It is time.

[micramadam]

To start shopping for a new horse.
I finally feel the need to look for a new horse after losing my beloved 1 in a million mare Ruby at the beginning of March this year after she struggled for 2 months to overcome a severe bowel infection.
I thought it would take me a lot longer to come to terms with her loss and although at times I am still an emotional wreck, I miss the interaction and bond we had.
Thing is I'm scared I won't find a horse that I can bond with and scared that I will, if that makes sense.
I have other horses I can ride but I don't. They're not 'my horse'.
I'm not looking for the next Totilas but more for something that is up to weight, has spirit (not a plod) but will at times keep me on my toes and is great for long hacks on the beach and in the forest. My daughter has been told she can't borrow this one for dressage competitions! It will be MY horse.
For a while I didn't even want to go to the stables even though we have another 3 (all my daughter's) to look after. My daughter was a godsend at this time, doing everything herself.
The last few weeks I have really started to miss the riding and the interaction between horse and rider so.... now it's time to look.
This is all complicated by the fact that I lost my job at the end of April so now am jobless and horseless. In all fairness, I haven't really looked for a new job yet. Luckily my OH has a very very good job and told me to take a few months off.
Anyway to cut the essay short, I have an appointment on 4th August to go to a classical breeding and training centre in the North of Holland with my daughter and her instructress to view some horses.
They breed Frederiksborger horses (Moravita stud) and are positive they will have something for me. I am also still toying with the idea of a Welsh D. Not really sure what I want other than it has to be a mare and preferably between 5 - 9 years old and there is an immediate click.
Also now seriously need to start job hunting again. The next few weeks are going to be busy!
I am in need of HHO vibes for both the job and the horse hunting.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I hope you find a new job (and that you love it) and a super new mare who you have many happy years with.

I'm very sorry that you lost Ruby.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your very special Mare, but having known how wonderful the bond between a good horse and owner can be, you're well set to find a new partner.
Its nerve racking but exciting. Try and enjoy the experience (yeah, right, I hear you say !). You have the time, the resources and the summer to get out and about and have a good look at what's available.

FWIW, I believe in gut feeling, sometimes you meet a horse and you just know you have to bring it home. I hope you find that one. Good luck.

 

[Casey76]

So sorry for your loss. I really feel for you, as I lost Pinto at the beginning of March this year too.

I've already filled the void that Pinto left, but I've had to change yards, change riding instructor, everything.

My new mare is completely the opposite of Pinto; very reactive, worries easily, a mare(!), only 6 years old... I could go on. We get on well enough, on the ground especially - which is good, becasue my riding confidence has all but disappeared.

I still have to force myself to ride, and I have to remind myself constantly NOT to make comparisons - but it is difficult.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't expect great things immediately; do expect to feel guilty over the smallest thing, and allow yourself to feel guilty, then put it aside. Don't feel guilty for filling the void though.

I miss Pinto in a hundred ways every day, but I am also enjoying building a new bond with my baby girl.

Good luck with your horse hunt