Late Life Crisis - To Sell or Not To Sell??

[Mfh999]

Well, I think we can all agree it's been a rubbish winter so far and if you're on clay, like we are, your horses have been coming in up to and over their knees covered in the nasty stuff or their turnout has been severely restricted because the field is a paddy rice patch.
I won't deny, this winter has been a struggle for me bodily wise and with my long term old lady livery being put down next week, it means Ellie, AKA Late Life Crisis is going to be on her own, at least for a while until or if I advertise for another livery which will have to be either another youngster or another retiree as I won't want something that goes for days out and leaves her. I might as well not bother to have one in that case.
At the same time, I would love to see how she turns out when older but I'm realistic enough to know I'm not going to be up to breaking her in and taking on myself if this winter's physical struggles are anything to go by.
So, do I sell her now (or try to) so I don't have to look for another livery to keep her company or what?
Suggestions on a post-it please.
BTW, she's a rising two, coloured cob filly expected to make around 15 hands who can really move; is sweet natured but considering she was almost feral, still a work in progress; will stand to be brushed all day but hates picking her feet up; that will come, I just haven't been so consistent as I should have been.

So, get a livery or sell; that's the question.

 

[GypsGal1718]

I would find a trusted livery so you can keep her

 

[bonny]

Well, I think we can all agree it's been a rubbish winter so far and if you're on clay, like we are, your horses have been coming in up to and over their knees covered in the nasty stuff or their turnout has been severely restricted because the field is a paddy rice patch.
I won't deny, this winter has been a struggle for me bodily wise and with my long term old lady livery being put down next week, it means Ellie, AKA Late Life Crisis is going to be on her own, at least for a while until or if I advertise for another livery which will have to be either another youngster or another retiree as I won't want something that goes for days out and leaves her. I might as well not bother to have one in that case.
At the same time, I would love to see how she turns out when older but I'm realistic enough to know I'm not going to be up to breaking her in and taking on myself if this winter's physical struggles are anything to go by.
So, do I sell her now (or try to) so I don't have to look for another livery to keep her company or what?
Suggestions on a post-it please.
BTW, she's a rising two, coloured cob filly expected to make around 15 hands who can really move; is sweet natured but considering she was almost feral, still a work in progress; will stand to be brushed all day but hates picking her feet up; that will come, I just haven't been so consistent as I should have been.

So, get a livery or sell; that's the question.

I vote for keeping her, at least till she’s grown up and then see where your life is up to.

 

[catembi]

Could you get a companion horse/pony? Something similar in size & shape to yours so that you don't have to keep them differently?

 

[SantaVera]

Get a livery. Work on your horse getting her really good with her feet and being led and loading into a trailer, then in the summer advertise her for sale and then when she's sold get another livery or give notice to one you have.

 

[setterlover]

Personally I would sell. I am assuming it's your own land which can always be let to sheep or advertised for someone to cut hay or haylege.
Horse keeping is going to get more expensive year on year hay making is getting harder and each year seems to be in short supply.Vets bills are going through the roof and insurance very expensive.
A good livery is hard to find so I personally would sell but maybe I'm just disillusioned after this last year of appalling weather.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Can you not have her broken by someone else when the time is right? I vote for get another livery or a companion of your own (maybe from a charity). We are not on clay but sister and I have adapted the way we keep our horses at home to make life easier as we get older.

 

[Mfh999]

Thanks for the thoughts.

I vote for keeping her, at least till she’s grown up and then see where your life is up to.

That would be my vote if my health was better but at 75, I can't guarantee it will get any better; my mobility certainly won't with a smashed ankle and ripped MCL which still gets me unbalanced (hence why she still has a foot picking up problem)

Could you get a companion horse/pony? Something similar in size & shape to yours so that you don't have to keep them differently?

While a good idea that still makes me responsible for another pony; not sure hubby would be ok with that, lol.

Get a livery. Work on your horse getting her really good with her feet and being led and loading into a trailer, then in the summer advertise her for sale and then when she's sold get another livery or give notice to one you have.

I'm going to have to wait until late spring before I could ask anyone to come because I'll still be struggling with knee deep mud as we've trashed the winter paddock and can't move them until it dries up. You couldn't ask anyone to come here as it is even though it's good in summer. I hate clay!

 

[Cortez]

It's meant to be fun, no? Doesn't sound like fun.

