Oh God, put horse for sale last night and have 3 responses..

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Field04

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I put him up for sale last night as have been worried am not doing enough with him and not being able to find a sharer. I thought the market was bad at the moment and nothing would happen, but I have 3 replies this morning wanting to come and try him at the weekend.

I actually cried when I saw them, and feel sick about someone coming to try him. I think maybe this is the wrong choice for me and mabye I should carry on.

What should I do????
 
Listen to yourself. Head and heart must both have a say - head tells you to sell; heart tells you not. You can let the people try your horse, see how you feel and wait for their response. No guarentee they'll want to buy him, and you can always refuse any offer.
 
In what way do you think you are not doing enough with him?
Is it time and/or money that you need a sharer?

If it's time just remember horses have no ambitions and most are very adaptable to being ridden a few times a week. Come winter time when we just had the outdoor school mines was only ridden at the weekends.
 
Field04 said:
have been worried am not doing enough with him
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I bet your horse isn't standing in his field thinking "gosh I wish she was aiming me at Badminton next year". If you can afford to keep him and not "doing" stuff with him isn't having a detrimental effect on his health or state of mind, e.g. because he has a condition that means he must be kept in regular work / is stabled full time and only gets out when ridden, then don't worry. Either way it doesn't sound like you're ready to let him go yet - could loaning be an option if he really must go?
 
There are always people looking to buy a good horse but you dont have to sell.
Phone the people who have replied and see if you feel they are suitable if not dont waste your time or theirs showing him to them. If they seem right let them come and see how it goes,they may not want to buy and if they do you can make a decision once you have an offer.
It can be really stressful showing your horse to buyers but you can meet some really nice people in the process and make sure you do the right thing for your horse.
 
You cried and now you feel sick. It sounds as though you need some more time to think this through.
My advice would be to hold out for a sharer, that way you can let go in easy stages. If it's what you really want/need to do :)
 
Depends why you feel you aren't doing enough with him. You obviously love him, but so would someone else.

If its because you don't have enough time to ride, then look for a sharer or help in some other area of your life that will free up a bit more time.

If its because you feel you aren't a good enough rider and he could achieve more with someone else- than no, don't sell. Most horses could be wonderful if ridden by some of our elite riders, but they aren't. A good home with an empathetic owner and enough stimulation to keep life interesting is perfect.

If its because you subconciously avoid riding him because you feel overhorsed, or you just haven't clicked with him in the saddle, then sell to someone who is right for him.

Congratulations on having such a positive response to your ad. He must be a lovely horse. In which case, if you do decide to sell, you have every chance of being able to hold out for the right person and when you do, you'll be relieved that your boy has a good future with someone who can love him as much as you.
 
I put my horse up for sale as I felt (still feel) that I'm such a rubbish rider for him and that I wasn't doing him justice and he is a very clever talented horse that thrives on being challenged and I felt I wasn't challenging him enough.

I had some people booked to come and see him and it felt awful.

Since the minute I decided to sell him I couldn't sleep, I thought about it alllllll the time, I couldn't eat it was awful.

In the end I couldn't do it. I had a little tear riding him around the fields in the mist in the morning. We were cantering around and he felt so lovely and it made me think of our partnership.

I decided to not be a wimp and just do a BE event and just do it. We did it, I rode like poo but we completed and he jumped clear and It proved to myself that I *can* do it if I wanted and that despite my rubbish riding he does it for me because of our partnership.

Even if I never do another event again it proved to myself that he's *my* horse, my friend and that I should just stop worrying and enjoy it!!

The moment I decided not to sell him I felt like a massive weight had lifted off my shoulders.

I can't believe now that I nearly sold him! I'm so so so glad I didn't. Rough or smooth, hell or high water he's my horse :).

Do what your heart tells you, where there is a will there is a way.

My mum kept our old two family horses for 18 years and 22 years respectively. Through divorce, kids, lots of money, no money. Some years they were competed twice a week, some years they were ridden once a week. When no money they lived out all year with heavy rugs, when lots of money they were kept in and
competed BE and BS.

Unless your horse is just the wrong horse for you, unless there's other things in your life you would rather persue or keeping your horse means you can't feed your child then think very hard before you sell, it would be awful if you regretted it.
 
Maesfen said:
I wish somebody would ring about mine......
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My dear, if you PM me your number I will ring about your horse, I won't buy it, but I will 'pretend' to be a buyer, just so you can feel a bit happier :D

Seriously, the right buyer will come along.


OP, I would put the brakes on this sale, you really don't sound ready for it, and you will regret it. I agree with everyone on this thread (now that makes a change ;)) Your horse does not care about being in work day in day out, you can and will find a sharer, what is your horse like, what type of sharer are you looking for, where were you advertising for one? If I were you I would back off from selling and look at finding a sharer and keep your chap, selling is not right for you, it may be a decision you come to later, but for now your heart is saying no xx
 
You really sound like you dont want to sell, so dont make any rash decisions that you will regret!

Where abouts are you? I am looking to share... :o

X
 
firewell said:
Do what your heart tells you, where there is a will there is a way.

My mum kept our old two family horses for 18 years and 22 years respectively. Through divorce, kids, lots of money, no money. Some years they were competed twice a week, some years they were ridden once a week. When no money they lived out all year with heavy rugs, when lots of money they were kept in and
competed BE and BS.
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I love that.
Just as life isn't constant for people, neither is it for the animals, but a good owner doing their best throughout the peaks and troughs of life is to be admired. I feel the same way about the family cob, even if we were to end up in a caravan on the roadside, we'd still be happily picking berries side by side.
 
firewell said:
I put my horse up for sale as I felt (still feel) that I'm such a rubbish rider for him and that I wasn't doing him justice and he is a very clever talented horse that thrives on being challenged and I felt I wasn't challenging him enough.

