Horse No 2 dilema

[Gerilew]

I have a beautiful boy coming up to 13 years he is amazing temperament wise but has a number of health issues.

He has arthritis in both hocks and was diagnosed with navicular in 2015. We battled the navicular going barefoot changing diet turnout etc and he was doing really well until last week when he went lame again. Both trimmer and physio think its a knee problem. That was his one good leg and I just feel as if I'm fighting a losing battle and feel its not fair to keep pushing him. I had resigned myself to being a hacker but I really want to do more - I miss my lessons schooling jumping and just dont feel my boy is up to it and so here's my dilemma I've seen a lovely boy that can do all this and more so do I take the plunge ??

Apologies for the essay

 

[Annagain]

As long as you can afford it, yes.

 

[paddi22]

if you can afford it, why not go for it! and find a suitable retirement grass livery option for the other one?

 

[PorkChop]

As annagain, yes absolutely if you can afford it

 

[SEL]

Absolutely.

I keep my little 12 yo Ardennes as a companion and he's very happy in that job. He has high & low ringbone, plus sidebone and probably a tonne of other arthritic changes that I won't know about unless I x-ray him all over. He's a chirpy boy and gets danilon if for any reason I think he looks sore (usually because he decides he's a racehorse and has a 10 min blat around the field).

I did feel guilty for a while that he wasn't getting the same level of attention as the other one - but from his point of view I think he'd rather the extra hour munching on grass than being fussed over by me any day.

 

[MuddyMonster]

If you have the finance & time for two, then I think it's a great idea

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Go for it. I was in the same position so bought a new one in April and am having such fun. I still ride DP and take him on fun rides but that is his limit and he is only just 7.

 

[scats]

If you can afford it, why not.

I'm looking for a 3rd and am lined up to view one at the weekend. My navicular boy goes for back x-rays tomorrow as we all suspect kissing spines, but I've pretty much made up my mind that he will be retired regardless as things haven't ben right for a long time.

That leaves me with cob mare who is being investigated for a wind problem this week. I like having 2 to ride though.

 

[Sophire]

If you can afford it and have the time for 2 then yes.

 

[milliepops]

I like having 2 to ride though.

So do I, keeps me very busy but I'd hate to be back down to one again now. If you have a bad day with one there's always another to cheer you up

I'm with the others OP, if you have the time and funds then why not?

 

[AandK]

If you can afford it and have the time, go for it, I would - and did! Bought a 5yo when I retired my 12yo due to multiple joint issues (knee, hocks, coffin joint DJD and navicular), 15yrs on and they are both still here! Luckily I am still riding the 20yo!

 

[Jennie951]

Just as everyone else has said: if you can afford it, then why not?

 

[Ceriann]

I have two unridden and third I've had just over 6 weeks that I ride. Go for it if you have the funds to support two. Mine are at home and it's hard work but worthwhile. All three are treated equally in respect of needs but ridden one gets most of the attention from a grooming one on one time etc perspective.