Completely confused! Share, loan or buy???

[Razzel_Dazzel]

My loan pony is due to go back in two weeks time (owners choice not ours), We are so upset, but trying to channel our emotion into looking on the positive side. When I knew she was due to go back I was sure that I wanted to buy my own, so no one could take my horse away, and have to go through all this upset again. BUT tonight had a fantastic ride on a wonderful 14'3hh gelding who is looking for a sharer. Now because I don't have much experience (Was sharing for a year before I took my mare on Loan 3ish months ago) I am going to be trying lots of different horse at the yard etc so I can see what breeds I like etc but now im not sure what to do hence, share, buy or Loan. I know I have lots of time on my hands, and dont need to make a rushed decision but if you have any words of wisdom or happy ending stories Id love to hear them pls!
Oh and sorry for such a long post, heads spinning at the mo!

 

[JJ2]

If you are that undecided then maybe it would be better to share for a bit until you have fully decided on what you want to do.
I do think eventually you ought to buy as that way you can secure your horse for as long as you want but as you say you are not very experienced, sharing sounds like it is the way to go for you right now.
Good luck!

 

[Hullabaloo]

I had lots of fun sharing and loaning before I bought my horse and it taught me such a lot. I can understand you've been put off by the way your horse's owner has behaved, but there are "good" owners out there who will appreciate what you can offer their horse. The owner of the first horse I had on loan was brilliant - she gave me so much advice and support without interfering that it made it possible for me to go on to own my own horse eventually.

Before you buy, you need to think what you would do if something went wrong. My horse has only been sound for short periods over the past year and I've had all the work and the expense with very little fun. I still think I did the right thing when I bought him, but it has brought home to me the responsibility of owning a horse.

Also if you don't have much experience you are likely to improve and you could find that the horse that suits you now is not what you're looking at in a years time. If you can find a good share or loan, give it a go and take it from there.