I need to sell my horse

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littlen

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I just cant manage any more, time wise or financially. I worry all week about money and with winter coming I am worrying more and more about making sure he is happy and well looked after. I feel I am neglecting him as he hasnt even been out of the field for weeks due to a complete lack of time :(

Its breaking my heart to think of doing this. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? What did you do? Did your horse find a good home? Is loaning worth the risk or should I just sell up once and for all?

Sorry for the many questions not sure who else to talk to about this as everyone on my yard is not very supportive of my decision.

He is a lovely boy, but very sensitive, how would I ensure a new owner is capable of handling this?
 
I know of a few loans that have gone very well! If I was in your situation I would offer him on loan or loan with view to buy, you don't want to sell him then regret it in 6 months!
 
If you really don't want to part with him what about half loan. This way you can keep an eye on him, you could be helping someone in a similar situation to yourself who wants a horse but can't afford the full money, time and commitment. They'll hopefully pay half his costs, do the stable jobs and groom and exercise him on their days. Could be a win win situation for you, someone else and your horse.

Good luck :):)
 
Ah jeez i can sympathise with this.

I sold my mare in Jan 2008. I had just finished college and was just about to start a new 9-5 job. I kept her at my aunties yard, no school/menage, we rented fields most of the year but in winter when it got wet they had to stay in their stables.
It got to the point where my poor horse was stabled 24/7 and being ridden twice a week at weekends as in the week it was too dark after work. If it wasnt icy i let her out into the stable yard all day but its just not the same, she couldnt stretch her legs properly or have a good buck. I had to face facts that she'd be so much happier if she had regular turnout or even out all the time, with regular exercise.

I sold her to the best home possible. A lovely young girl, part share with her mum. The stables were at their house and they had lovely big fields. They were going to compete and hack and generally just have fun on her. And they promised it was a home for life..i even told her they must tell me if they ever decided to sell and the idea was completely dismissed as it would never happen.

I miss her so much and think about her every single day but i know deep down i made the best decision for my girl.

One day, when i own my own house with a yard, fields and a menage, i'll buy another horse..but until then i'll stick with my half-owned little ponies :)

I think you just know when you've found the right owner, horse and rider just click and usually its easy to tell if the buyer is genuine. Only you can know whether you have the time/finances to keep your boy. It's a big decision - not one to decide overnight x
 
What is your biggest worry - lack of money or him not doing much? My horse would be chuffed to spend a few weeks in the field! Yours sounds like he is looked after very well.

You may also need to consider;
If you did loan, would you manage if the person changed their mind mid winter?
The market is quite slow at the minute so you may want to hold on to him until Easter, if possible.
Could you ask someone to ride him for you a few days a week?
Have you thought about a loan with view to buy?

In regards to your worry with the risk of loaning, aslong as the horse remains at the present yard then you can ask others to keep an eye out whilst you are not around.
 
Perhaps a loan or a sharer? Both of these can help with the finances and care/time spent with your horse. Just make sure you get any agreement in writing. At least this way the horse remains yours if your circumstances change in the future.

It's a bad time to sell as not only are you coming in to winter, so like you people worry about the extra costs but also (like you) money is tight.
Unless of course your willing to let him go for very little and you advertise that a good home (that you will check) is more important than price.

You could always see if there is a riding school or college in the area that would take him on working livery?
 
Thanks all of you.

Financially I can afford him but I am struggling. I can't afford any luxuaries for myself and selfishly I would like to be able to go for a nice meal with oh without worrying about spending too much. I have cut costs at much as possible with him, I've taken his shoes off, gets little hard feed, on cheap DIY but I still find I have no money at all.

I have advertised for a loaner/sharer but havnt had one response. Not sure if it's the wrong time of year.

I was coping up until today when u
Everyone I share a field with decided it's time to bring the horses in for winter. O wasn't expecting it so early and I'm panicking!

His old owner did say she would have him back or wanted first refusal but I still feel awful ringing her :(
 
If finances are that bad, I'd let him go. You are very lucky if he is sound and you can sell him.

Sadly, many owners in this financial climate, when faced with similar issues such as yours- are choosing to pts.
 
I'm in exactly the same situation and it's not a nice situation to be in. I've decided to sell mine but doubt I'll have much luck at this time of year and the fact that he's only ridden at weekends when we go for a bimble round the lanes doesn't help either.

If the previous owner asked to to contact them if you're selling on then I would definately give them a call, I'm sure they'd rather you got in touch than struggled to keep him and if they do want to take him back then at least you know he'll be in a good home.

Good luck, hope it all works out x
 
I have advertised for a loaner/sharer but havnt had one response. Not sure if it's the wrong time of year.
Click to expand...

Its not a great time of year but if he's a nice horse then the lack of response might mean that what you're advertising isn't tempting enough.

How much are you asking, how many days, any chores, opportunity to compete?

If you want to keep your horse then look carefully at what you're offering and see if you can better it. Good sharers aren't stupid and won't be interested in paying over the odds or a disproportional share of the costs, nor will they want to do loads of chores if there is not much reward [ie. unless there are good facilities for riding, good hacking, opportunity to compete etc].

Not saying that you've not thought all of this through but it might be a reason you've not had any interest.

Otherwise, contact the old owner and sell him back. I had to sell my horse when I no longer had time or money, and it really sucks and I can't wait to get another one - but I do get by riding for other people and its much better than constantly panicking because you can't afford it.
 
Thanks all.

Ive advertised on the usual free sites, equine adverts, adtrader etc. I have been pretty honest in my ad and havnt gone into great detail either, and have left days/small contribution negotiable. I dont have great winter facilities unfortunatley which is another problem :(

I would love him to go back to his old owner as she is a lovely lady.She does live very far away though and although she has her own land, she has no stables and he did not fare well living out, hence selling him on. She did say I could get in touch if I was selling but I am not exactly sure what to do at the moment, head is all over the place!
I want to sell, want the money, want to not have to worry etc, then again this horse really is my 'soul mate' and if I sold, I would never find another like him. Maybe I should struggle on for the next 2 years until I become qualified and can afford him comfortably, but then again 2 years is a long time to struggle! Also in 2 years time who knows what I will be doing...
 
Am I right in thinking it is an arab gelding that you have that looks similar to my mare? I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling. It's a hard position to be in. If you are looking to sell or loan him please put an advert on Arabian Lines website. People looking on there understand the breed and you will be more likely to get a suitable home for your boy. Good luck whatever you decide.xx
 
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