Deciding to sell/ giving up horses

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beth182

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Hi guys. I've recently been thinking about selling my horse. These have only been thoughts to myself and I've felt guilty for even thinking about it so I was just looking for some advice about you lot.

He's my first horse and I love him loads but I'm not getting much chance to ride or spend with him which is making it feel like a chore and that he could be having much more fun with someone else. I feel like my heart's not in it.

My main passion are my dogs and I would have more time and money for them without the horse.

I'm also in my early 20's so at the stage of wanted to move out and become independent. I work full time but have no spare money at all so can't save to progress with my life due to the expense of the horse.

I obviously have huge worries about ensuring he has a good loving home.

Sorry for the huge message I just wanted to know if anyone else had been through this and what you did. Thank you x x
 
I think if you read your post back selling is what you want to do. It doesn't make you a bad or uncaring person, it is pretty clear from what you have written that you have different financial priorities than you did maybe a couple of years ago and have found something to do in your spare time that you enjoy more than horses/riding.

I am sure you will take care to find a lovely home for your horse with someone who at the moment has more time/money to devote to him. You never know in the future you might come back to horses, but right now it just seems to be holding you back financially and making you feel guilty. Good luck
 
If your hearts not in it then sell - life's too short and if you go about it right you can find the right new home for your horse and free up your time and money for things you enjoy.

I sold my horse of 9 years recently due to lack of time and don't regret it.
 
If you're more into dogs than horses and your horse is eating up your finances (figuratively speaking, of course) then sell the horse. As long as you find him a good home, which I'm sure you will, then you've done the right thing by him.
 
As long as you are happy it's a decent home then no worries sell, if you really really can't find one then PTS rather than neglect and dismal death.
 
I agree with all of the above replies. I'm older (50+) and won't get another when my old boy goes as my priorities have also changed. He's at least 23, so I'd never sell him, but your horse is still in the prime of his life and can go on to give someone else pleasure.

I see no reason for you to feel guilty. OP. If your heart's not it, that's completely understandable. Find him a good home and enjoy your dogs - and extra money!
 
Better to find a good home now than hang on to a horse because you feel guilty and then end up with an old horse that you can't sell or who needs expensive maintenance down the line.

I'm horseless after decades of ownership and while I miss my horse, not having the work, worry and expense is refreshingly liberating.

I'm looking forwards to doing lots of different things too.

Just be sure that the home is right for him.
 
I loaned out my first horse in my early 20s. Gave up for 11years for sheepdogs. Then got the horse back and loaned her out again and sold her. Got 5 and one on the way now and been back in horses for 4 years. First horse wouldn't suit my life style now so absolutely the right decision for me.
 
I think there's nothing wrong with wanting a break whether it's permanent or temporary, having horses is expensive as well as time consuming and emotionally challenging at times. A sound, well mannered horse in its prime has every chance of attracting a home where they will be well cared for and appreciated so you mustn't feel guilty about selling, if no one ever sold a good horse where would the equine world be?!
 
I'm currently going through the same issue! I'm about to go to university full time next week and I know I'm not going to have the time that my 5yr old gelding deserves :(
 
If your mind is made up go for it. It's meant to be fun and it cost too much not to enjoy. If you do your best to home him correctly then you have done your best by him. No horse could ask for more. Good luck .
 
Thank you so much everyone all your replies are exactly what I needed to hear. I've been thinking about it but hadnt shared it with anyone. You're all right life's too short. Oh also whilst Im here if anyone could help, I've not been able to find his passport for ages but not done anything about it but I'm going to need it now aren't I , do you know how I go about getting a new one? Thank you again i feel a lot better about it x
 
beth182 said:
Thank you so much everyone all your replies are exactly what I needed to hear. I've been thinking about it but hadnt shared it with anyone. You're all right life's too short. Oh also whilst Im here if anyone could help, I've not been able to find his passport for ages but not done anything about it but I'm going to need it now aren't I , do you know how I go about getting a new one? Thank you again i feel a lot better about it x
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Contact the passport issuing organization and ask how much a replacement is, the vet can scan for a microchip to get the number which will help the PIO identify him if he's not registered in your name/address currently.
 
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