Decision made

[Annagain]

Some of you may be aware of my journey so far with Charlie. I've decided to sell him. It breaks my heart and I'm in tears typing this but it's best for both of us. He's had some time off for physical issues which have been treated (and which, of course, will be disclosed, with his vet records open to buyers) and I was supposed to get back on him last week. I just couldn't face doing it. It's not his fault, he's not done much wrong (other than his fear of pigs) we're just not right for each other.

My friend made me ride her new 5 year old cob on Saturday. I didn't really want to but I got on him and went down the lane on my own to meet another friend for a hack. It's only the third time I've sat on him. We went out for about an hour, I left her at the bottom of the lane and came home on my own. I was beaming. I haven't taken Charlie out alone for a year. That says it all.

He's going to go to someone I know and trust who will get him back into work slowly, make sure he's 100% happy being ridden and then sell him. I'll be taking a big hit financially but I know it's what we both need.

Once he's sorted, I'll be looking for another. A total saint of a gelding (geldings only yard) about 16hh. Maybe a maxi cob? I don't care about talent or potential, just kindness and honesty.

ETA that sounds like Charlie isn't kind or honest, that's not fair on him. He's put up with my wobbles very well. It's just that neither of us has enough confidence to give some to the other at the moment and we both need someone who can give us that.

 

[Tracking_up]

Sorry to hear that this is the conclusion you've come to, but much respect in recognising there are issues in the relationship and that this is the best for you and Charlie - well done for being brave to make changes.

 

[ycbm]

You've made a good decision for both of you. We'll done.
.

 

[SEL]

Sometimes we just don't bond with a horse and no one should be ashamed to admit that. I hope you find him the perfect home and you the perfect horse for you

 

[eggs]

It's a tough decision but sounds as though it is definitely the correct one. We are supposed to enjoy our horses and the right one will be out there for you.

 

[Highmileagecob]

I wish more people could be as honest and sensible as you, instead of hanging on to unsuitable horses because they can't bear to part with them. Sad decision but I hope it works out.

 

[Annagain]

Thanks all. I'm sad, really sad, as he was supposed to be a forever horse but I know it's right for us.

I think he'd love a hunting home and I'm never going to be brave enough to go hunting. The thought of galloping with 20+ other horses (on any horse) terrifies me. He's done ok at the school stuff but his heart's not in it.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Very brave decision. It sounds as though you will both be happier parting company, as gard as it is. But when Charlie finds his person and you find your ideal horse you will realise its the best thing you could have done. Hugs.

 

[Coblette]

A sad and very hard decision but horses are our hobby and supposed to be fun, life is too short. Hope you find a lovely new horse soon.

 

[fankino04]

Sounds like a very sensible decision, I wish I had been that sensible when I was in your shoes but instead I pay for a field ornament which prevents me from affording a horse to have fun on (she is a pretty ornament and I do love her though)

 

[sz90168]

Well done on making your decision. I am in a similar position as it is very difficult as I also bought mine with being a forever horse in mind.

 

[Waxwing]

Hi Annagain; I am aware you have commented on a thread I posted recently when I was musing about selling. I came to the same decision yesterday after my daughter also told me she felt nervous on our current horse. I also a ride on a different, very safe horse yesterday and loved it. It also made me aware of how much I was starting to anticipate something happening when I ride our horse, even though she has never done anything particularly wrong. I was chatting to the yard owner yesterday and reflected that on the fact that she as she has matured over the winter and got stronger and fitter she has also got feistier, for want of a better term. She needs a home where she can be in full time work; would probably suit an eventing yard or similar. I feel rather guilty as bought her planning to keep her for the next fifteen years plus. but on the other hand she has had a nice year with us, been regularly schooled and hacked by a proficient rider and had access, lived out most of the time and spent a lot of daytime hours snoozing in her stable. We have had some good times during the year and I don't regret buying her, but will regret keeping her. I am also considering a maxi cob or similar... I do appreciate it is a really difficult decision but it sounds like a brave one and the right one.

 

[Annagain]

Hi Annagain; I am aware you have commented on a thread I posted recently when I was musing about selling. I came to the same decision yesterday after my daughter also told me she felt nervous on our current horse. I also a ride on a different, very safe horse yesterday and loved it. It also made me aware of how much I was starting to anticipate something happening when I ride our horse, even though she has never done anything particularly wrong. I was chatting to the yard owner yesterday and reflected that on the fact that she as she has matured over the winter and got stronger and fitter she has also got feistier, for want of a better term. She needs a home where she can be in full time work; would probably suit an eventing yard or similar. I feel rather guilty as bought her planning to keep her for the next fifteen years plus. but on the other hand she has had a nice year with us, been regularly schooled and hacked by a proficient rider and had access, lived out most of the time and spent a lot of daytime hours snoozing in her stable. We have had some good times during the year and I don't regret buying her, but will regret keeping her. I am also considering a maxi cob or similar... I do appreciate it is a really difficult decision but it sounds like a brave one and the right one.

I think we've both done the right thing. Just don't buy a horse I want before me or we might fall out .

 

[The Xmas Furry]

If things don't work, then they just don't. V sensible (but i appreciate its v hard too) decision to let him go.
Hoping time moves briskly for you in him house hunting and you finding one that really does suit xx

 

[Waxwing]

Perhaps we could go horse shopping together (Whereabouts in the country are you?)

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Thanks all. I'm sad, really sad, as he was supposed to be a forever horse but I know it's right for us.

I think he'd love a hunting home and I'm never going to be brave enough to go hunting. The thought of galloping with 20+ other horses (on any horse) terrifies me. He's done ok at the school stuff but his heart's not in it.

If I've read right on another thread, Charlie is 8 this year? He could live another 15, 20 or more years. That's a lot of years, and days, for you to spend owning a horse which you haven't clicked with.
But most importantly, you're doing what's best for Charlie, trying to give him a life where he gets to do what he enjoys doing.

If only doing right was always easy {{{Hugs}}}

 

[Annagain]

Perhaps we could go horse shopping together (Whereabouts in the country are you?)

South Wales. I've seen one gorgeous looking one but he's in the North West so a long way away and considering the hit I'll take with Charlie, far too expensive.

 

[Waxwing]

Is that a rather nice grey Mr W; he is a long way from me but I messaged but didn't get a response.

 

[Annagain]

Is that a rather nice grey Mr W; he is a long way from me but I messaged but didn't get a response.

That's him. He's lovely looking but way out of my price range.

 

[Peglo]

@Annagain and @Waxwing so sorry things haven’t worked out with your horses. I’ve read both your updates and really hoped things might finally gel. But well done for realising it’s not right for you and your horses. wishing you all the best in finding lovely new homes for them and please keep us updated on the search for a new one.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Horses are too time consuming and expensive to not enjoy them. It sounds to me that you have made a decision that in in both of your best interests. It takes guts to admit it's not working out, I hope you find your new buddy soon x

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Such an incredibly hard decision, but I reaching you’re doing the right thing for him and for you. It’s meant to be fun, something you look forward to, not a worry. Riding something safe is such a pleasure.

When you’re ready, put your requirements on here, you never know who might have a contact and we all love a looking for thread.

I think you’ve been incredibly brave and selfless to do this.

 

[Red-1]

Sounds like a good decision, hope you find your unicorn soon!

 

[Ratface]

Well done for making a sensible decision for both you and Charlie.
Horses are far too emotionally and financially expensive to keep if they don't fulfill your core needs.
Good luck in your search for The Right One.