An update - I'm completely torn, please help.

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E_Lister

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I managed to get through to my Auntie about loaning out her horse.

I am allowed to loan her over the winter ONLY.

This is horrible for me because I know I would be paying throughmy nose for the privelege and only being able to ride once a week (no flood lit facilities within 5 miles and no horsebox). I know my Auntie is also thinking "yesssss what a muggins" because she is worrying about the keeping of said horse over the winter and she has just found a very good, free, home.

Clearly it seems like a no brainer, just say no... But if this doesn't work I am resigned to being horseless for the next 5 years. Also I love the horse more than any other I have ever come accross and hate to think of her stuck where she is at the moment (rugless on the top of some of the harshest landscapes in Britain). What would you do in this situation?

Another thing that has just occurred to me is that she has a single horse box that I might be able to wrangle along with the horse, it might be I couldd ride her at the nearest lit sand school once a week as well, but even then is the whole affair of 6.30 mucking out in the freezing cold worth it?

Piece of freshly baked chocolate brownie for those who managed to read that mini and very confused rant!
 
The very sensible part of me says, do not do this, as i feel like you are being taken advantage of here, i mean winter only...
I would if i were being sensible look for a share or another loan perhaps, i am sure there are plenty out there.
I just feel like your aunty sounds to be behaving perhaps in a selfish way, but saying that trekking centres can loan out their ponies over winter, at least they did years ago.
My parents did just that for me many moons ago, but we had our own land and they were hardy welshies and lived out all winter on our own land in front of our house, so it was no hassle.

Like i say, given the circumstances, my sensible head is telling me to tell you not to go for it
 
Hmmmm, only you can answer this really, as you know it's not so much fun in winter especially if it freezes, little riding and lots of work, plus no one likes to be taken advantage of!

That said a horse is better than no horse ;-) when would she want him back, could you get some more time in the spring maybe or suggest that due to the winter only loan could you share some of the costs e.g. the extra hay and feed and insurance??
 
To be quite honest, if you are worrying about the cost and only being able to ride once or twice a week ( like all of us through the winter) why don't you find yourself a good riding school? I know it's not the same, but that way you are not being taken advantage of.
 
Maybe your aunt wants to see if you have the discipline and committment over the winter before committing to a longer loan? A lot of people enjoy looking after their horses over the winter, its quite a practical challenge in its own way, and a lot of people also don't have all weather riding facilities, but theres days off, half days, holidays, etc..
 
I have decided to take her on loan. I know I can look after her (and would enjoy it too). I was just feeling messed about and I think it made me see it in a totally negative light. 6 or 7 months of having my own horse and doing my own thing will be incredible. And, by the time she is due back, I have to start revising in earnest for my A levels. So maybe it is no bad thing!
 
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