I had some people booked to come and see him and it felt awful.

Since the minute I decided to sell him I couldn't sleep, I thought about it alllllll the time, I couldn't eat it was awful.

In the end I couldn't do it. I had a little tear riding him around the fields in the mist in the morning. We were cantering around and he felt so lovely and it made me think of our partnership.

I decided to not be a wimp and just do a BE event and just do it. We did it, I rode like poo but we completed and he jumped clear and It proved to myself that I *can* do it if I wanted and that despite my rubbish riding he does it for me because of our partnership.

Even if I never do another event again it proved to myself that he's *my* horse, my friend and that I should just stop worrying and enjoy it!!

The moment I decided not to sell him I felt like a massive weight had lifted off my shoulders.

I can't believe now that I nearly sold him! I'm so so so glad I didn't. Rough or smooth, hell or high water he's my horse :).

Do what your heart tells you, where there is a will there is a way.

My mum kept our old two family horses for 18 years and 22 years respectively. Through divorce, kids, lots of money, no money. Some years they were competed twice a week, some years they were ridden once a week. When no money they lived out all year with heavy rugs, when lots of money they were kept in and
competed BE and BS.

Unless your horse is just the wrong horse for you, unless there's other things in your life you would rather persue or keeping your horse means you can't feed your child then think very hard before you sell, it would be awful if you regretted it.
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^^^^ This!
 
Thanks everyone. This was really a wake up call I needed, I went straight out after typing this thread this morning and did what I have been putting off for one reason or a nother. We went for a hack, down the busy main road, past the stallion and mares, off into the agricultural land with the tractors and he didn't bat an eyelid. Oh and it was bin day!!! The only problem we encountered was on main road on the way home with the stallions and mares getting him all revved up, but we got past them and home safe and sound.

I called a friend to tell her what I had done (put him for sale) and she was shocked. It comes down to having had a boring summer with him, my jockey friend who used to come out with us doesn't anymore so we have not really done anything different or fun. I have hacked out continuely on my own and although nice at times it would be fun to be wiht people, as I put it off all the time incase he spooked at something. I have no transport for him, and where I keep him in the winter is filling me with dread. My YO is probably the worst instructor ever, and I feel useless most of the time.

I am going to visit a stables near my friend. It may be more expensive but I have more chance of a sharer or keeping him but letting the school use him. They have more facilities there. They are a 20 min drive instead of a 5 min drive. But they are near my friends field so we can hack out in the forest together. Am going on Monday, so hopefully will find an alternative as think I should try some other avenues first!!!
 
Sounds like what you need is a new yard, with facilities and friends! :)
Don't sell - you obviously aren't ready to! Keep the pony he's obviously utterly fab if you've had so many responses!!
 
I am moving my mare to a more expensive yard in the hope of getting a sharer too ! I figure at the moment come winter I will only be able to work her twice a week where as if I move somewhere with lights i may only be able to ride 3 times a week but I can do it afterwork and in the knowlege that she hasn't been stood all week !
 
Field04 said:
Thanks everyone. This was really a wake up call I needed, I went straight out after typing this thread this morning and did what I have been putting off for one reason or a nother. We went for a hack, down the busy main road, past the stallion and mares, off into the agricultural land with the tractors and he didn't bat an eyelid. Oh and it was bin day!!! The only problem we encountered was on main road on the way home with the stallions and mares getting him all revved up, but we got past them and home safe and sound.

I called a friend to tell her what I had done (put him for sale) and she was shocked. It comes down to having had a boring summer with him, my jockey friend who used to come out with us doesn't anymore so we have not really done anything different or fun. I have hacked out continuely on my own and although nice at times it would be fun to be wiht people, as I put it off all the time incase he spooked at something. I have no transport for him, and where I keep him in the winter is filling me with dread. My YO is probably the worst instructor ever, and I feel useless most of the time.

I am going to visit a stables near my friend. It may be more expensive but I have more chance of a sharer or keeping him but letting the school use him. They have more facilities there. They are a 20 min drive instead of a 5 min drive. But they are near my friends field so we can hack out in the forest together. Am going on Monday, so hopefully will find an alternative as think I should try some other avenues first!!!
Click to expand...

Do not sell ! You daft ha'porth, you got the wrong problem. Problem is the yard, not your horse. Have a slap on the back of your head.
 
I've just done the exact same as you...
Felt like he needed more, had a bad summer with hardly anyone to ride with, worried about spooking, he was so reliant on his fieldmate it was a fight to get him out the field and tacked up, so although i was keeping him fit it felt like a constant battle one way or another..

Advertised.. had interest, a few tried him... wasn't happy with anyone!!

Felt worried all the time, so bit the bullet and looked at new yard.. reserved stable.. got all excited.. then got worried we'd turn up and be laughing stock for not competing/being great at things.. then worried about loading him, him travelling badly etc etc!!

Been there since sat, he loaded within 10 mins, calmed down after an hour of being there, settled in now, happy as larry, so well looked after, been out on a 4 mile hack with others, which was amazing with only a couple of spooks (massive acheivement!!) also schooled last night in field and he was a good boy. Going to start jumping again now!!
Shouldn't have worried everyone lovely and he's so much happier, feel great about it now and best of all i didn't make the mistake of selling my best friend!!!

Keep trying and def look at that new yard as a positive fresh start! it can work ;o)
 
I think I was too hasty too. Will try this other yard, and fingers crossed will eventually find a sharer. Ir just didn't feel right reading the replies, sometimes we need something to make us realise what we have!!

My friend has being telling me to leave my yard for ages!!! She knows other people who have been there and not liked it, but I just felt some kind of loyalty to her as I have ridden there for 4 years now. Never been happy though, but always waiting for it to change.
 
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