toffeeyummy
Well-Known Member
Hi. I have a 25 year old mare who is generally fit and well, with a little bit of arthritis in her hocks and slight copd.
Up until this year she was regularly ridden and competed by myself and my daughter, including lots of Hacking and fun. We've really struggled this year. The heat was one, and time is another! My daughter will take her GCSEs next summer and will probably be then off to college. I work and have all the general business of a family and life! We have hardly ridden all summer apart from the odd hack which was fine.
My farrier is coming on Wednesday and I'm really tempted to take her shoes off and turn out for the winter, let her get muddy and hairy. (We keep her at home)
Then my thoughts turn to retiring her? I can't decide. She has had a brilliant, although busy life. She will stay with me forever and live her days out in her field with her pony friend (who is a year younger!!)
Has anyone else been in the same position? I'm thinking the minute I take her shoes off I'll immediately have the desire to ride...😬
Up until this year she was regularly ridden and competed by myself and my daughter, including lots of Hacking and fun. We've really struggled this year. The heat was one, and time is another! My daughter will take her GCSEs next summer and will probably be then off to college. I work and have all the general business of a family and life! We have hardly ridden all summer apart from the odd hack which was fine.
My farrier is coming on Wednesday and I'm really tempted to take her shoes off and turn out for the winter, let her get muddy and hairy. (We keep her at home)
Then my thoughts turn to retiring her? I can't decide. She has had a brilliant, although busy life. She will stay with me forever and live her days out in her field with her pony friend (who is a year younger!!)
Has anyone else been in the same position? I'm thinking the minute I take her shoes off I'll immediately have the desire to ride...😬