Am I being too sentimental?

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Fimbacob

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Have been helping a friend bring on her two horses and have fallen in love with one that she is planning to sell. I do have a horse that I would never part with. I have brought him on from a youngster and he is now spot on in everyway. I love him but he no longer provides a challenge. I could happily cope with going from one to two so thats not the problem. However if I wanted to take on this youngster id have to shift a couple of stone to comfortably ride her as she is quite fine.
I have taken her from just backed and turned away for 2 yrs to lunged over poles, first clip, well behaved for dentist etc etc. She has great potential as pony club eventer that I couldnt do with her as im too old, but would still compete her. She is just so trusting affectionate and seems to do anything I ask of her.
Is this me seeing things thru rose tinted glasses? Do I bite the bullet and let her go or do I shift the flab and take her on??
 
You probably have to decide if she is a horse you would like to have despite the sentiment. If she really doesn't suit you then at some point you will find that you want different things in life and probably have to part with her. But if you want to do things she can do and enjoys, then why not? And be realistic about the weight and how likely you are to be able to shift it. I can't think of a better motivation though, so it will be great for you health wise!
 
Nothing like feeling u r 2 heavy for your own horse as motivation to loose weight!
Altho totally fine for my horse I felt I was a bit big, bit the bullet & dieted & it really worked to motivate me!

As to the horse, if it 1 you can really c yourself having lots of fun with & keeping long term I say go for it! :)
 
When horses are your hobby I don't think sentimental is a bad thing. We put so much blood, swear and tears in to them that there's nothing wrong with following your heart. If you think you will enjoy her and that realistically she will be sufficientmotivation to lose the weight then go for it!
 
Thanks everyone.
The weight is not too much of a problem as she would be the best motivation but I agree with what you say.
Am I being selfish though? Should*I let her go to some pony club teenager who will event her, but hope that they are sensitive enough owners who will understand her quirks (she was almost pts at 3 as being too difficult and dangerous to handle) but she is an absolute lamb now.
I feel like I have come so far with her in such a short time, but am I being soppy thinking its me or it could just be a case of her maturing and becoming better handled.
 
It isn't selfish to offer a loving home to a horse that has been difficult in the past. She has no concept that she might be a good PC eventer so she certainly won't be missing out :)
 
I've always had rather odd choices of favourites. Although I've worked with loads of horses, some I just fall for, not always with any logical reason. And it always works out for the best. But for you I think it depends on how many horses you've spent a lot of time with. If its the only one except your own that you've formed a relationship with, then that explains it. If you've had similar relationships with plenty but she just has a strong effect on you, then its different. As to the weight, depends how achievable it is. Losing excess to ride is a good motivater, but if her ideal weight is one that you'd really struggle to maintain it will be tough. Eg if really you should be 8 stone to ride her & you're 6' & big built it will be a permanent battle.
 
Stupid phone!
Hundreds of horses in 24 yrs and she is about the sixth to catch my heartstrings.
Im only 5'4" so height isnt a problem etc.
My main concern is I am not massively competitive, I do bits and bobs but its not my main focus (do plan county showing my cob). Im concerned I would be holding back her potential. I just feel she is so much better to handle when im around eg for dentist, clipping etc when has always been doped previously. Am I being a bit childrens storybook that its me???
Yes I know I sound totally naff!
 
ghostie said:
It isn't selfish to offer a loving home to a horse that has been difficult in the past. She has no concept that she might be a good PC eventer so she certainly won't be missing out :)
Click to expand...

So true! I'm sure my appy would make a cracking hunter but I don't like jumping so much, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't mind whether he wins every class at HOYS or spends the rest of his life as an expensive ornament. It might be different if the horse went from top of her game to bored and unfit, but if you can give her a good life with someone she knows and trusts then why deny her that?

I guess it's circumstantial for you, but the fact you've put the time in with her as well as the one you have suggests to me that you do have the time and the will to work with her. Not easy this time of year, but if she's what you want and you make a good team, I vote you lose the guilt and go with what your heart tells you.
 
Buy her. Bringing her on further is only a good thing. If you feel it's too much down the line you can always sell her to the pc home. She isn't going to care if she is a pc eventer or a light hack! Life is too short for regrets so if you want her and can afford her, do it :)
 
Have always regretted not buying the one mare who totally captivated me and I listened to others who said I had exams blah blah and I let her go and twenty years on I still wish I had bought her. So buy her-you can always sell her again if it doesn't work out.
 
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