For those of you that own more than one horse.

welshcobabe

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In the past I have had two horses one that was old and kept till the end of their days and the other my riding horse.

I now just have one horse who is treated like a prince. But have to say with things as expensive as they are these days how do you manage to keep more than one.

I notice from reading some of the posts that some of our friends on here have two and up to 10 and above. So apart from those who are buying and selling horses for a living how do you horse owners :-

So how do you manage ?
Costs, Time and why the need for so many ?
Are all the horses that you have in work ?
Those with loads are they kept on your own place ?

Just really interested to know.
 

Jesstickle

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I have two but wish I didn't. It was just circumstance that made it happen. My plan is to sell BH in the spring as it is too expensive and too time consuming to have two. At the moment one of mine is unbacked but there is no way I'll be able to squeeze in working both of them along side my full time job! I think some of the people on here are super human to manage as many as they do!
 

Luci07

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2 but one is in light work only as she is 22. I have found one really lovely person to share her at the weekend which helps with my bills. I do struggle but as I want to carry on riding more competitively but also want to keep my old mare I have to suck it up! And there are bonuses - she is a lovely laid back hack and I can just enjoy her AND I can take my overly friendly puppy out and know she won't be kicked.
 

Zimzim

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Hiya,I have 2 horses. I work full time aswell. 1 of mine is in full work and the other is a 3 year old so I'm just starting his education. I tend to plan my day by exercising one of them in the morning (usually my youngster as I do short sessions with him) and then exercise my other at night. The only reason I have 2 is that my mare doesnt have the scope for eventing (she likes dressage/ showing and small amounts of jumping) and I wont sell her as shes quite quirky whereas my youngster has the potential to be a good eventer. Both of mine are on a DIY yard which is between where I live and work (10 mins) so its very handy.

I also ensure their beds, teas etc are done and ready for night so then its just a case of bring them in, brush, give tea and exercise 1 of them after work.

I think its just about being in a routine and it just sticks really.

I cant afford to buy brand new items etc so I tend to get 2nd hand stuff (there in just as good a condition as new stuff if you properly look around i.e. ebay!).
 
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emmaln

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I have 2, my old gal tb who has given me so much over the years I could never ever get rid of her she's my horse of a lifetime, I bought my welshy as a foal as a companion for my tb thinking I'd be able to afford it as friends of mine were buying the yard and said if I helped out I could have reduced livery! Unfortunately it all fell through and 4 years later I am struggling big time financially and timewise to keep 2 in work and food on the table!

Luckily I have an amazing OH who is very supportive and my little bro (who also has his own now!) who helps out with the jobs and excercising!
 

L&M

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I am lucky to have 2 - a 15yr old 'been there, done it' sensible chap, and a younger horse.

It is a struggle, both time wise and financially but as I hunt in the Winter it makes sense to have 2 to share the work load.

When I bought the younger horse I knew the older chap would get neglected as just didn't need the same level of work, so advertised him through my hunt and RC for summer loan. I found the perfect person who took him on from April - Sept. She paid all his costs, kept him fit for me, and in return had a lovely safe horse to go and win some rosettes with.

Although he is back with me for hunting now, she is going to share him form my yard as and when she has time, and in return is going to pay for his shoes. I was very lucky to find somone like her and hope that the arrangement continues in whatever form.
 

cob&onion

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I have 4, but TBF i have my own land, no stables, water connection or anything else!! apart from my TB the other 3 are very good doers (natives), all bare-foot, the smallest pony is a dartmoor x, ancient and only on loan for the kids!!
Bought my youngster to bring on myself - (now my riding horse) but before she was backed i bough a TB as a project, turns out she has spinal artritus so may never come back to full work, so shes just chilling off till spring then will re-asses if she comes back i may possibly look for a sharer. Other one is my yearling, welsh D - stunning boy who i hope to do a bit of showing with next year, no real plans for him yet.
Will asses neaRER the time!!
Its good having more than 2 so when one goes out the others have company.
 

