How do you know if its time to sell your horse...

H

HoHum

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 December 2008
Messages
381
Visit site
I've had him about three years and we've had great fun. He came to me as a bit of a bored dressage diva and has turned into an excellent all rounder with lots of enthusiasm who absolutely loves to hunt... but... I feel he's almost out grown me and my abilities if that makes sense...He needs / wants / could be out competing every weekend, doing ODE affiliated comps , etc, and I'm still happy to be bumbling along with local stuff once a month or so.
As his confidence and general fitness has grown he's got a bit cheekier too, and that probably is the real issue for me...nothing serious or dangerous, - its a buck when he thinks its time to go or simply all too exciting, or bouncing up and down if held back when everyone else is charging off towards big hedges out hunting and I'm looking for the gate!
He’s an absolutely lovely chap to have on the yard and be around and I hadn’t anticipated thinking of selling, but now I’m wondering if it would be wise before we frustrate each other.
Ramblings of a confused mind but your thoughts much appreciated
 
Sounds like you know really. I've decided that I'll probably sell D in the spring after three years of owning her for the opposite reason. She's a fab confidence giving hack and enjoys her jumping but she's never going to compete at the level i want her to in dressage to enable us to move up the levels in eventing.
 
well if you think hes more than what you want and would love a more competitive home then i would say to seriously consider selling him, if it would make you and him happier.
 
Firstly I am a firm believer that a horse does not think he should be doing flashier competitions etc and do not feel 'she is holding me back, I am destined for so much more than hacking'.

However the real issue here as that his new found exuberence causes you to worry, therefore I think you should be pleased with what you have achieved with him, but find him a nice new home as deep down you know this is what you feel is right. There is no shame in finding a ned a new home if things are not ideal, you'll be able to stay in touch with his owners and follow his progress.
smile.gif
 
All very sensible advice I know, and I should let head rule heart ...
I know what you mean N99..he's not stood in his field now wishing he was actually out bombing round xc instead..that's only my sentiment!

But - - any merit in turning him out for few weeks and seeing if this over exuberance goes away again - Or am I just clutching at straws?
 
I sometimes have the same feelings with my mare - although I have recently excepted her for what she is and I personally know without her 'exuberance' I would be bored! She loves jumping and competing - but I still only go once a month or so. Basically when I can find the time.

An option could be to find someone to share with and see if they'd like to compete while you do the hackin stuff?

Good luck with whatever you decide xx
 
Share is a good idea in practice, but those who know me would say I'm a control freak..so maybe not! Maybe swap isn’t a bad idea though..any one got a swap, even with the picture I've painted of him ??

Heart is trying to rule head and I’m now thinking maybe its better the devil I know, because can you ever find any horse that won't have a buck in him, or react when over excited?
I am still happy to compete and love to hunt as well, and while not fearless by any means will take on the smaller hedges, just find that I am now tense waiting for one of his “cheeky moments” rather than calm and relaxed…
 
I do sympathise with you, I really do. However, do you really want to sell him, or is it just the over-exurberance. For a start, he doesnt know that he could be in a competitive home, or is that what you wish for him.

I will tell you my experience if it helps. I own a 14.3hh 16 year old irish cob, hes a great all rounder, fab on the roads, does a tidy dressage test, done PC with my daughter and he loves to hunt. I have owned him 5 years. My job is very pressurised and sometimes I dont see him often enough - he is on full livery and my daughter rides him for me as well. Just recently, with work pressures very heavily on my mind I seriously considered selling him and went through agonies in my mind. Was I really giving him the home he deserved? Was I really worthy of this great little schoolmaster. He's currently hacked 4 or 5 times a week, schooled when necessary and is out munching with his mates in the field the rest of the time mummy is not spoiling him rotten. I reasoned that maybe he could have a home where mummy does not have to work so hard and can see him twice a day.

I agonised over this for about a month and it must have shown in my behaviour. I was still thinking about this on Monday night when I was grooming him. After I had finished he stopped eating his haynet, looked straight at me and the words 'I am really happy, dont let me go' came into my head, god knows where from.

Needless to say I cried floods of tears and no, he's not going anywhere.

All I can say is you will know if you need to let him go.

Good luck with it.
 
I am still a bit tearful over it, it was a most odd experience, we have a very strong bond and partnership and I do believe it was his way of telling me not to sell him, I think they know more than they let on sometimes.. Yes, its sometimes hard to know your own mind, but if its any help a good horsey mate of mine (I call her the voice of horsey reason) told me that the average horse does not give a dam if it goes out to competitions. All it wants really is good grazing, good food, and other equine company.
 
I was considering selling my lad only a couple of weeks back, but have decided against it and i'm working on everything thats difficult about him, every day, religiously and its working. Had it not have worked i would have been writing an advert out for him.
I too had a moment like yours theoryx, was talking to him and telling him what i thought, & he headbutted me as if to say pull yourself together woman, i'm not that bad!! then nuzzled me better
blush.gif
and it seemed like over night he changed his attitude
smile.gif
 
I agree with your "horsey voice of reason, I think he'd be quite happy in his field or stable all day being waited on hand and foot...
I just not sure if I can / want to deal with that little edge of uncertainness that has been introduced when we are out doing things.. its great that he's feeling happy enough to have a buck or leap around, but not so great for me in a crowded situation or on slippy roads.. So can I stop him.?? $64milion question

And as you HHO's say - Cookies and milk for your partience with my rambling thoughts ( is it too early for glass of wine? )
 
I also agree a horse doesn't think that it should be doing higher level of competitions and is happy so long as it is getting looked after.
However if you feel he is getting too much energy and needs it directing in a more positive way then maybe its time to sell him and be happy that you have achieved so much with him and brought him on so much
 
I agree, the issue here doesn't seem to be that he wants to be out doing more - we all know horses have no amibition, but that his 'edge' isn't making it relaxing and fun for you anymore...

I think you might know what you need to do, but you love him and its hard... don't push yourself or rush a deicision - when you know its right you will know.

Hugs its very difficult, and thanks for the wine! xx
 
i think you need to make yourself a serious list of his good points and his bad points. then you need to make a list of what (in an ideal world) you would want for your next horse)- then weigh the lists up- does your guy have more 'on' the list than 'off' it? that should help i think?
cool.gif

its a hard decision to make- i made a similar decision in february. for me it was definitely the right decision...but i did need to make sure
smile.gif
 
If exuberance is his only problem, why not change his feed? What is he on now? I know some horses can be 'naturally exuberant' but feeding does have a big impact. You could prehaps try a calmer, something like NAF magic or feedmark's steady up. Just change his general feed to something with less energy. Change him onto a fibre and oil based diet rather than one high in cereals. There are lots of things to try.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top