 

[Mfh999]

Personally I would sell. I am assuming it's your own land which can always be let to sheep or advertised for someone to cut hay or haylege.
Horse keeping is going to get more expensive year on year hay making is getting harder and each year seems to be in short supply.Vets bills are going through the roof and insurance very expensive.
A good livery is hard to find so I personally would sell but maybe I'm just disillusioned after this last year of appalling weather.

Yes, it's our own land and we also have a small suckler herd; we also make our own hay which does cut costs a lot. My present livery has been here for nearly six years and is like family; they'll be very hard to replace which is another tick in the sell box.

Can you not have her broken by someone else when the time is right? I vote for get another livery or a companion of your own (maybe from a charity). We are not on clay but sister and I have adapted the way we keep our horses at home to make life easier as we get older.

I would have to but I'm not sure the cost could be recovered enough when she's sold. We've adapted ourselves a lot but there is only so much you can do with what you've got.

 

[Mfh999]

It's meant to be fun, no? Doesn't sound like fun.

That's exactly that. I just think I've had enough. x

 

[setterlover]

That's exactly that. I just think I've had enough. x

I too am in my 70's though a bit younger than you are and like yourself make all our own hay and haylege which as you say bring down the costs but this winter has made me feel it's time to move away from horse ownership and I'm really glad I didn't get a youngster when I was tempted a few years ago ( mostly at the time because of COVID making things difficult )
We are both in good health but feel it's getting harder work and eating into our finances when things go wrong .

 

[Sandstone1]

Could you find a livery that would help you out as part payment for livery? Someone that would muck out etc when you are not feeling up to it and help with handling your youngster?

 

[TinseLeneHorse]

I could have read this completely wrong but I feel you are seeking some reassurance that it's ok to sell your youngster. She sounds like a lovely pony and you have given her a nice life so far. But if you are finding basic handling like hoof picking starting to become physically difficult for you, maybe it's the right time.
I'm a bit younger than you but am conscious that I don't move as well as I used to do, and my reactions are getting slower. This unfortunately makes us a bit more vulnerable to horse related accidents and injuries. I don't think I'd want to take on a youngster.

Also, getting a new livery may turn out to be a nightmare and make your life a misery. There are some crazy horse people out there! If you do decide to keep her, a companion might be the best bet. If you went to a charity there is always the option for it to go back if your circumstances change.

I hope it all works out for you.

 

[meesha]

It's been a tough 2 years, I would sell asap so youngster not on its own too long. Im only 50 and had every intention of riding and owning horses till late 70s if possible. After the last 2 winters I'm thinking that once baggins is no long ridden I will retire him and once he's gone that might be it. It's bloody hard work, expensive and can be sole destroying as well as amazing...

Good luck with whatever you decide but in your shoes I would (and Prob will be) eyeing up warm sunny holidays rather than horse shit and mud

 

[Jenko109]

I would sell.

Give yourself a break and take the toll off.

 

[setterlover]

It's been a tough 2 years, I would sell asap so youngster not on its own too long. Im only 50 and had every intention of riding and owning horses till late 70s if possible. After the last 2 winters I'm thinking that once baggins is no long ridden I will retire him and once he's gone that might be it. It's bloody hard work, expensive and can be sole destroying as well as amazing...

Good luck with whatever you decide but in your shoes I would (and Prob will be) eyeing up warm sunny holidays rather than horse shit and mud

We have been retired for many years and although we have always try to get away most years in the winter to recharge and see some sun the costs of animal care is high and without the horses we could have a couple of breaks in the winter to catch some sun and get away with our caravan in the summer with our dogs without the expense of horse care and having to plan well in advance.
Old bones really benefit from time in the sun during the winter months.

 

[Peglo]

I think if your unsure then sandstones suggestion is a good one. Give cheap or free livery to someone to help with the chores for your own. If you found someone good then they might loan yours once she’s ridden and you can watch her grow with them. If by the end of summer you decide you do want to sell then hopefully she will be better with picking up feet and loading etc and be easier to sell.

But if your are done with horses then selling now is perfectly reasonable too.

 

[Trouper]

If you just wanted a companion for your youngster, then the charities usually have youngsters who just need somewhere to go to grow and be taught a few manners. That might give you some time to be certain that your pony has to go and some time to finish off the basic education before you sell.

I realise that this increases the work but it occurred to me that your current livery might like to retain some horse time and be able to help you?? Just a thought.