BSJAlove

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i have two and one retired boy. all three DIY. retired boy is turned away to enjoy his last few years shoeless and he doesnt take up much time at all. then i have one pony whos 5 at the same yard. but im looking for a loan home for him. then my other one is a rising 5 year old who is kept at a different yard with more facilities. only working part time means its easy :)
 

Doncella

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I have four. I have a mare and foal in a rented field, the full brother who is in full work as my main competition horse and an old dressage horse of mine who I took back earlier on this year. The foal is going to a friends on weaning to be with her foal, the old boy I am using for lunge lessons to either pay for his livery or for field hay and feed. If it all gets too expensive he will go out with the mare who was his friend from way back and I will just keep the main horse at the DIY yard.
 

jessie7

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I have 3. A 6 year old mare for hunting and competing, a 4 yr old ISH Gelding and a 4 yr old Welsh x TB. My mare is in work and so is my 4 yr old ISH, I have just had the shoes off the other 4 yr old and he is going to be turned away for the winter as I simply don't have the time! I have them all at home but don't have a school which is a pain. I ride and lead in the mornings or I school one in the morning and ride one after work. Now the nights are drawing in it is getting harder and getting up at 5 am every week day is a killer, but I have no choice!
I muck out and throw my beds up in the morning and then pull beds down and get horses in when I get home about 6.30 pm.
It is hard work but they are worth it (most of the time) :)
 

Ladybird

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I have two, a pony that is in light work (occasionally by myself, but has a more appropriately sized small lady rider!) and my ridden horse.

So how do you manage ?
Both live out 24/7, ridden horse bought in, fed and groomed daily, ridden most days according to light. Pony usually checked in field by me weekdays as bought in 2 days a week by sharer and done properly by me at wkend

Costs, Time and why the need for so many ?
£20pw livery for the both, £60 per 8 wks farrier, £40pm insurance
Hard feed for ridden horse. Hay when necessary, both good doers.

Are all the horses that you have in work ?
Yes

Those with loads are they kept on your own place ?
No, livery approx 3.5miles from home
 

TallyHo123

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I have had 2 since I was 13 and I have just sold my youngster (who was bred during this time) and now only have 1.

I will miss her like mad but I actually feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulder as I now won't struggle as much at all.
I can really put all my efforts into my boy and I have told my OH to ban me from buying another!
 

welshcobabe

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Goodness I admire you all for the hours you put in but I can see that it is a strain and I have had two horses myself in the past so know how hard it can be both for finance and time.

But I can not believe how much stuff has gone up it is costing me now as much as it would have cost me to keep 2 a couple of years ago.

Good luck to you all and thanks for your replies.
 

Ranyhyn

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I have three, one horse and two ponies. They are kept at home, so nominal costs (trimming and dentist). The ponies are only there as companions for my riding horse, they are yearlings so unridden as yet. Thankfully we have more than enough space for them so other costs (feed/bedding/hay) are kept to the bare minimum.
 

lyndsayberesford

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I have two, one is 18 years old (had him since he was 3) and vowed under no circumstances would he be sold, and the other a 5 yr old

A very good friend of mine wanted my 18 year old as a companion to her lonely 15 yr old TB, and as luck would have it they both live a fabulous life on my friends 5 acre smallholding. My friend pays for everything for him, i just pay for the shoes and wormers, and that is only because i usually get there first to pay! She would happily pay for them too! Both horses have fabulous stables and my horse is the happiest i have seen him. I go once a week to ride him and pop in to see him and groom him whenever i like. I could ride him everyday if i had the time, but he seems to enjoy his semi retired life and am totally happy with the care he gets.

My younger horse is on DIY livery and i find it easy to cope with the care and riding of him. Although i probably spend more money on him than i should do!
 

JFTDWS

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I have three - my old boy, my 5 year old and a yearling. I have them on a privately rented field with 2 stables and water, but no real facilities, so not too expensive - I just make the effort to box out regularly to school the 5 y/old and compete.

