Coming to a difficult decision :(

Jingley

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Hello
I know some people will be reading this and thinking what on earth are you worrying about BUT im a worrier its what i do best!
So ive decided to put one of my horses out on loan. I have 2x horses, one older forever horse, then an 11 yr old not right for me horse. Wasnt a problem keeping both of them, still isnt really but im nearly 8 months pregnant and the reality of having 2 horses, as well as not riding or doing anything with the perfectly fit 11 year old is overwhelming me.

I dont want to sell her, as want to keep her future safe and secure and wouldnt want her to be passed around so ive come to the decision putting her out on loan is the best option for her. Shes got no health worries other than a bog spavin that causes her no issues but for this reason i would want her to just be flatwork and hacking; vet has assessed and no concerns.

I dont know why but i know this decision is right for me, im feeling totally overwhelmed and its making me low, but also feeling so guilty too. I know people buy and sell horses all the time but i have this attachment to animals and always have the attitude that once you commit to an animal etc. But on the other hand i see her in the field not doing anything and i think what a waste. I havent advertised her but have asked around my kind horsey friends for word of mouth advertising.

I dont really know what im doing with this, half of me wants to sign her over to a rescue to go through one of their loan schemes (im aware they are all full) and the other half wants for a lovely loanee to come along and everything be fine and dandy. I think im just dreaming but anyone who has been in this position before and could offer advice, it would be gratefully received.
 
Firstly - please don't make yourself feel guilty! It sounds like you really love and care for your horse, and you should be proud of that. Loans can be brilliant, and if you're concerned about your horses welfare then I would really specify in the advert about her bog spavin, and under no circumstances feel pressured to agree to an arrangement you're not comfortable with. You could always ask a loan owner to agree to a set number of visits for you to check on welfare- every month for example ? I know people who have loan agreements where they are constructed to visit a certain trainer at regular intervals so the owner can watch and make sure things are progressing as they would like!
Secondly- if you decide you can't sign over to a loan, what about a part loan or share? This could help alleviate pressure and financial commitments. And finally, don't let yourself feel bad for your horse being "wasted". Horses have no sense of ambition as we do- they don't worry about 'potential' or 'achievement', they are happy to be fed and well looked after ! So if you decide to keep your horse, don't feel concerned about a lack of competing or training - there is no deadline or expectations. It sounds like you're in a stressful situation and I hope you find the happiest solution x
 
I was in the same position 7yrs ago, about 6 months pregnant. I could never have let go of my mare even on loan so she stayed on assisted livery and I rode her when I could. I knew I wouldn't have time for my gelding so a loaned him to a lovely man who hacked him out for 4yrs and only sent him back due to health problems (loaner not horse).
I then didn't have the money for two so found another lovely loaner via homes4horses. She loaned him for 2yrs and he has now come back to me as my wonderful mare is no longer with me.
Horses4homes was good for finding a loaner. It's a bit of a hassle but I think it ensures you get genuine people as they have to go through the application process.
 
Thankyou helenchat and SnowandSunshine for the kind reassuring words !! Im looking into loaning through that Horses4homes website. Have had a good read through and it looks like it has a good application process; that alongside the kind friends ive asked to keep an ear out for me hopefully the right home for my horse will come along. Im in no rush at all and if i have to wait a long time for the right owner then so be it! Thankyou for your advice.
 
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