Please help need advice.........

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DressageDiva1962

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In a dilema.........

14 years ago I had to sell my jumping pony due to financial problems, ex lost job and then 8 years later ex left and I had the pony back on loan and then when I met my current boyfriend and moved across the country I had to give him back which broke my heart, 5 years on and now settled and happy in a relationship with a lovely pony they want me to take him back again and I am so torn, I want him more than anything but would have to give up all my competing and my lessons and have to stop all my riding club activties to afford to keep both, which I am more than prepared to do, the pony is now 27 years but in really good health, he was a star in his day and I won absolutely loads with him and I love him so much, as I do the pony I have now. They would both have the best of everything. Someone please tell me I am doing the right thing and what you would do in my situation.

Thank you for letting me burden you all again !!!
 
If it feels right go for it, not to be mean, but he's probably got a few years only left in him, then you could resume all your other activities, yo obviously want him back
 
I am aware that he may not be around long term but I want him to end his life with me and as you say my other pony is only 11 and a few years not competing wont do him any harm, my boyfriend has offered to pay for the extra stable.

Thank you your advice is much appreciated.
 
I think its quite a cop out on their part to ask you to take him back............................but know if it were me in your position I would take him, but please think long and hard and don't be pressurised into taking him on if that is not what you want to do. Horses as you obviously know are a huge financial and emotional commitment (especially older ones), so if it's all going to become a bit of a chore because you will not longer have the release of doing the bits you really enjoy like lessons and competing, don't take him back, he isn't your responsibility..................Sorry I have been no help at all have I!!!
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If it were me, I would consider the pony, how long has he been at his present yard - if its years, would it break his heart to loose his best horsey pals. Does he have strong pair bonding? If answers to above are yes and they are able to keep him, I would be very loath to move him.

I have a couple of horses which I would not dream of seperating as they do make life long friends. At the age of 27 it could be a terrible wrench for him.
 
You have helped thank you, I appreciate all the feedback. I have to say that they have messed me about a bit, because it made me so ill when I had to leave him behind and they were insistent that they didnt want me to bring him down South but they now have children and a mare in foal and no time for him. I have no commitments with children and my boyfriend says I can still show my pony in hand which is what I enjoy doing would just have to give up dressage for the time being.
 
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If it were me, I would consider the pony, how long has he been at his present yard - if its years, would it break his heart to loose his best horsey pals. Does he have strong pair bonding? If answers to above are yes and they are able to keep him, I would be very loath to move him.

I have a couple of horses which I would not dream of seperating as they do make life long friends. At the age of 27 it could be a terrible wrench for him.

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When I took him back last time he'd been there 8 years and now he has been back 5 years but he is quite dominant and dosent mix well he has much the temprament as my own pony in that he was cut late and isnt very socialable but that would have been a factor I would have considered if I didnt know him as well. But thanks for pointing that out.
 
I wouldn't have him back.

He's not your responsibility and I just wouldn't go there at his age.

The only thing I would do if you REALLY want to be repsonsible for his end (which you're not - you sold him) is to express an opinion about how he might end his days. He's not yours anymore so you have no right to insist upon anything, but it sounds as if you might have an opening to express an opiion?
 
It may not be your responsibility and they may be just copping out but if someone gave me the chance to have my old horse back, even though she too is in her 20s, and all I had to do was give up competing for a while I would jump at the chance. I had to sell her for financial reasons and I have always regretted it. I would sleep easier in my grave if I had the chance to let her live her last days out with me. Go for it.
 
I think that you would always regret not having him back and have answered your own question.
Having an older horse is a great responsibility and can be a big financial burden. I hope that they aren't fobbing that bit off on you?
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Also don't assume that he will only be around for a couple of years, ponies have a habit of hanging around for a lot longer - I have one that we thought would leave us about 7 years ago and we thought she wouldn't be here now. She is and still bangs the door down for feed!
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