The 5 year old is to take the pressure off the old boy and give me something more challenging to play with. He also means I can allow my mother to hack out on the sensible old boy and I can accompany her on Fergs. J's in full work over summer and only hacked at weekends / as and when in winter. Fergs is in full work, though dependent on light and ground conditions!

Darach, the yearling, is so that I can have two in full work when he's old enough (by which time I expect the old boy to be in quiet hacking retirement year round). Just need to make sure I have less of a commute when it comes to that :D Can't wait though as I think he's going to be a lot of fun!

The two fully grown horses are pretty much the same size, so they share things and only have two of things they need to use at the same time! Darach will be similar in size so the same for him, really. They have no shortage of gear...

Wouldn't have it any other way. Love them all and they're well worth the work!
 

Ranyhyn

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Darach, the yearling, is so that I can have two in full work when he's old enough (by which time I expect the old boy to be in quiet hacking retirement year round). Just need to make sure I have less of a commute when it comes to that :D Can't wait though as I think he's going to be a lot of fun!
!

Not Darach the highland!!!
 

ShowJumperBeckii

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I have 2- my new 9 year old showjumper o.b and my 13year old ex showjumper ebony, she is ment too be going on loan but the girl having her isint ready,iv always wanted two horses but now i got two i wish i did't:rolleyes:

So how do you manage ?
i struggle most week days with school, homework etc and revison for GCSE's
Costs, Time and why the need for so many ?
Livery- For both-Hay/haylege, 4 straw 4 shavings, field stable and comes to about $500(pounds sign doesnt work:eek:) per month
Are all the horses that you have in work ?
they are ment too be, but as o.b is competing he is needs to stay fit so if i have to choose one too ride its always him so ebony is only getting ridden 2/3times a week at the moment
 

shellonabeach

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I have 3, a 21 year old 14.2 (my old boy) 16.2 11yr old ISH - both ridden and an elderly Shetland cross

So how do you manage ?

They live out pretty much 24/7, all have similar requirements eg. are fatties so restricted grazing for all 3. All get on well. When stabled at nights all 3 of them are super clean :)

Costs, Time and why the need for so many ?

I rent a field and put up stables / shelters. Minus initial set up costs I would say rent side of things would be the same as one horse on livery. Time can be difficult to manage but old boy is taking things a bit easier these days and ISH is a self harmer. I ride when I want to, could be both one day, neither the next, each alternate days etc.

Bought the ISH to take over from smaller old boy as he was getting on. Shetland is a companion so I can take one out and leave the other with no problems.

Are all the horses that you have in work ?

The 2 riding horses are in work, Shetland has to put up with kiddies a couple of times a year!

Those with loads are they kept on your own place ?

I rent a whole field to myself
 

millitiger

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I have 2.

One 7yro competing BD and one 5yro who is aiming at eventing.

Timewise it isn't too bad as they are both on full livery so I just have to ride but still end up leaving the house at 6.20am and getting in at 8pm during the week!

It can be difficult to ride both, particularly in the winter with the dark nights, but I have found the easiest way to cope is not to feel too guilty if they only get worked 4/5 times a week as opposed to 6 days.

Finance wise, yep, definitely tight.
I have a very good mortgage at the moment and don't have much of a social life and haven't been abroad on holiday for over 5 years. My OH and I split all domestic bills 50/50 as well.

Next year the older one is going to be a broodmare and I will just have one; looking forward to it but also think I will feel a bit lost as I have had 2+ horses for as long as I can remember!
 

JFTDWS

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WOW, sorry for the tangent but that little boy is DIVINE:D:D I'm super jealous and is "dry rot" as funny in real life as his video with Darach? I'm a huge fan of them both either way! :D

I was wondering how you knew him :D Thanks! :D I think he's going to be fab :D Yes, Dry Rot is really very funny - and very well informed on animal behaviour, so an unending source of fascinating conversation. He also has some great anecdotes from his rather varied career... Wouldn't buy a highland from anyone else :D

We should start a Dry Rot fan club :eek: (really hoping he doesn't see this!)


eta - I bought my first highland from Dry Rot too (though he didn't actually breed him) - and he's turned into a lovely young horse who'll turn his hoof to anything...
 
