Is this an impossible dream?

[myheartinahoofbeat]

Long story short, my competition horse is 15. We do a bit of everything but he can't go on for ever. I'm thinking of buying a foal or youngster to be in the field for a few years until it needs backing. I don't have any experience of bringing on youngsters but know experienced people who could help me produce it or I could send it away. There's a stud nearby that has some nicely bred foals I'm quite taken by. I'm in my 50's and it's something I've always dreamt of doing. Would any of you recommend this getting a foal to be your next competition horse? What sort of advice would you give me?

 

[bonny]

Long story short, my competition horse is 15. We do a bit of everything but he can't go on for ever. I'm thinking of buying a foal or youngster to be in the field for a few years until it needs backing. I don't have any experience of bringing on youngsters but know experienced people who could help me produce it or I could send it away. There's a stud nearby that has some nicely bred foals I'm quite taken by. I'm in my 50's and it's something I've always dreamt of doing. Would any of you recommend this getting a foal to be your next competition horse? What sort of advice would you give me?

I would advise you go and see the foals ?

 

[Cortez]

It’s not an entirely crazy idea, but there are many things that you will need to take into consideration before making that leap. If you’ve never had youngstock before then I would recommend talking to experienced people. I would NEVER countenance having a single foal, they need to grow up in a group of the same age until around three years of age.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I replied on your other thread.

 

[myheartinahoofbeat]

Thanks everyone. Lots to think about. I don't have any other youngsters, just oldies so maybe it's not going to work

 

[milliepops]

that was my situation when mine was born. Having seen how she played with the other youngster I wouldn't have wanted to just leave her with the oldies straight away.
I considered getting another weanling, and also offering a space for youngstock livery. Didn't need to in the end but that was my plan instead of sending away.

 

[Jellymoon]

It’s not an entirely crazy idea, but there are many things that you will need to take into consideration before making that leap. If you’ve never had youngstock before then I would recommend talking to experienced people. I would NEVER countenance having a single foal, they need to grow up in a group of the same age until around three years of age.

All of above, you need the right set up at home, but also to add that foals are incredibly accident prone and seem to get themselves in all sorts of scrapes. it’s the cutest option, and very rewarding if it goes to plan, heartbreaking if not.
An unbacked 3 yr old might be a better option, one that’s been handled nicely already and has survived thus far!

 

[Skib]

This is not an equestrian answer. But if there is something one has always dreamed of doing in life, yes, one should go for it before it is too late. That is what my late sister said to me when I was dithering about starting to ride.
But in pursuing your dream you will need all the information and education you can find, It is no good doing it blindly. As per advice on the vital herd element in horse education, given above.

 

[oldie48]

I know people who have done it and ended up with a nice horse but I know others who have not got the horse they wanted for all sorts of reasons. It costs money even if you have the right set up tbh I'd say save your money and buy a nice youngster when the time comes.

 

[meleeka]

I don’t sell so for me it would be a risk. I’d worry that either I’d put all the effort in and not get what I wanted, or even if I did I’d be potentially looking at another 25 years of ownership. At 50 I don’t think that’s something I want to commit to.

 

[Littlebear]

I would say go for it with the idea that the foal will stay at a stud or suitable young stock herd until they are a bit older, of course there are risks to it, but for me, having the youngsters, watching them grow up, spending time with the babies was every bit as enjoyable as having a ridden horse. Young stock herds are a bit different to older herds, they are both lazier and more playful at the same time, if I ever give up horses I will look back on those times as some of my favourite horse experiences ever.
You may not get exactly what you expect, but neither do people that go out and buy older horses either a lot of the time.
I would also save enough that the horse could go for as much training as is needed when they are 4 or whenever you decide to back them, don't aim for 4-6 weeks, have the budget to get going together for as long as is needed. If you have the right place and the right support it really is a fantastic experience.
Would the stud nearby let you keep the foal there long term as a livery? I imagine that would be a good option as you will also have their expertise on hand if you need them.

 

[windand rain]

I am considering another foal and am 68 the only reason I keep going is the ponies they usually stay with me for life but am pretty certain my 65th birthday foal and any others will outlive my ability to look after them but I love looking after them teaching them and preparing them for a good life so even if I dont see them get old they will have had a good rounded start in life always a bonus for them if they are easy to deal with
oops don't know how that happened techno numpty strikes again
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