Selling your first horse

[Coffee_Bean]

I'm sure some of you must have sold horses you've outgrown/didn't really want to sell?? So my question is: do you move on and get over it?

It's pretty much decided that I will be selling my mare in August, and at the moment I'm just finding it very difficult to imagine my life without her in it. I cannot even begin to imagine how much I am going to miss her. But I have to sell her, I need something bigger, I am the right size on a middleweight 16.2hh, not a lightweight 15hh.

Do you ever stop missing them??

 

[chestnut cob]

I sold mine today actually

He's been out on loan for two years this September so I'd gotten used to not having him around anyway. I was quite upset when he went out on loan but new horse arrived the day after to take my mind off it. I did have a tear in my eye today and it feels really strange knowing that he's not mine anymore. I will always have a soft spot for him but I know he's gone to a brilliant home and is bringing someone else a lot of fun.

I would say take your time finding someone to buy her, or possibly put on loan to start with so that you can get used to it if it's feasible. It's easier knowing mine has gone to a good home

 

[KatB]

Yes. It is hard, but you do get over it surprisingly quickly (or am I just heartless?!

) If you get a home you're happy with, it makes life FAR easier.

 

[JoBo]

In a word, No, you never stop missing them, wondering how they are getting on etc.

I sold Ella because the people on the yard I was at was telling me I was too big for her (because in hindsight they wanted me to buy one of their horses, I didn't buy it), I may have been bit tall (she was 14’3hh) but not heavy. And yes I do regret selling her, but then if I hadn’t have sold her I would never had got Bodey and he is better for me (mainly because I know more of what I’m doing now, keep him at home and have a fab Instructor).

So I know you have made up your mind, but do think very, very seriously about selling, you may not find something as good as her. But then again you might find something better, it’s always a risk!

 

[RachelB]

It took me 18 months to finally decide to sell mine. I loved her to bits but she just wasn't suitable for me any more. It was actually the best decision I could have made - she is still in the home I sold her to, four years on, and is far happier! I am also far happier as I moved on to my next horse and have progressed with my riding so much more than I could have if I had kept the pony.
As chestnut cob says, it's far easier knowing they have gone to a good home - I think that would go for any horse TBH!

 

[chestnut cob]

Silmarillion, you are exactly right. I adored my pony but we didn't want to do the same things anymore. He's now in a showing and hacking home, I have a horse who will hunt all day long and will hopefully be able to affiliate BD. Pony enjoyed that but he didn't love it and he's much happier in his new job

The anticipation is worse than actually doing it I think.

 

[Fiona_C]

Our pony has gone to his loan home tonight and I was ok with that until they posted photo's of him, then it struck me that I won't see him in the field tomorrow and broke down in tears.
They have him on a loan wvtb option so he could be back next week if he blots his copybook, or that could be the last I see of him if he turns out to be their perfect pony

whichever way, I miss him already.

 

[moodymare1987]

When I sold my first horse I was devastated. I had to sell her as I had gotten way to tall to even think about showing or doing anything.

Its been 3 years since I sold her and I still keep in contact with her owners now and she has a home for life. It is sad selling them but I am glad I did as I wouldnt have the horse I have now if I didnt.

 

[Quadro]

it is hard, the choice was sorta made for me as he could not compete at the height that i wanted him 2

it was very hard but the sale was done quickly which made it easier, the hard thing is now i dont know where he is and can't find him, he is no longer registered bsja so i know he isnt jumping at the level that he is capable, so i would say if you decided to sell make sure they keep in touch with you as not knowing if they are alright is the hardest thing
good luck

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

[ QUOTE ]
it is hard, the choice was sorta made for me as he could not compete at the height that i wanted him 2

it was very hard but the sale was done quickly which made it easier, the hard thing is now i dont know where he is and can't find him, he is no longer registered bsja so i know he isnt jumping at the level that he is capable, so i would say if you decided to sell make sure they keep in touch with you as not knowing if they are alright is the hardest thing
good luck

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually I think it's fine to ask the buyer if you can keep in touch but that you should NOT expect any subsequent buyers to also let you know how the horse is. I keep in touch with the person who sold me my horse but the former owner, who was given the chance to buy her back, is practically stalking me. She has been assured that the horse is fine, is in a home for life but doesn't seem able to accept that once she sold the horse she lost all control. If you really want to have a say in the horse's future life you should loan the horse rather than sell it.