 

[Maxidoodle]

I would sell, I know she’s young but Trina’s Cobs have a very good reputation, they may well be interested. Don’t feel guilty needing to sell, she’ll get a great home and it’ll be far less trouble than trying to find another decent livery.

 

[Mfh999]

I too am in my 70's though a bit younger than you are and like yourself make all our own hay and haylege which as you say bring down the costs but this winter has made me feel it's time to move away from horse ownership and I'm really glad I didn't get a youngster when I was tempted a few years ago ( mostly at the time because of COVID making things difficult )
We are both in good health but feel it's getting harder work and eating into our finances when things go wrong .

I'm sure where I went wrong was to buy another youngster but I've always had them; I should have gone for something older and able to potter along beside me instead of at a rate of knots! Healthwise, that's the problem more than anything else. Until I did my ankle everything was fine but I broke it in three places, ripped all the ligaments plus tore the MCL which took nearly six months before I could even walk unaided but it's still weak and leaves me unbalanced which is the main problem. Hubby also went through prostate treatment and while he's clear, it's slowed him down a lot; he still helps me and looks after his cattle that are in during winter of course. Being a retired farmer, like me, it's hard to give it all up and he's one of those that nobody will look after the land like he does (insert eye roll here)!

Could you find a livery that would help you out as part payment for livery? Someone that would muck out etc when you are not feeling up to it and help with handling your youngster?

My present livery has been fantastic in that regard; we always help each other out.

I could have read this completely wrong but I feel you are seeking some reassurance that it's ok to sell your youngster. She sounds like a lovely pony and you have given her a nice life so far. But if you are finding basic handling like hoof picking starting to become physically difficult for you, maybe it's the right time.
I'm a bit younger than you but am conscious that I don't move as well as I used to do, and my reactions are getting slower. This unfortunately makes us a bit more vulnerable to horse related accidents and injuries. I don't think I'd want to take on a youngster.

Also, getting a new livery may turn out to be a nightmare and make your life a misery. There are some crazy horse people out there! If you do decide to keep her, a companion might be the best bet. If you went to a charity there is always the option for it to go back if your circumstances change.

I hope it all works out for you.

Thanks. Your comments are spot on.

It's been a tough 2 years, I would sell asap so youngster not on its own too long. Im only 50 and had every intention of riding and owning horses till late 70s if possible. After the last 2 winters I'm thinking that once baggins is no long ridden I will retire him and once he's gone that might be it. It's bloody hard work, expensive and can be sole destroying as well as amazing...

Good luck with whatever you decide but in your shoes I would (and Prob will be) eyeing up warm sunny holidays rather than horse shit and mud

Thanks. Have to laugh; a sunshine holiday would be our version of hell but I know what you mean.

If you just wanted a companion for your youngster, then the charities usually have youngsters who just need somewhere to go to grow and be taught a few manners. That might give you some time to be certain that your pony has to go and some time to finish off the basic education before you sell.

I realise that this increases the work but it occurred to me that your current livery might like to retain some horse time and be able to help you?? Just a thought.

Thanks. I can't honestly see a charity want one of their charges to come to our mud patch as it is so that idea needs to go on the back burner for now. As to my livery; while she loves Ellie, she is RAF and due to be posted to Lossiemouth soon and with a very small daughter she wants to concentrate on her rather than take on another responsibility; she's already found it hard to find time for her old lady.

I would sell, I know she’s young but Trina’s Cobs have a very good reputation, they may well be interested. Don’t feel guilty needing to sell, she’ll get a great home and it’ll be far less trouble than trying to find another decent livery.

You've got that right; decent liveries don't grow on trees, sadly and because it's our home, they really do have to fit in completely; I've been very spoiled with Megan and her family..

 

[Gloi]

I think I would sell unless you are totally emotionally attached to her.

 

[Polos Mum]

Is there an option to put her in youngstock livery somewhere else - where someone younger can get her feet picking up and manners a bit more sorted.
If there is somewhere local you would trust.

That might costs a bit but (assuming the rain ever stops) you could consider renting out your mud pit (once it's a little better) to part fund her livery.
People pay a premium for their own yards. Clearly with all the caveats about mad horsey ladies - but a full rental agreement might be easier to manage than a livery if you didn't have to deal with them day to day and strict wear and tear deposit in place.

Then you have the option in a few years time to decide whether you want to ride her at all.

