Can I hear your positive stories about getting a first horse later in life?

It's me with the cob share available!
I also didn't start riding until I was 40 & got my own at 45. At the time I was contracting so it was probably a completely mad thing to do. But tbh we did have good savings at the time. Had a few rainy days since & the savings have gone on major structural repairs to the house, , sorting out eldest son after a bad accident,OH being made redundant 3 times in 15 months, & setting up a new business for him. But I wouldn't not have my horses for the world
 
Having been horse mad since I could walk and never being able to ride (no money to) I finally started to learn at 24.. I eventually realised my dream of horse ownership at 36...

The mare I bought was not entirely suitable, but, she was and still is, the one. 6.5 years on I don't regret it. I don't have the spare cash to fritter on clothes etc, I spend more on her shoes than I ever do my own, but, I wouldn't change anything (well apart from less mud in the winter ;) ) it's been everything and more than I expected.

We just moved yards as I moved home, and our bond has helped her through the process, a week after moving in, shes extremely settled and doing well. Riding lessons at schools are all well and good, and definitely needed prior to owning. But, there is nothing like the relationship of owning your own, worth all the little sacrifices.

Good Luck with whatever you do :D
 
Until I bought my mare two years ago I hadn't ridden regularly since the early eighties, when we all used string girths and turnouts were always called New Zealands and only came in blue or green ;)

I missed riding all my adult life and didn't really enjoy riding schools as I like to build a bond with an individual horse. Anyway, having made a few quid from selling my house I just suddenly had a eureka moment and decided to get one and I haven't regretted it for one minute. In fact it's one of the best decisions I ever made :). I too had worries that I wouldn't be able to afford it but I've just adjusted my spending accordingly - I hardly ever buy clothes (and even then, only jods ;)), rarely eat out and haven't been on a holiday in years but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Best of luck whatever you decide and keep us posted :)
 
I've longed for horses my whole life, but never got to ride as a child. My parents thought horses were for frivolous rich people.

I had to wait until my late thirties before I was in a time and place with the money and opportunity to take riding lessons.

Four years later, at the age of 43, I bought my first horse. She is Welsh, so it was a trial by fire, lol, :eek: but I've never looked back. She's given me so much. I would have never guessed how time consumming it is but well worth it. We have an incredible bond and everything I give to her, she gives back tenfold.

(I also dropped two clothes sizes and got very fit since I acquired her. Welshies keep their humans active.) :cool:
 
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