you keep the horse on full livery and can pay for it to be exercised then I don't think that time is your issue.

To me the more important thing is whether a 5 year old is right for you. Young horses can be very trying indeed, and unpredictable. You need to be really sure that you are experienced and confident enough to cope with this. It is always better to buy a horse which suits your level of skill today, not one who you think that you can cope with after lessons.

May I ask how did you find this horse? Have you tried it and does your instructor feel that it is suitable?

Also you will need the horse to be vetted - please do not miss this step.

Whatever you decide good luck!

 

[dogatemysalad]

In addition to Winters100 excellent advice, how fit are you and how self disciplined are you ?
in the dark, frozen months of winter, riding in the evenings, during the week can be tough unless you have a usable indoor school. Would you be happy to ride in that restricted time slot or would you be happy to drive over just to see your horse and not ride? Paying for full livery and all other costs is a big consideration.
However, it works for many people and on full livery with someone to help exercise, I'm sure your horse will do well.

 

[AUB]

If you’re going to groom, tack up, ride 1 hour and then do a bit of aftercare (brushing, cooling legs, put everything away etc), I think 2 hours is going to be difficult. It can be done, but I usually take 2,5-3 hours.

But other than that, sure.

 

[ycbm]

When I was in full livery I went on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and both days at the weekend. The point of full livery is you go when it suits you, and for me four days a week was perfect.

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes I do think you have time the question is more is a five yo truly the right thing in your circumstances .

 

[splashgirl45]

also agree, the time is fine as you are having full livery but i would also question if a 5 year old is the right match for you as you have been away from horses for a while.

 

[sportsmansB]

2hrs is plenty to groom, tack up, ride and groom again and clean tack or whatever
You don't mention your experience level - and without sounding cheeky, the questions you are asking don't suggest loads of horse owning experience.. A 5yo horse is a big undertaking, it might be more suitable to discuss with your instructor about choosing a more experienced school master type. At 5 and 6 they can change a lot and test a lot of boundaries.

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

It can be done and I've made it work with a similar situation but it's the quality and training time with a youngster that might mean you are compromising. Summers are easier but have you thought about winter? Plus building a real bond is partly about grooming, and just spending time with them. If you aren't committed to the youngster maybe think about something older that you will need to invest less riding/training time with to end up with a fab horse. But sounds doable to me. Good luck!! x

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Plus and I don't want to sound mean at all,but the phrase 'I have my heart set on the cutest little horse' makes me a little nervous. Decisions about buying horses should be 5% heart and 95% brain!! How cute will he feel when he freaks about because his canter is completely unbalanced and you've lost your seat/reins/mind!!, he freaks out more and doesn't understand the aids you are giving- which with a horse that is so green must be absolutely correct and supported by an excellent position. We have all seen horses and thought oh dear lord I must have him/her!! But a good horsewoman (or man) will realise it's nice to dream but what is really right for your situation isn't that. If you carry out this plan you will need someone very experienced bringing him on at the yard and wouldn't you rather buy something that has done a bit of everything, sane and that you can have fun with straight away without worrying that you aren't training/producing him correctly, and build a very special connection with?? Have you trained a horse that green before? Once you find the perfect horse you will fall in love and trust me in 6 months you wont even remember this ones name......I think you have a really good set up for say a 10 year old gelding thats done lots of hacking schooling and been out to some shows, safe in traffic, etc. You won't have the pressure and anxiety from potentially setting the course of this horses life to a happy one, or a not so happy one. There are so many gorgeous horses and ponies out there that you could provide a great life for, you've got the set up right but I think maybe the home is waiting for a different horse!! Good luck keep us updated x