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LaurenM

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I own two although one is now on full loan. It just happened if I'm honest. My horse that is currently on loan wasn't suitable for me but I couldn't part with him at the time so bought another. I then had an accident which required a few months rest so ended up loaning the unsuitable one due to lack of finance.

I have to say though, if the horses live out, unshod & good doers it is alot easier!
 

millreef

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So how do you manage ?
Costs, Time and why the need for so many ?
Are all the horses that you have in work ?
Those with loads are they kept on your own place ?

I only see my lot during the summer months as I live in Hong Kong and work here but have a home in Morocco.
My horses are not in work when I'm not there - I have one out on loan at the moment to a lovely girl but the others are all resting
I keep my boy at a private stud farm owned by a friend who refuses to take any money(!) It's an Arab thing - they are so incredible with their hospitality.
My daughters horse and my rescue pony and my new two year old live at a friends farm and he refuses to charge anything either!
I can afford my horses due to the amazing hospitality of the Moroccan people.:eek:
 

mrussell

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We have 4 horses in at the moment.

So how do you manage ? We both work full time so its a case of mucking out at 5.30 am before work, bringing in at lunchtime and riding after work. We generally get home at around 8pm.

The yard costs £420 pcm inc utilities. Each horse costs £100pcm to shoe and insure. Haylage/straw and feed = £300pcm. Lessons/comps £120pcm . Total cost £940pcm for the 4.

Why the need for so many ? We have 2 semi retired horses who get hacked 5 times a week. We have a would-be eventer who gets ridden daily, and an exracehorse who is also being ridden most days. We tried to have 3 but it didnt work when hacking. We couldnt leave one on its own so decided to go back up to having 4.

Those with loads are they kept on your own place ? Yes, we were lucky enough to be able to remortgage and buy our own land onto which we built a yard.
 

PorkChop

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Hiya, I have five, though one is a pony!

I am very very very lucky - I am a housewife with two daughters, so as long as the horses fit around school run etc I am free to do as I please.

However occasionally it does feel like a full-time job in itself :rolleyes:

We have our own land and stables, and if I could get rid of one expense it would be the shoeing bill :eek:
 

traceyann

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I have four three in work one of those just hacking and my old boy is retired. All good doers and have my own land and stables and loads of grass only really feed loads of hay which i cut myself and handfull of feed morning and night supplements cost me the most. I hate the hard work though and would love a hoilday. sadly i have one thats quriky which nobody whats to handle so wont be going anywhere.
 

Mince Pie

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I have 2: my cob who I originally intended to bring on and sell but can't bear to part with :eek: and my TB who again was bought to bring on and sell but I actually quite like her so she may end up staying as well!
When both are in work they live out in the summer, one gets ridden and the other lunged one day and then swap round the next, I can have both stables mucked out, hayed and watered in 45 minutes, feeds take 2 mins to make up. Neither are really in hard work, the cob is mainly a happy hacker and usually mock hunts once a month over winter although next year may go out cubbing as well. The TB will be my 'competition' horse although I only compete low level at the moment.
Cost wise I pay £400pcm for the pair of them, which includes wormers, vaccs, shoeing etc.
 

Ibblebibble

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I have 4, 2 were gifted to me and the original intention was for OH to ride one of them, he *never has time/lost interest ( delete as applicable lol :rolleyes: ) so i have a sharer who comes to keep them exercised. the other 2 are ponies, 1 is a just broken 4 yr old who needs bringing on by someone bigger than my daughter, and the other is her riding pony.
They are on farm livery and i work part time so they fit in around my hours quite easily, money wise, the biggest expense is the farrier, and i don't even have them shod only trimmed:)
because of the way the farm livery works it's better to have more than 1 because we all have our own field, i wouldn't want to keep just one on it's own ( thats my excuse and i'm sticking to it:p )
 
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