Anyone else feel like giving up?

[NELSON11]

I know this is a bit self indulgent so I apologise in advance. I know we all have issues with our horses and everyone always knows someone worse off. So I totally understand and sympathise with anyone having a rough time.

Do any of you ever feel like giving up? I have spent consecutively the last 11 years nursing horses which have broken through various injuries/illnesses. And tbh am getting really tired and emotional about it. Haven't even been able to do 1 event in the last 11 years with 4 horses. Surely him upstairs thinks I must be due a break. Even my vets have said we hope to god you get at least 12 months out of this one before any issues. And it doesn't happen

Current beau is my just 5yo who I have just spent £5k on having produced for 8 months to come home to me with DJD in both hocks (missed at school hasten to add) and now resigned to walking in a straight line with an uncertain future. Each week feels like an eternity at the moment.

We as a family have waited 4 1/2 years for him and again feel like I have another ball and chain round my neck. Whilst yes I still give him the same love and attention and always will. I feel angry that I am back in the same postiion. We don't want to set the world on fire just settle for a little bit of fun.

Do you ever think enough is enough and maybe you weren't meant to ride???

Gin/Marlborough lights and anything else if you even get this far.

And anyone who knows me knows I am not a whinge bag so I do again apologise, just needed to put it down in writing to get off my chest

 

[loverly]

Oh I know completely how you feel and am in a similar situation myself...

Spent a lot on professional schooling for my horse (12 months) and to come out of it rearing, napping etc...

Got him home and over the last year spent a long time to get him to trust and work correctly. Recently had some back issues and been told he might not be able to with stand ridden work any longer - however vets not entirely sure. Horse is 6 years old.

Ahhh I just want things to be simple and as easy as it can be - atleast to be able to ride!!!

 

[Charem]

Another here!

I left a hetic job to allow me more time to spend with my horse and go out competing. 3 days before I leave, horse goes lame. After a trip to the vets it was reccomended that he was turned away for 6 months....2011 I get him going again after lots of walk work, gentle hacking to strengthen his legs, we come back from a hack and he goes very slightly lame. Another scan, nothing found so box rest and then resume gentle work. 6 weeks later still not better so take him to a specialist who after doing a few tests reccomends an opperation and then 6 months off...TBH I might just give him 12 months off, anything to get him sound again

 

[Bert&Maud]

What shall we call our club?!
In 20 years I have had 4 horses. The first was a fabulous WB mare who spent a year trying to kill me. Ended up selling her for peanuts to someone who knew all about her temperament. Then bought a lovely Cleveland/TB who after four months was diagnosed with KS, had operation and 6 months off, carried on riding him for another 11 years but always had slight issues. He was PTS at 26, then bought a big IDX who I adored, 3 years later he was also diagnosed with KS and put out on loan as a light hack.
So four years ago I bought a fabulous IDX 5 year old, who has been fantastic. He's won SJ, BE, Dressage, done all RC teams up to championships etc and is an absolute gem. Came to the sad decision to sell him in the spring, as I really am giving up due to family issues such as aging parents, also serious lack of time and money, lost facilities and jump jockey etc and decided that at 9 years of age he was at his very best. Sold for a lot of money subject to vet, devastated when he didn't pass, after much investigation he was found to have bone spavin (never lame or problem with his work, just slight guarding of hind leg action). I've spent the summer getting him right again and returning him to full fitness, re-advertised him with full disclosure, and he is going to his new home tomorrow for a fraction of the amount I was originally hoping for - but I think it will be a lovely home and they I hope realise that they are getting a wonderful horse for not much money. So I really am giving up, but looking back over the last four horses and the problems I've had with them, in some ways I'll be glad to be free of the stress and worry, but I don't think anything will ever replace riding your own much adored horse early on a beautiful spring/summer/autumn morning (winter, however, is a different matter!).

 

[annaellie]

I know the feeling I was my vets best friend my two competition horses that I had a tough time with both had severe colic symptoms and were pts it broke my heart it was about two years between 2. I bought a ID x mare who had lots of potential and was a lovely girl, she got cast in the indoor school if all places she hated the feild and always jumped out and returned back to her stable. She injured the ligament by the hock. The vets said she would be fine as a hack and light schooling, I moved yards with her and the idiotic staff felt that she should go out even though me stating what was wring and how she hated being out she got kicked in the same leg after lots of rest vet said only suitable as a companion or broodmare my other mare then started tying up just as I put her up for sale.
I had a break and bought a tb from ascot but tbh my heart was not in it
During this I also bought a welsh sec a who proceeded to drop a foal so 2 for 1 lol foalie is with a lovely lady down the road well she not a foal anymore and mare was not suitable for a Childs pony so is now in Wales as broodmare.
I do miss having horses and hope I get my spark back one day so I know how it can get you down

 

[BigRed]

Trouble is, I don't want to give up. I really loooong to go for a nice hack. My old horse died suddenly 15 months ago. My new horse is a nappy, rearing, brain dead. I have spent over £1500 in 5 months trying to find out if it is a medical problem, or a behavioural problem. Whatever it is, if I can't sort it, I will write the money off and start again, because I love looking after my own horses and love to ride. I really, really miss it.

 

[spottydottypony]

I love all my horses but have not rode in about 4 years! Pony 1 had a good life retired this year at 35yrs old but too small for me to ride. Got horse no 2 in 2008 to show jump at a riding club level for fun, excellent jumper. Told he was 16 yrs old but when i got the dentist it was more like 26!! His owner just never contacted me again so i call him mine. He was rode up until 4 years ago on light hacks but injured his hock in the field so had to retire him. Horse no 3 i bought or rescued from sales at 9 months old in 2003 with joint deformities. Im a soft touch and felt really sorry for him. He is now 18hh never ridden but hes a sweet heart and never could part with him. Pony no 4 got 2 years ago as a yearling for my daughter who lost interest!! He is now 3 so hopefully next year i can ride him!! I sometimes feel all i do is chores and would love to ride. I could never part with any of my boys so i have to grin and bear it but i would love to ride again one day!