Considering selling ? What to do....

[Debsflo1]

Bit of background ,I have an Irish mare bought as a very green sensible all-rounder nearly 5 years ago. Aged 5 from Ireland.
Been a mother daughter share .
I'm a mature owner and she has been a challenge at times with her behaviour and had ulcers several times, found to have sore si and chronic mild psd likely caused by old injury.
Now in light work due to winter but usually hacks ,odd lessons, pleasure rides.
Also v hormonal and on regumate and grass affected so needs careful management.
Striking nice type but is a dominant challenging mare ,forward and sharp.
Done lots and lots of groundwork and she is better but she's not relaxing or easy ever and needs consistent handling but with some kind and consistant person.
She can be different from day to day in her reactivity.
Atm is very sharp and reactive and seasons despite regumate.
Out at day in at night
Ulcer friendly feed
I'm very knowledgeable and experienced but not overly brave.
I have grazing and stabling at home but no facilities and am considering a smaller easy type that is easy allround as I'm heading to 60.
My worry and guilt is whether I should sell ,loan or bring her home and see if she copes.
I would be worried about her being passed around or scaring people who then are heavy handed.
I am attached to her and want us both to be happy and have been on pro yards that didn't suit.
I am very proud of the work I've put in and on a good day she's a dream but equally want to find the best solution for us both.
I'm currently on a quiet yard on doorstep for arena but no one to ride with and dealing with a spooky sharp horse in knee deep mud is making me think of my options.
Any sensible helpful thoughts.
She's a beautiful substantial type and hacks alone and in company but due to psd and prev ulcers needs to be managed for that.
Tia

 

[Polos Mum]

She doesn't sound like a sales option to me.

Does your vet think she is sound? I do wonder reading cold whether some of the behaviour could be pain related ?

I would see if you can find someone to loan - from your yard under your supervision to start with to make sure the fit is right. We're going in the right direction weather wise for sharers and loans.

If you have enough space at home and you have concerns about soundness then could she be a companion to your more level headed ridden horse?

 

[milliepops]

She doesn't sound like a sales option to me.

Does your vet think she is sound? I do wonder reading cold whether some of the behaviour could be pain related ?

I would see if you can find someone to loan - from your yard under your supervision to start with to make sure the fit is right. We're going in the right direction weather wise for sharers and loans.

If you have enough space at home and you have concerns about soundness then could she be a companion to your more level headed ridden horse?

agreed
unless it was to someone you knew well I don't think I'd want to offer her as a loan off-site and personally I couldn't sell a horse with those issues in good conscience.
a loan or share from your yard whether that's from the livery or from your home if you move her, seems like the better bet.

 

[Debsflo1]

I've had numerous checks with vet and regular physio.
Shes sound but obviously not doing any current schooling but its something I'm very aware of and worry about constantly.
She is very grass affected so spring ,seasons and recent cold spell is possibly current likely cause but she's definitely not a novice horse due to her reactivity.
That may be an option to loan from me or bring home and see.
She could live out which may suit her 24/7

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I agree with the others and tbh, I would think that the best outcome for the mare would be to become a companion to a sensible 'easy' horse, living on your land. I had a TBx who spent half her life as a companion, even though at livery , she was in a stable herd of our own 4 horses, she was much more relaxed when they were kept at home and there weren't other horses coming and going all the time. I would want to explore any further pain issues, too.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I agree with above I wouldn't sell a horse with those issues, I would loan only from my yard or find a sharer or just retire her and keep her at home as companion for the new horse.

 

[twiggy2]

• Do you have others horses at home?

 

[Debsflo1]

Not atm but daughters pony would move home and probably get a companion plus a sensible small model for me.

Have 4 stables and field shelter and enough grazing just no parking for trailer and no arena.
I've always had her on livery for facilities but may be happier at home.

 

[HeyMich]

She sounds very similar to my mare, but since being at home and out 24/7 with a gelding she likes, she's been much better and calmer. Definitely worth a try anyway.

 

[Debsflo1]

It is worth a try.
I've already decided I would bring home next winter.
Shes a different horse in the summer on the whole.
Helpful just to think as I always feel so guilty thinking about it on my own.
I know most people would have thrown the towel in.
I personally don't think its pain but you never know.
It definitely has been in the past but she's a push the boundaries sort of horse.
I do loads of groundwork but never seems to stick.

 

[nikicb]

Not atm but daughters pony would move home and probably get a companion plus a sensible small model for me.

Have 4 stables and field shelter and enough grazing just no parking for trailer and no arena.
I've always had her on livery for facilities but may be happier at home.

I think that sounds the perfect solution. I have mine at home and it's certainly easier to micro manage where required. You may well find she becomes more settled and some of the issues go away.