I genuinely don't know what to do.....help!

cblover

cblover

Well-Known Member
Joined
1 October 2009
Messages
1,887
Visit site
My youngster is now 3 and big and beautiful. I've had him since a baby and apart from the usual growing up stuff, he's been a good boy. I have another smaller cob and the idea was he would be a bigger version of that. I started and educated my older cob myself nine years ago and was hoping to do the same again with this one.

Time, health problems (liver failure but under control for now), energy levels and generally feeling that bit older is leading me to feel unsure whether I can educate him properly and give him the best start I can. I know he's still young but over this winter I'd like to firm up the ground work and back him. If this winter is anything like last year, I'll be throwing myself under a bus! lol

So, do I find some paid help to work with me (someone who thinks like me and is capable) or put him up for sale and buy an older version of him? My thoughts are genuinely all over the place and I can honestly say I really don't know what to do for the best. Sometimes I'm ready to advertise him then the fear of him going takes over and I panic about him being owned by anyone else and me not having a say in his future ever again if he goes. That really freaks me out.

Sorry to waffle, I need to tell someone who isn't too close to the situation. Thanks for listening peeps. x
 
I know that sounds sensible but it just gets more complicated to make a decision when I get all emotional about him. I'm never normally indecisive, in fact I've never felt like this before and I know I'll be very proud of both of us if we work through this process together and he comes out a well adjusted young man. Nothing is ever easy! lol
 
cblover said:
Nothing is ever easy! lol
Click to expand...

Horses are never easy - they break your heart and your bank balance the moment they enter our lives!

I would say do some ground work together and then get some professional help when the time comes to back. That way you've kept a horse you clearly love, done some work yourself and had him backed properly so you can look back in years to come and know you did things right. It's about being proud of both of you by doing what you're capable of and knowing when it's time to pay for some assistance.

If you sell him you'll always be wondering and if you buy something else it's not the guaranteed easy option.
 
You sound so attached to your youngster, why not try to bring him on yourself, but get help with the parts that you are worried about or do not have the energy for.

If you let him go now you will always wonder if you did the right thing.
If once he is backed and starting work he is not right for you he will be a better prospect to sell , and you will know you have given him a chance.

Horses are never easy to make decisions about, we care for them so much.

Do you have people locally who you would trust to help you in a professional capacity.
 
sonjafoers said:
Horses are never easy - they break your heart and your bank balance the moment they enter our lives!

I would say do some ground work together and then get some professional help when the time comes to back. That way you've kept a horse you clearly love, done some work yourself and had him backed properly so you can look back in years to come and know you did things right. It's about being proud of both of you by doing what you're capable of and knowing when it's time to pay for some assistance.

If you sell him you'll always be wondering and if you buy something else it's not the guaranteed easy option.
Click to expand...

This ins spades You have the best of worlds here and you wont be disappointed you know him inside out, you know every bone of him and you know his quirks and favours, a made horse can have lots of issues and may not be what you want in the end chose wisely how you have him started and you will keep your principles and your lovely boy will be exactly what you want
 
If you are a position to get paid help, and you say you are, do it.

You've had this boy since a baby, you've put lots into him, and there's no saying that the 'other' horse you might buy will be problem free.

I'm a complete sentimental wimp about my horses. I just don't sell them. Full stop. Very, very occasionally I have had one out on loan, but I've been around horses for far too many decades not to realise how many horses end up - and often it's not just the abbatoir.

These are very hard times, and not a good time to be selling horses, made or unmade. If you don't have to sell to make a living, hang on to him. If for reasons of ill health, lack of energy etc you have to think about options in the future, see if you can do a swap loan, if you can't afford to buy an other. It sounds as though you already have a second horse (the smaller one) as a fall-back?
 
Thanks peeps. Yes I do have another cob, she's 14.2. My youngster is a Clyde x cob and he's 16hh now. He wasn't suppose to get so big....just forgot to stop growing. Lol I think having some appropriate paid help seems sensible and l'll start to have a look around. I want to be involved but its hard to do it alone.
 
Good for you cblover that sounds like a plan. Not sure where you are or what your preferences are but I use a wonderful lady who is an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate. If you go on the website you can see if there is one in your area. My experience with IH has been excellent. But each to their own, it may not suit you, just an idea in case it does. Good luck! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top