Sales or Loan dilemma

[dollymix]

Just wanted your opinions on this please!

I have a Welsh D x mare that I bred myself. Sadly she is never going to be the horse for me and I have to face the fact that she is going to waste. She is rising 8 and has done a bit of allsorts in the past, from showing and hunter trials, to distance rides, the beach, farm rides etc. However, she is not a novice ride as she is a typical welshie and has a very high opinion of herself. Basically, if she thinks she has the upper hand, she will take it.
She is fine for an experienced rider, who ‘rides’ her…but for a novice, she does take advantage. A friend of a friend came to try her once and she cantered up the road with her, as she was not quick enough to put her in her place!

However any experienced people who have ridden her thinks she is great as she is feisty, fun and works very nicely with the correct direction!

Now the crux of the issue….she has spavins, which do not bother her when she is in full work and gets plenty of turnout, but mean that she does come out stiff if she has stood in for a while. I think she would be suited to a busy hacking home, or even pony club for an experienced and competent teenager.

So the crux of the issue – is there a market for her either going out on loan, or to sell? I have to be honest, I would be gutted to sell her as I bred her and she has been part of my life for the past 8 years and I love her to bits!! If she was another hand bigger, I wouldn’t dream of selling her. However, on the other hand, I have to face facts that she is going to waste and needs regular work to keep her supple and useable, and therefore if I found a forever type home, it would be better for her if I did sell her?

Soooo confused – she has been out on loan before to someone who has a young horse they were starting soon….so went there to help the girl get back riding again before the time came to start her youngster. I was gutted when she went, but did get over it….but maybe that’s because I knew she would be coming back home?? I am just worried I will regret it if I sell her

Sorry this has turned a bit long and confused…but any advice would be gratefully received!

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

I cant offer any real advice other than to say that if I was in your situation I would probably loan her out first and make a diecision about selling later on. While she is on loan you are in control.

 

[Orls]

I would defo loan, at least to begin with until you figure out how you feel about it. It's heartbreaking to wave goodbye to them after you're had them from a tiny tot and have poured so much time, effort and money into them. However you may feel 100% better when you see her out and about busy with a new rider being used to her potential. If you think of it round the other way and feel proud that you have produced a horse that can go on and give someone else some wonderful experiences and opportunities then maybe you won't feel so bad parting with her.

 

[dollymix]

thanks for the responses and advice. I think you're right about trying to change my mindset. If I have my sensible and rational head on, I can see that she would be far better with someone else, out doing and having some fun.

I have just so scared to loan her out as you hear such horror stories...(the previous time she was loaned out it was to a friend of a friend) - but I suppose the same can happen when you sell. That's what worries me.

If I could find a home for life (or as near as one exisits these days) I am sure I'd feel differently. I need to 'man up'!

 

[smellsofhorse]

I would say lots of ideal homes.

Probably better to loan her.
So you insure she is being managed correctly.