honest opinions - 2nd horse

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showpony

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Honest opinions please!

So opportunity has landed at my feet to take on a 2nd horse at a very good price. unspoilt 4YO , has been brought on slowly, nice temperament, hacks out fine, good pop!

taking a career break next year but @ moment work from home office so can just pop up to yard whenever I want to so really time isn't an issue.
Have 2 young kids but have an Au Pair so never an issue with childcare arrangements...

Would need to get sharer for 2nd horse - honestly is there a big jump from one to two?? - Bear in mind both would be on full livery.
 
If time and money aren't an issue then go for it!! I went from 1 to 3 very quickly and coped fine. It was hard work as I work full time and all 3 are on DIY but they were all tough sorts and lived out and one was retired so the only real issue was motivating myself to ride/work the other 2 - I managed to work both of them 5 times a week by riding both 3 days a week and then one or the other the other 4 days. Winter is harder as no school lights but given the foul weather and darkness I just give myself a break over the winter and only ride at weekends.
I'm now back to two and still feel like I've done half a job sometimes when I switch the lights out to go home because I was so used to thinking about 3...
 
If its on full livery and you have someone to care for the kids while you're riding, then I can't see how it would make any difference at all! Other than financially - double shoes, insurance etc.
 
I am down to 2 now (from 5). My original 2 were out competing most weekends and were very different. I am not sure I would want 2 if they were similar. If I'm perfectly honest, I think it would be nice to have just 1.

Sounds like you have a peach of a life there though :)

I'm not at all envious...

*kicks water bucket in to air" :D
 
Twice the price; twice the time but if you are getting a sharer for the 2nd horse, what is the point of getting it?
 
I have two (technically three, but one is out on loan!) and I do think it makes a difference going from one to two. Not only in DIY day-to-day care (although this wont apply to you on full livery - you lucky thing :) ) - but I do always feel a bit like I am exercising one at the expense of the other.

It totally depends on your lifestyle though and your own situation. I find it difficult as I work full time (and then some!) and so it can be tough fitting everything in. But, I love having horses so don't complain! lol
 
Hmm I would think carefully before getting a 4 yo and a sharer. This is the time where you are training him to the way you like to ride, I would think such a young horse would be confused having two riders with potentially different styles of riding. And finding a sharer for a 4 yo would be difficult as they would have to be an established rider and a lot of patience.
 
I've got 3, albeit only one in work currently but as others have said, it's not a huge jump. You just need to be a little more organised and with a sharer you should cope fine :)
 
I have just gone down from 2 to 1, and have to admit I am loving it! I have more time, more money, and in winter life has become a lot easier.

I enjoyed having 2 but you have to be very committed, especially if you want to keep them fit for competing or hunting. I did end up with a sharer for the more sensible 1 and that did help with the workload.

The other thing I found was that I never felt I could give 100% to each horse, whereas with 1, can give 110% all the time.

I also have a young family and work part time, but if had more help, would find it more feasible.

Good luck with whatever decision you make x
 
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