Sell? Loan? WWYD?

[catwithclaws]

Hi everyone, after some opinions from anyone who may have been in my situation previously.

I have a 21 year old ISH that I've had for about 6 years. I bought her back into work having had 6 years out in the field as her previous owner had lost her confidence. She has done a bit of everything since I've had her, lessons, hacking, unaffiliated dressage and showjumping, hunter trials - you name it, we've given it a go. My yard manager even jumped some BN classes on her last season.

Now for my dilemma. We are skint all the time. It causes arguments with my husband, arguments with my family, and I have a 14 month old daughter who won't settle at the yard at all. My husband has had to take an enormous pay cut after getting made redundant and even with a sharer things are still ridiculously tight.

Do I sell her? Loan her out? Or something else I haven't thought of? My sharer has given her up as she needs to slow down a bit now, and she wants to have as many lessons and compete as much as possible. I don't want to put her down, she's healthy and happy and still perfectly capable of hacking out and doing some low level dressage, but she needs a quieter life now without lots of jumping and lessons.

I just can't afford it any more.

My question is, will anyone want her because of her age? It's not about getting anything for her, I'd be happy to put her on loan as a happy hacker. She has immaculate manners, hacks alone and in company and is good in all traffic. She has nice balanced paces and works beautifully for a half decent rider. I love her to bits and this is so hard but I just don't know what to do any more.

Any suggestions or things I haven't thought of? Please be nice as I've been trying to write this thread for hours, and kept wondering whether to post it or not.

 

[Boxers]

First thought is to adv for another sharer, perhaps someone who just wants to hack out a few days a week?

Failing that, adv her for sale or loan and see where it gets you. Perhaps loan with a view to buy would work.

Downside to loan is that the horse could be sent back to you and then what will you do if you can't afford her?

Hope you can get sorted, it's not an easy decision when the horse is older

 

[HelenPassfield]

Not too sure about answering on the solution, but I wouldn't be worried about her age putting potential homes off if she is still going strong and happy in her work. I seem to have loads of older horses because I never part with them, 2 still eventing at 20 and 21 and my first pont is 38 (retired!).

Good luck, I hope you find something.

 

[basilbrush2009]

Loan would be a good option, that way you can ensure she has a great home

Loads of people will be happy to have her i am sure, that way you can still be involved, she can enjoy life and your bank balence can have a rest

 

[Polos Mum]

If it's possible I'd avoid selling her as your price would have to reflect her age and that might mean she ends up in a not so ideal home (even if you vet the person you sell to there is nothing to stop them selling her on)
Spring is on it's so loaners and sharers will all be looking again. I'd advertise for both and see who turns up that you like the look of. There is nothing to stop you having 2 or 3 sharers (and not ride yourself) if there are a few people who want to hack out a couple of times a week and that might help financially.