 

[Tarragon]

Perhaps sell and consider taking on a couple of older ponies who just want a quiet life. You get the pleasure of still looking after ponies and they get the quieter life they need. My old boy, now aged 26, is a pleasure to have around and really no bother.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

If you want to keep her, then it could be done and I'd think it sounds like the suggestion that it's a mutually beneficial relationship as opposed to a paying livery might work best: Someone brings their youngster and in return for free livery, does the jobs. BUT what is the end game here? You are 3 years or so away from being on-board by which time you will be 78. With 2 more winters to get through first! (Assuming riding is what you want to do).

So I think you need to set out your options logically and think of pros and cons of each. There is no right and wrong here, just what works best for you and what you actually want.

- Sell and buy an older been there done it type or types to enjoy now
- sell and close the horsey chapter of your life.
- get a companion
- get a livery
- ?
-??
etc

 

[Mfh999]

I think I would sell unless you are totally emotionally attached to her.

No. I like her a lot but she was always bought with the intention to sell her on when we both were older (Me, not wiser!) I had no idea my injury would be such a problem for me - and no, it was not horse induced; I slipped outside a friend's house!

Is there an option to put her in youngstock livery somewhere else - where someone younger can get her feet picking up and manners a bit more sorted.
If there is somewhere local you would trust.

That might costs a bit but (assuming the rain ever stops) you could consider renting out your mud pit (once it's a little better) to part fund her livery.
People pay a premium for their own yards. Clearly with all the caveats about mad horsey ladies - but a full rental agreement might be easier to manage than a livery if you didn't have to deal with them day to day and strict wear and tear deposit in place.

Then you have the option in a few years time to decide whether you want to ride her at all.

No finances for that sadly and renting out yard is not an option; not only is it right outside the back door, boxes not ten yards away, the land is bordering our garden and in full sight of our home so hubby would not trust anyone else to look after the land like we do; he cringes when my lot make a mess he wouldn't be able to tolerate anyone else doing it!. THe only option to that would be a summer only let and I can't see that working where we are.

Perhaps sell and consider taking on a couple of older ponies who just want a quiet life. You get the pleasure of still looking after ponies and they get the quieter life they need. My old boy, now aged 26, is a pleasure to have around and really no bother.

That's what I'm thinking as I would hate to be totally horseless and my livery has been no bother at all.

If you want to keep her, then it could be done and I'd think it sounds like the suggestion that it's a mutually beneficial relationship as opposed to a paying livery might work best: Someone brings their youngster and in return for free livery, does the jobs. BUT what is the end game here? You are 3 years or so away from being on-board by which time you will be 78. With 2 more winters to get through first! (Assuming riding is what you want to do).

So I think you need to set out your options logically and think of pros and cons of each. There is no right and wrong here, just what works best for you and what you actually want.

- Sell and buy an older been there done it type or types to enjoy now
- sell and close the horsey chapter of your life.
- get a companion
- get a livery
- ?
-??
etc

I like option one of that lot but you set it out well which makes it easier to understand; thank you.

At present, the plan so far is see how she settles after Wednesday when dear old Flick is put down and then try to sell in the spring although I know how hard it is to sell two year olds. The good thing is there's a horse in the next door field that they've always chatted to so she won't be totally alone plus she has the cattle too and with a bit more concentrated 'me time' the feet picking up problem will be a thing of the past.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts; they really did help me focus.

 

[Mfh999]

Well, things changed rapidly yesterday because of deterioration in the old mare so she was put down there and then instead of waiting until Wednesday. Sad to see her go but it was her time and it was very dignified and calm too. I took Ellie to see her but she wouldn't go near, almost turned tail and ran so I turned her out. There was a bit of calling but then she just mooched about. When I brought her in I let her have a wander into the box, have a good sniff about and wander out in her own time. She accepted she wasn't there and has been fine but quiet ever since; is happily grazing out now, just looking up every now and then to check.
I will try to get a companion for her later on, I can't see me being entirely horseless - but no more liveries for now.

 

[I'm Dun]

Please dont wait till later on, keeping any horse alone is not acceptable, but to keep a youngster alone is beyond cruel.

 

[Peglo]

So sorry for the loss of your mare. Hope your doing ok.

 

[meesha]

Baggins was the same didnt want to go near Dex once he had been pts, i got him close enough he could understand he was gone, he was then on his own for 2 weeks, he was definitely grieving but as soon as I managed to get a companion he was over the moon. If there is a horse over the fence that gives u breathing space to find the right companion (s)

I'm sure someone would jump at the chance of retiring their horse at yours!!