How many horses is too many?

I have four at livery and one on loan, but...! The ones at livery are all under 13hh (at the moment- baby is still growing!) and two are wintering out. The two that are in are tidy in their boxes and don’t eat a lot. However- we really need no more than three- the driving pair and the baby to make a bigger single pony. The old boy is all but retired and currently acting as a companion for the baby at grass.
I work more or less full time and it is a push- especially this year!
 
I have 2 on DIY and tbh I'd happily go back to 1 at the moment!
If I had a massive field with a barn and hardstanding then I reckon more would be fine but with a full time job I'd still struggle to ride more than 2 properly anyway tbh.
 
For around 15 years I had 6 at home , 5 were in full ridden work ( mostly by me ) and a Shetland that did LR and IH showing . I also had a full time job ( my own business ) . I got up at 5.30 am in the week and rode 2 , lunged 1 , then turned out before work . Came home and mucked out at lunch time . Did the other jobs after work in the evening , sometimes rode again , in bed by 10pm . At weekends we were usually out competing and I would take ponies that weren't competing with us so that I could exercise them rather than sitting around between classes . My OH would help out with the fast/canter work at weekends if we were at home .
Hard work but I absolutely loved it at the time - I was living the dream ! Started to downsize about 5 years ago by not buying young stock to replace the ponies we lost or ( very occasionally ) sold . Down to 2 ponies now who live out 24/7 , we are enjoying the relative freedom and ( without meaning to sound harsh ) quite looking forward to a time when we have no animals and are totally free to sell up and pursue our other interests . My OH sacrificed a lot for my horses /my dreams and I couldn't have done it without his full support .
 
I have 3, I wouldn't mind another youngster but it's not reasonable as I have very little time. 1 is in work, 1 has been backed but having the winter off and 1 is a companion/kids pony.
 
I have one ridden horse (although on long term field rest at the moment due to injury) and one companion and that's more than enough. Don't know what on earth I am going to do if my gelding doesn't come back into work as buying a third seems crazy.

I still think you should buy the baby horse though :)
 
I can manage 3, but then I have them on part livery, so no boxes to do, and I work for myself so I am flexible on time. Also all are easy and I can exercise by riding 1 and leading the others if needed. I could manage 1 more, but after that I would need help to keep them all fit, So I guess the answer is that it depends on the horses and your circumstances.
 
I have 5 at the moment and its doable, 2 are in work and 3 retirees(who cause the most stress). The summer makes it so much easier and with better facilities I'd be happy to have another to ride. Personally 6 would be the absolute limit for time and money. But I prefer not to be pushed financially so 5 will do.
 
Lindylouanne said:
Everyone is missing the point here. All we want to know are details of this baby and when it will be arriving ?
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Unfortunately I contacted the owner and it’s already sold ? - have spent the whole evening foal hunting on line ... it’s a pity we can’t travel at the moment as there are a few I’d like to meet
 
One and a half rideable here and one retired. My ideal would be 4, because then I could take my youngster out with my riding horse and not have to worry about the TB having a conniption being alone! Three is my limit so I am vicariously helping a friend (who has the paddocks next door) look for her next horse :D
 
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