I'm thinking of giving up horses

tabithakat64

tabithakat64

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My horse has spent most of this year either on box rest (he's in again now, on week 5 for a mild sprain) with injuries or being brought back into work.

Box rest has increased my costs by 400% and I've been having to pay someone to ride as I can't fit it in around work, all of this means I'm now in £3000 of debt.

Horse isn't the easiest to school although very talented.

My horse very over protective of my pony which irritates me.
I believe my horse has injured himself both times (minor injuries cured by box rest) chasing another horse away from my pony in the field. Keeping mine seperately or in a small group just makes his behaviour worse.

Small pony is in season again and acting like a tart, so I'm dreading turning my horse back out when he's sound in case he injures himself again.

No where in the area has suitable year round turnout with facilites so moving isn't really an option.

I could quite easily get rid of my horse and send my pony back to the rescue sanctury she came from.

Buying a replacement for my horse would cost £4500 to £5500 if the adverts I've been looking at are anything to go by, which I just couldn't afford amzing as I only think my horse is worth half that.

I'm so tired and fed up I feel like I just want rid of both of them as I don't see how I'm going to manage to bring my horse back into work through the winter and may take up knitting instead.
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You sound pretty certain and maybe a break from them will be exactly what you need and will help you pay back the debt you have and re-evaluate what is important.
Horses are a huge responsibilty and cost and if you arent getting the enjoyment from them then i would definately sell and give up and take up something you will enjoy and have fun doing! x
 
There seem to be quite a few threads like this at the moment, with many people obviously feeling very simmilar to you.

I prob can't offer much advice as it would never occur to me to give up my horses, if I could buy more and spend more time with them I would... they are def the highlight of my day

I suppose you have to do what is right for you and what will make you happy but it always best not to rush into these decisions and end up regretting stuff.

If you are in debt then you need debt advice - go to the citizens advice bureau and don't leave it till next week or after xmas - call them tomorrow.

If you are struggling with money then maybe send the rescue pony back then you only have one to think about. Plus it sounds like he may be very attached to said pony and not having her there may help with the injuries?

With your other horse, could you look for a sharer? Again, this would help with money and time.

Think about why you got horses to start with - what made you love them, it sounds like you don't want to give up altogether just re discover what it used to mean to you
 
If you can send the pony back to the sanctuary, then I would do that. Your horse might not be so possessive over another horse, and with only 1 it will be cheaper and you will have time to ride.

It doesnt make sense to me to return/sell both and then get another one? unless you just dont want the horse anymore?
 
I think we have all had times when it seems a bit much. When emerald went lame in the spring and it became clear she would be out of work for a year I did wonder if it was all worth it. It is of course but sometimes that is hard to see.

It sounds as though you need to do some juggling and have a change of management to keep your two happy and injury free. the solution will come to you.
 
I would get a piece of paper, write down your issues and brainstorm possible ways of easing these issues or resolving them. Be creative and don't just think 'Oh that wont work', or 'There are no other options than x' It's easy to draw these conclusions (as absolutes) when we are tired and getting overwhelmed.

I have had lots of problems with my horse over the yrs, including the finance side of things. Once or twice I have wondered if it was all worth it. BUT I am totally attached to my horse, I could never let him go, and without riding my life would be unfulfilling. There would be a HUGE gap.

Winter is a horrible time to have horses and lots of people feel generally run-down and less positive at this time.

Think about what YOU want. I would really have a good search around, leaving no stone unturned, to see if you could get separate grazing for your horses and decide terms and conditions.
 
Today, I feel much better about everything, sorry for being such a drama queen
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I could have my two seperate at current yard but it would mean a rountine change and really does make my gelding more dependant.

He became very dependant on my pony after his previous pair bond died last year and I think the issue is that he needs to mix more
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Come spring I will be able to split my two up as they will go on to different routines eventually my gelding manages to cope with this although he still creates when she gets ridden and he's left behind.

Hopefully now the worst of the box rest is over and the lighter nights are coming things will improve.

My horses are my life and I can't imagine not having either of them I'm just not coping very well atm and really felt at breaking point yesterday.
 
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